The American Guild of Organists (AGO) and the Eastman School of Music are partnering to produce the 16th biennial AGO National Conference on Organ Pedagogy, November 10-13, 2011, in Rochester, N.Y. The conference, designed in cooperation between the AGO Committee on Continuing Professional Education and the 10th annual Eastman Rochester Organ Initiative (EROI) Festival, will present the topic of organ improvisation through a variety of compositional techniques and styles. Complete information, including online registration, is available online. Early registration discounts are available through August 15.Read More

Immaculate Conception Church, 4129 Superior Ave., Cleveland 44103 (near downtown), Concert of new/unpublished/not-yet-heard liturgical music (the latest in an occasional series starting in 2003).  Traditional  sacred music has been shoved out of the sanctuary in many mainstream denominations, but (as in a famous quote), it cries "I'm not dead yet!!"  As a matter of fact it is thriving, and a good number of Clevelanders (and ex-Clevelanders) are busily writing new masses, motets, anthems and hymns for traditional  liturgy -  for the Roman Catholic Latin mass, Episcopal evensong, Anglo-Catholic English masses, Orthodox church services,  and other liturgical settings.  
 
Come hear selections of unique and newly-composed music, mainly choral but with some striking instrumental settings for the organ.  We will showcase a variety of sacred music, some composed specially for limited choral resources, and some more complex pieces for professional vocal ensembles and congregations wishing to embrace more modern harmonies. Join us for a rare opportunity to spend an afternoon exploring new sounds (and revamped old sounds!), chatting with the composers to discover what else they have written, and opening your ears to improvisation, the original form of composition.  For further information, please contact Fred Lautzenheiser at LAUTZEF@ccf.org