AGO logo Weekly Update - Cleveland Chapter

American Guild of Organists

November 6, 2014
UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS 
Jonathan Rudy


 

Friday, November 14th -7:30 pm. 

A recital by organist, JONATHAN RUDY, winner of the AGO 2014 National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance. Works by Louis Marchand, Pamela Decker, J.S. Bach, Girolamo Frescobaldi, Camille Saint-Saëns and Jean Guillou. Co-sponsored by the Cleveland Chapter AGO, St. John's Cathedral & Trinity Cathedral. The performer will be fully visible on a large screen for this concert.

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, E. 9 & Superior, Cleveland. Freewill offering. Free Parking in lot behind the Cathedral.
Questions? Contact Greg Heislman at the Cathedral: 216-771-6666 x5510 or gheislman@dioceseofcleveland.org
 

 


 


 


 Friday 1/9/15 - 6 PM to 9 PM

Epiphany Party

Just for fun!

Paul Guyer's home, Solon


 

Saturday 2/28/15 - Time TBA
Quimby Competition
AGO scholarship competition
Fairmount Presbyterian Church, Cleveland Heights

Sunday 3/6/15 - 7:30 PM
James O'Donnell - Organist and Master of Choristers Westminster Abbey, London
Organ artist recital, AGO co-sponsor
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Cleveland Heights*

Sunday 5/3/15 - Time TBA
Psalm Festival / Annual Meeting
Church choirs and congregations
Church of the Covenant, Cleveland, University Circle
 

 

From the Sub-Dean   

 

Body Mapping Class with Roberta Gary - It is my cheerful duty to report how wonderful the Body Mapping class with Dr. Roberta Gary was last Saturday. Thirty organists attended, including students from CIM and Oberlin and fellow AGO members. Three organists played examples from organ repertory and worked with Dr. Gary on movement problems including body tension and keyboard reaches: Annie Kaschube from our AGO chapter, David von Behren, CIM student and also a member of our chapter, and Richard Gray from Oberlin.

As Dr. Gary explained, we spend a lot of time - well-deserved - on learning notes and exploring registrations. But she challenged us to practice with no stops pulled, in order to concentrate on our body movement. She demonstrated, asking us to focus on her posture (balanced and centered, tension where needed and flexible elsewhere) and hand shape (no break at the wrist, called ulnar deviation). It is amazing what you are able to focus on when there is no sound! This technique was repeated with students. When the sound came back on, it was magical what transformations took place. Being aware of your body, or Body Mapping, as Dr. Gary calls it, can translate into a healthier, more musical performance.

Matthew R. Skitzki

From the Dean   

 

Pipedreams Returns - Last August I began getting emails from Pipedreams host Michael Barone letting me know that WCLV had dropped the program due to lack of funding. Pipedreams is a public radio program that focuses on organ music. Mr. Barone was reaching out for support from organ builders in the area, AGO deans past and present, and organ faculty at the music schools in northeast Ohio. While our AGO chapter has supported Pipedreams financially in the past, by ourselves we are not able to fully fund its broadcast. After several email exchanges between the interested parties, we were able to find an individual to sponsor Pipedreams once again on WCLV. This person has chosen to remain anonymous but we are all very grateful for their generosity and willingness to give this gift to greater Cleveland area listeners.

As of this past week Pipedreams is now again broadcast at 10:00 PM Sunday evenings. I would be remiss if I didn't address the concerns that have been raised by many over the time of the broadcast. While I agree that is not the most optimal time, it's clearly better than not having it at all. If we can show support for the program and communicate that to WCLV we may find ourselves in a position to negotiate for a better time slot in the future. Let's stay optimistic. In the meantime I'm very grateful to have it on the air again.

For more information about Pipedreams visit their website at http://pipedreams.publicradio.org/. Again thanks to our benefactor. We are indebted to you.



The Indianapolis Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is proud to host the AGO 2015 Great Lakes Convention. We have planned a fantastic regional convention that you won't want to miss.Mark your calendars for July 12-15, 2015 and RACE TO INDY for Friends, Music and Inspiration.


 

With twelve world-class organists performing on world-class organs of different styles, twelve workshop opportunities and a keynote address at the convention's opening convocation by the Reverend Canon Victoria Sirota of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, NYC; it is a regional convention you won't want to miss.


 

The regional convention will be headquartered in the luxurious Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites in beautiful downtown Indianapolis offering reasonable rates, spacious accommodations, impeccable service and minutes away from major attractions in the city. Convention attendees can enjoy dining at the two restaurants within the hotel, 120 West Bar and Grill and McCormick & Schmick's, or enjoy a wide selection of restaurants to fit any taste and budget all within a few blocks of the hotel.


