Of all the questions people have asked me, “Do you still play the organ?” is one of the most remarkable that I can remember. We had just arrived in Paris and immediately set off to find the house of my former teacher, Marcel Dupré. The house is now owned by another family, but the owner graciously let us in and let me try the organ. After I told him that I was a student of Marcel Dupré 43 years ago, he asked me, “Do you still play the organ?”

The question that day was so remarkable because my answer was, “Of course I do!”

Little did I know that when I switched from the piano to the organ at age thirteen, that it would become a lifelong pursuit. I guess I treat my organ students the same way, that when I teach them the organ, I’m hoping it’s something they’ll do for the rest of their lives.

Now that I have passed a milestone birthday (ahem!), and only recently took a church job after freelancing for seven years, people were sure to ask me, “Do you still play the organ?” Maybe that’s what piqued their curiosity when I played in a Facebook Live event on Monday, a program called “Advent Organ Chorales.”

If you didn’t get a chance to see and hear it, here again is the link:

https://fb.watch/2eVoTDcprT/

Thank you all for the many compliments on this video! What is absolutely amazing to me is that so many people have seen it (as of this writing, almost 400 views)— that’s many, many more than would actually hear my concert in person.

Here are a few of the comments I received:

Just listened to the Monday “Advent Chorale” concert. I enjoyed hearing your fine playing of the beautiful settings of the chorales. Reminded me of the concerts and services we used to do. The concert was a gift. Thank you. (A. B. – Henrietta, NY)

Listened to a little before I fell asleep. So pretty. (K. H. G. – Lubbock, TX)

So beautiful. Thank you so much for such a lovely concert. (S. A. W.)

It was a beautiful concert! Mahalo! (C. B.)

Aloha, all, we were just able to watch the Advent Organ Chorale concert on FB, a day late but much appreciated, so glad it was still available. Congrats to Kathy, Scott, and all the singers… and the camera and sound geniuses behind the broadcast. As I sat listening and looking at the organ, of course I thought of Carl and my relatively limited but happy time in the choir loft (plus those lovely few months of lessons with you) without wishing more work on you, we can only hope to be able to hear you play again before long. (K. K. and J. P. K. – San Francisco, CA)

So very beautiful. Thanks to everyone. (J. C.)

What a delightful evening! (R. H.)

I loved the concert last night. It’s such an effective juxtaposition of choral/organ versions of the same tune. I recall the Bach orgel/choral concerts you and Carl did. I think the first was back in the late 1970s and Bobbie and Allan Haley sang in it! Thank you for the Music of the Season. And, another glimpse at your Silver Shoes! (C.L.)

Hooray! Double Hooray! (P. C. – CA)

Delightful Advent concert and well done! Thank you! It reminds me, Katherine, of one I did like it for our AGO noon time concerts, except I used all Paul Manz and the liturgical year. Paul asked me for a copy of it for his files. I felt so honored! I know you had fun, too. (J. H.)

Thank you for sharing this wonderful concert, Kathy. I found myself sitting with eyes closed as a feeling of peace came over me. Beautiful playing and singing, all of you! (D. R. – CA)

Good evening from San Juan Island to your island! Beautiful music, Kathy! (C. C. – WA)

It was an absolute pleasure to host this concert. Bravo, Kathy! (Scott Fikse)

Blessed by your beautiful music. Thank you. Thoroughly enjoyed it, Kathy! I was able to catch it live. (J. G. – CA)

Thank you all for a beautiful evening of music! (P. H.)Thanks for providing this beautiful music! (B. F.)

Your concert was wonderful! Thanks for sharing! (J. H. – Laguna Beach, CA)

Too short! (J. L. – Houston, TX)