Last night I was at the inaugural concert of the Chamber Concert series at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu—and one of the most important aspects of this new concert series are the refreshments offered at 6:30 pm before the concert begins. This was a great opportunity to visit with long-time friends and parishioners in the relaxed courtyard setting before going into the church to hear music. The church has a reputation for hosting some of the best refreshments, always featuring healthy snacks and homemade cookies, no store-bought allowed! So the evening seemed more like a party rather than a formal concert.

Last night’s concert was devoted to the music of Maurice Duruflé (1902 – 1986), organist of St Étienne du Mont in Paris, France, a position to which he was appointed at the age of 28 until his death. Throughout his life Duruflé was an active concert organist, with tours throughout Europe, the Soviet Union, and North America. In 1953 he married another world-famous organist, Marie-Madeleine Chevalier, who was a student at the Paris Conservatory. The couple toured together and came to the United States in 1964.

Things changed drastically for the composer when he and his wife were both injured in a car accident in 1975. The damage to his legs was extensive, essentially ending his musical career. He passed away in his apartment on June 16, 1986.

The program opened with organist Mark Wong playing the “Fugue sur le Thème du Carillon des heures de Soissons,” a work which was new to me. Here’s a performance by Daniel Roth, who is the organist at Saint-Sulpice, Marcel Dupré’s former parish.

Duruflé’s “Quatre Motetes sur des thème grégoriens,” four unaccompanied motets were sung by the choir—bringing back many memories. They were composed in 1960 and each motet is based on a Gregorian chant fragment. The opening “Ubi caritas,” was first introduced to the choir in 1977 at my wedding to Carl Crosier, and I’m afraid that I can never hear this piece without hearing Carl sing the first alto part.

Mark Wong also played Duruflé’s “Prelude sur l’introit de l’Epiphanie,” “Hommage à Jean Gallon” and “Choral varié sur Veni Creator,” in addition to accompanying the major work of the evening, Duruflé’s “Missa Cum Jubilo” for men’s choir. It was the composer’s last major work, composed in 1966. He used a modal harmonic language to accompany the plainchant mass setting “Cum Jubilo” (with joy).

The “Missa Cum Jubilo” was last performed under Carl’s direction with organist Jonathan Dimmock playing the organ—I swear he made the Beckerath sound like a Cavaillé-Coll in his brilliant choice of registration.

What I was so amazed at was that the concert ended right on the dot of 8:00 pm, and I got home at a decent hour—enough time to enjoy several more waking hours!

Upcoming First Monday concerts are:

November 4, 2019. Stephanie Anne Johnson performs a concert of spirituals. She is best known for her appearance on the NBC program, “The Voice.”

December 2, 2019. Jieun Kim Newland and I will be performing a program called “Organ Plus,” organ with instruments with soloists from the Hawaii Symphony. We will also give you a sneak preview of our “Dueling Bach” program, with music for two organs.

January 6, 2020. The Art of the Diva. Vocal artists from the new multi-disciplinary performance comany HI Arts Lab will present a concert of solos, duets, and trios.

February 3, 2020. Songs Without Words. The Stark Duo (Darel and Georgine Stark) performs a concert featuring works by Mendelssohn, Bliss, Rachmaninoff, and others.

March 2, 2020. The Court of Weissenfels. Experience the grandeur of an 18th century German court with the Bach Chamber Orchestra and vocalists featuring works by Handel, Bach, and Krieger.

All  concerts are “Free” (donations strongly encouraged!) and start at 7:00 pm, but come early at 6:30 pm to enjoy the refreshments!