 

It is the mission of the Convention Steering Committee and the Indianapolis Chapter, AGO to host a regional convention that is fulfilling, inspirational, educational and provides convention attendees fellowship and networking opportunities. We hope you will join us July 12-15, 2015.

Visit our website at www.ago-racetoindy-2015.org
  

Todd A. Saul
 Convention Coordinator
Convention Steering Committee, Chair

 


AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS AWARDS
SIX SCHOLARSHIPS TOTALING $60,000
FOR COLLEGIATE ORGAN STUDY

Largest Bequest in the History of the AGO
Funds Six Pogorzelski and Yankee Organ Scholarships in 2014

Call for Scholarship Applications for the 2015-2016 Academic Year


NEW YORK CITY - The American Guild of Organists (AGO) has awarded four scholarships for undergraduate organ study and two scholarships for graduate organ study to six college organ students enrolled in the 2014-2015 academic year. The six scholars were selected from an application pool of more than 50 students and received the awards based upon their demonstrated ability in organ playing and financial need.

Funded through a generous bequest from the estate of Ronald G. Pogorzelski and Lester D. Yankee, each undergraduate scholarship carries a cash award of $7,500 and is renewable for up to four years of collegiate study. Each graduate scholarship carries a cash award of $15,000 and is renewable for a total of two years of study. The 2014-2015 Scholarship Award recipients are:

Graduate Students
Chelsea Barton, McGill University
Jacob Taylor, Indiana University

Undergraduate Students
Clara Gerdes, Curtis Institute of Music
Garrett Law, Cleveland Institute of Music
Prince Nyatanga, Eastman School of Music
Mary Pan, University of Hartford

The American Guild of Organists is the only organization of its kind with a scholarship program supporting music students in their academic careers at any institution of higher learning of their choice. Applications for the 2014-2015 scholarship awards were received and reviewed by the AGO National Committee on Continuing Professional Education.

"This scholarship program exists thanks to the generosity and vision of two gentlemen who bequeathed their estate to the AGO, along with specific instructions as to how the funds are to be distributed," stated Frederick Hohman, director of the scholarship committee. "Their wish was for the AGO to recognize and support young organists with financial need who have demonstrated accomplishment in organ playing."

Speaking on behalf of Messrs. Pogorzelski and Yankee, Dale J. Marsico noted, "According to my uncles, the heart is reached easier through the use of organ music than any other musical form. Their music collection, music room, pipe organ, and Ron's playing ability were testimony to their love of the instrument. Their gift is a testament to their hopes that future generations might come to enjoy-to love and appreciate organ music as they did. They felt that their bequest to American Guild of Organists offered the best opportunity for that possibility."

Two new Ronald G. Pogorzelski and Lester D. Yankee Memorial Scholarships will be awarded for the 2015-2016 academic year-one for an incoming freshman ($7,500), the other for a first-year graduate organ student ($15,000). Eligibility requirements and application details are available online at www.agohq.org/education. The online application period will run from January 1 through February 15, 2015. 



TODAY IN CLASSICAL MUSIC HISTORY

On November 6, 1893, Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, died at the age of 53. The circumstances surrounding his death have been a source of ongoing controversy. Here is a beautiful performance of Tchaikovsky's "Legend" (The Crown of Roses) performed by Tenebrae.

Tenebrae: Tchaikovsky, Legend (The Crown of Roses)
Tenebrae: Tchaikovsky, Legend (The Crown of Roses)

CONCERTS OF INTEREST
(Some of these listings are adapted from those on the website ClevelandClassical.com. Please visit their site to see other concerts in Cleveland and northeast Ohio, as well as many articles and reviews of concerts.)


Friday, November 7, 7:00 pm - Paul Thornock, organ; The Inaugural Recital of the New Muller Pipe Organ. Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 313 North State Street, Westerville, OH 43082

Sunday, November 9, 3:00 pm - David Tidyman, piano & organ. "Reflections on Satie and Bach." Erik Satie's Prelude to the Heroic Entrance at the Gate of Heaven & Trois Gymnopedies & J.S. Bach's Fantasy and fugue in g, BWV 524. Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, E. 9 & Superior, Cleveland. Freewill offering.

Sunday, November 9, 4:00 pm - Karel Paukert, organ, and friends, Sandy Simon (soprano) and John Rautenberg (baroque and modern flute) Works by A. Soler, Frederick the Great, J. S. Bach, and others. St. Christopher's by-the-River in Gates Mills. Free admission. Reception follows.

Sunday, November 9, 4:00 pm - Felix Hell, organ (Germany). J.S. Bach's Prelude & Fugue in E-flat, BWV 552 & Prelude & Fugue in D, BWV 532, Felix Mendelssohn's Sonata No. 6 in d, & Franz Liszt's Fantasy and Fugue on "Ad Nos, Ad Salutarem Undam." Dedication recital for new Schantz/Rodgers pipe/digital organ. Faith Lutheran Church, 2726 W. Market St., Fairlawn. Freewill offering.

