Organists and Organ Playing

Switching gears

I may as well titled this post, “Changing Hats.” Or how about “Juggling Balls.” Or try this one, “The Ultimate Multitasker!” It’s been quite a week! Last Saturday I was cheering on my former student, Sophia Stark, as she starred in a Disney-themed concert with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra concert at the Waikiki Shell. Sophia… Read More Switching gears

Organists and Organ Playing

Amazing Sophia!

This weekend, Sophia Stark will be singing with the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra (HSO) in a concert featuring the music from Disney musicals. I believe the last post I wrote about Sophia was when she did a fundraiser for the HSO back in 2022 (“Sophia’s Night”) on her way to study at the Manhattan School of… Read More Amazing Sophia!

Organists and Organ Playing

Sophia’s night

The night before last, I attended “Sophia’s Symphonic Send-off,” a fundraiser for the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, featuring Sophia Stark, the daughter of Darel and Georgine Stark, shortly before she travels to Tennessee for the national Miss Teen Volunteer American Pageant. In the fall, Sophia will also be attending Manhattan School of Music in New York… Read More Sophia’s night

Organists and Organ Playing

Beauty endures

For much of my adult life, if it was summer, I would be taking the opportunities to gather with my colleagues at an organists convention (American Guild of Organists = AGO) or church musicians conference (Association of Lutheran Church Musicians = ALCM). I’ve also attended conventions of the Royal College of Canadian Organists (RCCO) and… Read More Beauty endures

Organists and Organ Playing

Already a star!

Here’s a live Facebook video of Stanford’s Magnificat. I wasn’t even looking over in the direction of the choir, but as soon as she opened her mouth, I knew that voice. It was Sophia Stark, super-talented daughter of Georgine and Darel Stark, themselves super-talented parents! The piece was Charles Villiers Stanford’s Magnificat, and it was performed at… Read More Already a star!