The Organizer American Guild of Organists Atlanta Chapter
Let's Celebrate! 90th Anniversary The Atlanta Chapter has a rich Celebration Oct. 12
heritage of continuous and colorful All Saints Episcopal Church activity. As we celebrate our upcoming 634 W. Peachtree Street, NW ninetieth birthday in October, I hope (404) 351-2997 that we can begin preparation for our centennial year. Many of our current Reservation Deadline members have been around for many Thursday, October 7 years and have much to share. As I have researched material and bugged $12
people for information for this
Did you know . . . 1. What organ in Atlanta was once referred to as the “Greatest Organ in America”? Sadly, it is During the first year, the Georgia Chapter had a total no longer in existence. membership of thirty-three, including one fellow and one 2. How many national conventions have been associate. Annual AGO dues were $3.00 and a church dinner held in Atlanta? cost 50 cents. 3. Who served as chapter treasurer for 30
In the early years, prominent Atlanta churches provided details years? of their service music for the Saturday evening church pages 4. What was the name of the first chapter of the Atlanta Journal. newsletter? 5. What recital had a SRO attendance of In 1919, a motion was made and carried that “a fine of twenty- 7,000? five cents be made for members not attending meetings.” Has 6. What father and daughter, both holding this motion been rescinded? Finally A Good Organist certification, held the office of dean? Marcel Dupré gave a recital at Presser Hall on the Agnes 7. What organ played in early Georgia Chapter Scott campus in 1948. recitals remains in its original location?
Now for a little quiz. If you cannot answer the following (continued on page 3) questions, then you need to come to the October meeting.
October 2004 1 The Organizer Do you know musicians moving to Athens? Betty Williford, Editor UGA Students? Youth? Children? Adults? Phone (770) 934-0238 FAX (770) 934-0238; CALL FIRST! Contact
Weekly Worship Services Menu Major Works with Orchestra including Whole Poached Atlantic Salmon Garnished with "Cucumber Scales" Mozart: Requiem Fresh dill, cherry tomatoes & lemon Duruflé: Requiem Dijon Mustard Dill Sauce with Capers & Onion Rutter: Mass for the Chidlren Chicken/Artichoke/Mushrooms/Red Pepper & Celery in Velouté sauce with sherry and parmesan cheese over Brown & Wild Rice Blend Spinach Florentine Stuffed Tomatoes Homemade Yeast Rolls Iced Tea & Coffee St. Brigid Catholic Church, Alpharetta 90th Anniversary Celebration Cake Sunday, October 10 2:30 PM Inaugural Concert 37-rank Casavant Northside Drive Baptist Church Peter Marshall, organ 2004 2005 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Norman MacKenzie conducting Sunday, October 3 4:00 PM For complimentary ticket:
Fugue as an Art
Works of Bach, Liszt & Duruflé Important Information
* * * Dinner Reservations Coming Events E-mail: [email protected] Telephone (770) 496-0719 Sunday, November 7 4:00 PM Chapter Web site
October 2004 2 David Briggs (continued from page 1)
Acclaimed as one of the foremost concert 8. Who was the first internationally known artist to organists of his generation, David Briggs give an organ recital in Atlanta? It should be noted that enjoys a busy touring schedule. He has built a considerable reputation as an he was invited back the next year for another recital. exciting performer and communicator, with 9. At the 1975 regional convention, the Atlanta chapter particular emphases on orchestral organized a society to honor the 200th birthday of what transcriptions and the art of improvisation. British organist and composer?
He studied improvisation with Jean Langlais You will hear more fascinating facts in October, plus in Paris; transcribed many of the recorded some hilarious stories. One story from a charter improvisations of Pierre Cochereau, won the Paisley International Improvisation member, a dear lady whom many of us remember: Competition; became the first British winner One church organist says to another, “Do you like of the coveted Tournemire Prize at the St Buxtehude?” The second replies, “I don’t know Buck’s Albans International Improvisation Te Hude, but his Te Deum is one of my favorites.” Competition, and now teaches improvisation at the Royal Northern College of Music, the Clean out your trunks and locate the following two Royal Academy of Music and Oxford publications. University. th He is Organist Emeritus of Gloucester § The AGO in Atlanta on the 65 Anniversary of the Cathedral. He held similar positions at Chapter, The American Organist, February, 1980, H. Truro and Hereford Cathedrals and at Douglas Johnson, N. Lee Orr, J. Melvin Potts King's College, Cambridge, where he was Organ Scholar. He was Principal Viola in § Atlanta Chapter 75th Anniversary brochure the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, playing under conductors such as See you in October and bring your memories and Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Charles Groves, stories to share with us. Charles Dutoit, and Kiril Kondrashin, and was awarded their Bulgin Medal for Musical Excellence. He obtained his FRCO at the Dan age of seventeen, winning all the prizes and Dan Pruitt Dean 1978-1980 the Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians. While at Gloucester, he oversaw the complete rebuilding of the Cathedral organ by Nicholson, and directed the Three Choirs Festivals on three occasions, conducting some of the UK's finest professional orchestras, notably the Philharmonia. David Briggs is increasingly in demand as a composer. Recent works include his a setting of the Solemn Requiem Mass for All Saint's Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Georgia.