Tuesdays, December 2, 9, 16, 23, noon - Advent Organ Recitals and Adoration, featuring Karl Harsney, Garret Law, Mark Thewes and Lynn Frey-Steward. St. Sebastian Parish, 476 Mull Ave., Akron, Ohio. Organ - Schantz 2012 - 4 manual 44 rank. Free and open to the public.

Tuesday, November 11, 12:10 pm - Music for Tuesdays: David Wittmer, tenor & Susan Lezan, piano. Song cycles by Ralph Vaughan Williams & Benjamin Britten. Lunches welcome. Messiah Lutheran Church, 21485 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park. Freewill offering.

Wednesday, November 12, 12:10 pm - Trinity Brownbag Concert: TOPS Big Band. The American Songbook. Lunches welcome, $5 lunch available. Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Freewill offering.

Wednesday, November 12, 12:15 pm - Florence Mustric, organ. "East of Berlin," music by Mussorgsky, Kerll, Paul Ben-Haim, Milos Sokola & Peeter Süda. Trinity Lutheran Church, W. 30th & Lorain, Cleveland. Freewill offering.

Friday, November 14, 7:30 pm - Jonathan Rudy, organ. A recital by the winner of the American Guild of Organists 2014 National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance. Works by Louis Marchand, Decker, J.S. Bach, Girolamo Frescobaldi, Camille Saint-Saëns and Jean Guillou. Co-sponsored by the Cleveland Chapter of the AGO, St. John's Cathedral & Trinity Cathedral. Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, E. 9 & Superior, Cleveland. Freewill offering.

Sunday, November 16, 4:00 pm - Fairmount Choir and Orchestra, Robert Moncrief, conducting. Joseph Haydn's "Lord Nelson" Mass and Wolfgang Amadè Mozart's Divertimento in D, K. 136. Baird Memorial Concert. Fairmount Presbyterian Church, 2757 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights. Free.

Sunday, November 16, 7:30 pm - Compline Service: Singing our Prayers; Praying our Songs
Candle-lit sanctuary. All a cappella singing by the Forest Hill Chancel Choir (Anne Wilson, director)Music: plainsong and anthems by Thomas Tallis and William Byrd. Cantor: The Rev. John C. Lentz, Jr. Forest Hill Church, 3031 Monticello Blvd., Cleveland Hts., OH 44118. Info: annew@fhcpresb.org. Phone: 216-870-2729. www.fhcpresb.org

Sunday, December 7, 3:00 pm - Advent Music, with selections from Handel's Messiah. FIRST·music will present an Advent Music service at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 647 Reid Ave., Lorain on Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 p.m. The Advent portions of Handel's beloved Messiah will be set in a reflective service of Evening Prayer. A string quartet and soloists will join First Lutheran's Adult Choir under Director of Music Brian Wentzel. Advent Music is an annual event at First Lutheran, based on the Abendmusiken (evening music) made famous by Dieterich Buxtehude and Hugo Distler in Lübeck, Germany. Set within the framework of the Evening Prayer, these events use magnificent music to enhance the service and move the listener. This reflective service is a perfect way to slow down during the busy holiday season. Free and open to the public. brian@firstlutheranlorain.org. www.firstlutheranlorain.org/firstmusic(440) 244-6286

Sunday, December 14, 3:30 pm - A Ceremony of Lessons and Carols, featuring nine readings of Salvation with choral/instrumental to follow. Music provided by the Parish Choir of St. Sebastian (60 voice choir), Handbell Choir, Gregorian Schola and Praise and worship ensemble. St. Sebastian Parish, 476 Mull Ave., Akron. Free and open to the public.
 


 
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Job Openings/Substitutes

 

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Church of Covenant lamps
Handel, George Frideric
A Note About Job Postings
Gerry Mass, our Cleveland Chapter Placement Officer collects and updates job openings in the area.  Although they are not listed in the weekly updates, there is a link in the "Quick Links" section every week that will take you to the updated list on the chapter website.  Questions or need help finding a position? Email: placement@agocleveland.org

 
About These Updates
Each week on Thursday, we publish this email newsletter to help you stay informed about activities and programs of the Cleveland AGO Chapter. Questions or comments? Please let us know:
Have a news item for a future issue? Send to: newsletter@agocleveland.org
The deadline each week is Tuesday at 5 PM for Thursday publication.
Contact Us
American Guild of Organists Cleveland Chapter
34520 Sherbrook Park Dr.
Solon, Ohio 44139
440-349-7086
 
About Us
The purpose of the American Guild of Organists is to promote the organ in its historic and evolving roles, to encourage excellence in the performance of organ and choral music, and to provide a forum for mutual support, inspiration, education, and certification of Guild members.