A few people commented that the service I played last week on May 20, Ascension Day at St. Andrew’s Priory, actually occurred one week past the official date of Ascension Day in the rest of the world, which was May 13, 2021. To be honest, I hadn’t even given it a second thought. I’m presuming… Read More Time warp
By far the question that people ask me most is, “Where are you going next?” Why, thank you for asking. Tomorrow I’ll be taking a quick trip to Sacramento, California, where I’ll be attending a niece’s wedding. Luckily I have no responsibilities except to show up and enjoy the festivities. But I’ll be home by… Read More Where to next?
Our appointment to see the Chiesa dell’Ospedaletto fell through which gave us on the Historic Organ Study Tour an opportunity to do something else beside see organs. Several of us walked about a block to the Accademia, where one of the most famous art collections is housed right on the Grand Canal. I think… Read More A change of plan
If you are an organist in Venice, you can’t be afraid of climbing ladders or have a fear of heights. Otherwise you’d never be able get to the organ console. We walked to the first church we visited today, within a block of our hotel—the Chiesa di San Trovaso where the Gaetano Callisto organ dates… Read More Climbing ladders
No doubt about it, tonight hearts and minds were moved and changed and 527 people from the Organ Historical Society underwent a profound religious experience — at Macy’s in Philadelphia, home of the famous Wanamaker organ. We arrived at the store about 7:00 pm where we went into the Greek Hall to hear Andrew Van… Read More A religious experience … at Macy’s
Tributes to the organist/choirmaster John Scott, who died of a heart attack at age 59 on Wednesday, continue to pour in throughout the world. I especially liked the one by radio host Michael Barone which you can read in its entirety by clicking here. He remembers Scott’s extraordinary career and lasting legacy in this heartfelt tribute, which includes… Read More Another tragic organist story