His schedule for 2003 included some fifty concerts - in the USA (four trips), UK, France, Belgium and South Africa - and in July he was a member of the jury for the St Albans International Organ Competition. When not pursuing musical activities, David Important! Briggs continues work towards receiving his private airplane pilot's license. The chapter's voice mail, (404) 233-7206, has been discontinued.
October 2004 3 The Cathedral of St. Philip The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Rd. NW 2744 Peachtree Rd. NW Atlanta, Georgia 30315-2920 Atlanta, GA 30305-2920
SUNDAY, 3 OCTOBER (FESTIVAL OF ST. FRANCIS) proudly presents in concert
3:30 P.M. RECITAL / Donald Meineke, organ THE CHOIR OF MEN AND BOYS OF 4:00 P.M. EVENSONG / Schola HEREFORD CATHEDRAL Music by Holst and Sumsion GERAINT BOWEN, DIRECTOR SUNDAY, 10 OCTOBER (FEAST OF ST. PHILIP) 3:30 P.M. RECITAL / Michael Kawinski, organ MONDAY, 25 OCTOBER 2004 7:30 P.M. 4:00 P.M. EVENSONG / Schola Reception following in the Cathedral's new Atrium Music by Vaughan Williams and Rose Tickets at the door: SUNDAY, 17 OCTOBER $10 / general admission 3:30 PM RECITAL/ Christopher Dawes, organ $8 / seniors and students 4:00 P.M. EVENSONG / Schola $25 / maximum for a family of four or more Music by Stanford and Barnard For more information: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER call 404-365-1050 or 404-365-1052 7:30 PM CONCERT in the Gould Room Harmonie Universelle and Friends Trios for Four and More Players Tickets: $10 General Admission/$8 Seniors and Students I hope that you will avail yourselves of the opportunity $25 maximum for a family of four or more to hear the centuries-old choir of men and boys from Hereford Cathedral in England. We are particularly pleased to be able to welcome this choir, as our own THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER choir of trebles and adults sang at Hereford Cathedral 5:45 PM EVENSONG last summer on a two-week trip that also found us at Choirs of Girls, Boys and Adults St. Albans' Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. Music by Mendelssohn, Barnard and Kelly The director of Hereford Cathedral Choir, Geraint
Bowen, is no stranger to Atlanta, having directed two SUNDAY, 24 OCTOBER summer camps for girl and adult choristers sponsored There is no recital today. by the Royal School of Church Music and based at 5:00 PM EVENSONG at Agnes Scott College. Before moving to Hereford, he St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Chattanooga served for several years at the Anglican Cathedral in St. David's, Wales. As the director of the Hereford Music by Stanford, Vaughan Williams, Harris, choir, Mr. Bowen is responsible for the music at the Howells and Leigton cathedral, ranging from the weekly round of daily services to the concerts and services associated with MONDAY, 25 OCTOBER the very popular and annual Three Choirs' Festival.
7:30 PM CONCERT (SEE AD) I also hope that you will attend this concert in order to see the results of our months-long renovation project at SUNDAY, 31 OCTOBER the Cathedral. The wine and cheese reception following 3:30 PM RECITAL/Jonathan Scarozza, organ the concert will be held in the Atrium of the new 4:00 PM LITURGY FOR ALL HALLOWS' EVE building and will be a golden opportunity for you to have a "look-see," as well as to meet the members of Music by Harris, Howells, Campbell and Gearhart the Hereford choir and its director. Bruce Neswick INFORMATION: 404-365-1050 or 404-365-1052
October 2004 4 From the Dean from more than 20 boxes worth) of organ music and vinyl recordings of vintage performances. The sale will I became a member of the Atlanta take place before/at break/& after the three-hour Chapter of AGO in 1984 when I Organ Master Class with Ms. Jensen on the Casavant retired my snow shovel and Freres instrument at Roswell Presbyterian Church! moved down from Rutherford, New Jersey, right outside the Lincoln Mark your Calendar NOW to attend our Chapter Tunnel (where I'd been a member of the Metropolitan Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 28th. Come NJ AGO Chapter). Even after twenty years, this hear and play the new Peragallo pipe organ (pictured 'Yankee' is still a newcomer compared to our longtime on page 33 of May '04 TAO) in the Atlanta residence 'VIP Members' who will share some fascinating and of our party hosts, John and Winter Whitney. hilarious stories at our 90th Anniversary Celebration on Required Advance Reservations for 12/28 can be Tuesday, October 12th! Plan to arrive EARLY (by 6 prepaid at our November 12 & 13 events. PM!) at All Saints to join in some surprises, laughs, and displayed memorabilia to peruse, followed by We send our heartfelt prayers for Doug Johnson, David Briggs' concert on the much-applauded Buzard! Eloise Wolfersteig, and Jim Wingate (whose son During the festive meal, we will honor Past Chapter James was wounded in Iraq recently). Our current Deans and share a special Anniversary Cake. Once Membership is at least 310, with 23 new or renewing again, (as it was on September 14th), wine will be members since August 12th. Do you know a church provided by Keith Vansant, whose generosity adds musician who is not yet an AGO member? Is there a value to the $12 cost of dinner! Thanks to Dan Pruitt, Chapter Member you haven't seen at a guild event in Pamela Ingram, and our Chapter Historian Don a long while? It only takes a few minutes to phone Robinson for their time and energy preparing an with a warm invitation for someone to attend one of unforgettable event to recall when we reach our 100th this year's wonderful monthly events. Why not offer a Anniversary in 2014. ride, have a pleasant visit while you carpool, sit together at dinner and 'introduce them around'? I'm sorry that many of you missed our Annual Guild Updated brochures for AGO Chapter Membership will Worship Service on September 14th, which was soon be available to distribute, but a glossy sheet of preceded by a delicious meal in the Parish Hall of St. paper is no substitute for a conversation or a sincere John's Episcopal Church in College Park. A beautiful handshake from you, my friends! service of Choral Evensong had been carefully prepared by Jon Marc Rutherford, Organist & Joanne Brown, CAGO, Dean Choirmaster, and Dock Anderson, whose Choristers from Woodward Academy joined with the Choir of St. John's. Thanks also to our dapper bow-tied host, Keith Huffstetter (who is both Assistant Organist and CHESTER Variations Curator/builder of the organ!), and to the Officiating Clergy for the evening: the Rev. Ruth Healy (Associate David Stills reports that his composition, Variations on Priest at St. John's), the Rev. Ken Boone our Chaplain, CHESTER, has been published by H.W.Gray/Warner and the Very Rev. Charles Roper (Chapter Member Brothers. It was composed for the inaugural concert whose father was an organ builder). Jeff Harbin of the organ at Chester Presbyterian Church in provided yet another opportunity to purchase additions Chester, Virginia. Its Atlanta premiere at Warren to our personal libraries of organ music. Those not UMC on Sunday, October 17 at 4 PM. present to enjoy Will Rogers' colorful photo display of Pipe Organ Encounter 2004, may still wish to send The University of Alabama contributions to help us pay the few hundred dollars Church Music Conference remaining on the bill, which overflowed along with the number of 34 students pictured on page 19 of our new Organist Christopher Herrick will be featured at the Yearbook. Please mail checks to POE Treasurer David January 29 event in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Ritter at 2289 Fairhaven Circle NE Atlanta 30305 Workshops will be offered in Handbells, Children's Fliers to advertise Wilma Jensen's concert at St. Choirs, Vocal Coaching, Solo Voice Repertoire, Organ Luke's Episcopal Church on FRIDAY, November 12th, Repertoire, Choral Conducting, and Hymnody. There will be available from our new Publicity Chairman, will also be a choral reading session and an organ Nicholas Bowden. Also, please contact Jeff Harbin or masterclass. myself if you can help set up for the Saturday, November 13th MEGA-sale (where you can select Contact
October 2004 5 Editor's Note Employment
Thanks to all of you who are now able to Referral download The Organizer from the website. This saves the chapter money, and it For more complete and recent saves my time and energy. If you have listings, check email, please continue to try to download
Betty Williford, editor Organist, Christ Our Hope Lutheran Church, Riverdale, GA. Contact The Rev. Jeffrey M. Halenza, Christ Our Hope Lutheran Church, 2165 Hwy. 138, Donald T. Harris, organ Riverdale, GA 30296, 770-997-7117. E-mail is Sunday, Oct. 10 3:00 PM [email protected]. Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta Organist, First Baptist Church, 2908 highway 120, Duluth. Contact Steve Brown, Minister of Music at [email protected]. From the Sub-Dean
On Saturday, November 13, Wilma Jensen, a Organist, Epiphany Lutheran Church(ELCA), legendary organ recitalist and teacher, will be 2375 GA HWY 20 S,Conyers, GA 30013, 770-929- leading an extended 3-hour master class at 8970. Contact: Ward Gailey at 770-929-8970. Roswell Presbyterian Church.. This is a rare Email: [email protected] opportunity for members to study her teaching techniques and learn from her experience. The Interim Organist, Christ Presbyterian Church focus will not be so much a "coaching session" with a particular student on a specific piece as it (PCA), 495 Terrell Mill Road, Marietta Georgia will be a broader sharing of a master's thoughts 30067. Contact Pastor Finch at 770-956-7572. on performance practices, technique, interpretation, practice methods, and editions. Part-time Organist/Choir Director, St. Clare's Members who would like to be "playing" participants in Episcopal Church, 1272 Ledford Rd., Blairsville, the class are invited to bring in pieces they are GA 30512. 706-745-0607. Send resume to above learning, or have always wanted to learn. address.
If you are interested in playing for the class, please contact Michael Morgan ([email protected]) Part-time Organist, Union United Methodist and sign up as soon as possible. Thanks! Church, 4600 Union Church Rd., Stockbridge, GA 30281 (770) 483-4338. Contact Peggy Merchant at the above address or fax resume to 770-483- Michael Morgan 7805.
James Wingate Part-time Organist/Choir Director, Peachtree Road
Jim Wingate's son James was injured in Iraq last Lutheran Church, 3686 Peachtree Road N.E., week. You can keep up with his progress at Atlanta 30319 (404) 233-7031. Send resume and http://www.wingatenet.org/JAMESWINGATE/- references to above address. 14September04/james14sept04.htm Tenor Section Leader, First United Methodist Church of Atlanta, 360 Peachtree Street, NE, Please keep Jim and his family in your prayers. Atlanta, GA 30308-3235. Contact Don Land at (404) 275-4648.
October 2004 6 October Performance Calendar
Tues., Sept. 28, 7:30 PM Calvert Johnson, organ St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church Tues., Sept. 28, 7:30 PM Steven Ball, organ Peachtree Presbyterian Church T/F/S, Sept./Oct. 30/1/2, 8:00 PM ASO/Mickelthwate; C. Williams, trombone Symphony Hall, Atlanta Sun., Oct. 3, 1:30 & 3:30 PM ASO/Flint; Enchantment Theatre Company Symphony Hall, Atlanta Sun., Oct. 3, 3:30 PM Donald Meineke, organ The Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta F/S, Oct. 8/9, 8:00 PM ASO/Flint; Peter Cincotti Symphony Hall, Atlanta Sat., Oct. 9, 8:15 PM Sylvia McNair, soprano Spivey Hall, Morrow Sun., Oct. 10, 2:30 PM P. Marshall, organ: ASO/MacKenzie St. Bridgit Catholic Church, Alpharetta Sun., Oct. 10, 3:00 PM Takacs String Quartet Spivey Hall, Morrow Sun., Oct. 10, 3:00 PM Donald T. Harris, organ Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta Sun., Oct. 10, 3:30 PM Michael Kaminski, organ The Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta Tues., Oct. 12, 8:00 PM David Briggs, organ All Saints Episcopal Church, Atlanta T/F/S, Oct. 14/15/16, 8:00 PM ASO/Robertson; O. Shaham, piano Symphony Hall, Atlanta T/F/S, Oct. 15, Noon Vega String Quartet Carlos Museum., Emory U., Atlanta Sun., Oct. 17, 2:00 PM Peter Conte, organ First Presbyterian Church, Atlanta Sun., Oct. 17, 2:30 PM Cameron Carpenter, organ Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Atlanta Sun., Oct. 17, 3:30 PM Christopher Dawes, organ The Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta Sun., Oct. 17, 4:00 PM David Stills, organ Warren Memorial UMC, Atlanta Sun., Oct. 17, 4:00 PM St. Luke's Day Festival Concert St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Atlanta Mon., Oct. 18, 12:30 PM The Covenant Players Peachtree Road UMC, Atlanta Tues., Oct. 19, 3:30 PM Harmonie Universelle The Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta Tues., Oct. 19, 12:30 PM Brad Hughley, organ Peachtree Road UMC, Atlanta Wed., Oct. 20, 12:30 PM Capitol City Opera Peachtree Road UMC, Atlanta Wed., Oct. 20, 8:00 PM Emory Symphony Orchestra Schwartz Center, Emory U., Atlanta Thurs., Oct. 21, 12:30 PM Atlanta Baroque Orchestra Peachtree Road UMC, Atlanta Thurs., Oct. 21, 8:00 PM Emory Concerto Competition Schwartz Center, Emory U., Atlanta T/F/S, Oct. 21/22/23, 8:00 PM ASO/Volkov; J. Dlouhy, oboe Symphony Hall, Atlanta T/F/S, Oct. 22, Noon Emory's Young Artists Carlos Museum, Emory U., Atlanta Fri., Oct. 22, 8:00 PM Michael O'Neal Singers Roswell UMC, Roswell Fri., Oct. 22, 11:00 AM ASO/Volkov Symphony Hall, Atlanta Fri., Oct. 22, 12:30 PM Amandla Arts Trio Peachtree Road UMC, Atlanta Fri., Oct. 22, 8:00 PM Emory Concert Choir Schwartz Center, Emory U., Atlanta Sat., Oct. 23, 8:00 PM Emory Wind Ensemble Schwartz Center, Emory U., Atlanta Sun., Oct. 24, 3:00 PM Andras Schiff, piano/Panocha String Quartet Spivey Hall, Morrow Sun., Oct. 24, 3:00 PM Manuel Barrueco, classical guitar Hodgson Hall, UGA, Athens Sun., Oct. 24, 4:00 PM Atlanta Chamber Players Schwartz Center, Emory U., Atlanta Mon., Oct. 25, 7:30 PM Hereford Cathedral Choir The Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta Tues., Oct. 26, 8:00 PM Thomas Hampson, baritone Schwartz Center, Emory U., Atlanta T/F/S, Oct. 28/29/30, 8:00 PM ASO/Levi Symphony Hall, Atlanta Fri., Oct. 29, 8:00 PM "From the Top" taping Schwartz Center, Emory U., Atlanta Fri., Oct. 29, 8:15 PM Joe Lovano Nonet Spivey Hall, Morrow Sat., Oct. 30, 8:15 PM Benjamin Verdery, guitar Spivey Hall, Morrow Sat., Oct. 30, 8:00 PM Christopher Parkening, classical guitar Ferst Center, GA Tech, Atlanta Sun., Oct. 31, 1:30 & 3:30 PM ASO/ Count Dracula; Lee Harper & Dancers Symphony Hall, Atlanta Sun., Oct. 31, 3:00 PM David Goode, organ Spivey Hall, Morrow Sun., Oct. 31, 3:30 PM Jonathan Scarozza, organ The Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta Sun., Oct. 31, 4:00 PM Reformation Festival of Hymns Lutheran Church of the Messiah, Decatur
October 2004 7 Thank you for using the online version of The Organizer. The number of printed copies continues to decrease. Not only does it save the chapter the expense of copying and mailing, but it saves time -- MY TIME, as well as that of others who help assemble, label, stamp, and "sticker" the newsletter every month.
Please remember that the deadline for each issue is the 15th of the preceding month. It is my goal to have both the online and printed editions available to the members well before the first of the month.
You may have noticed that the Performance Calendar is available on the chapter website,
Please keep me informed if you change your email address. Dave Barber and I really need this information. Please make your reservation for the October meeting as soon as possible. We need to know how much birthday cake to buy!
Betty Williford, editor
2004-2005 Events
Tues., Oct. 12; 90th Anniversary Driving Directions David Briggs, organ