AGO EVENTS CALENDAR

The American Guild of Organists Western Massachusetts Chapter and the music department of UMass Amherst are bringing Chris Prestia for a FREE workshop and masterclass entitled “Master Your Music in Fewer Practice Sessions” – so that musicians can do what they do better, quicker, more effectively – and ultimately more joyously. Principles covered in the workshop include the best ways to organize and plan your practice time, identify core issues behind mistakes, solve issues efficiently, and retain corrections. The new processes learned in these areas can then be gradually integrated into musicians' existing practice routines – whether they are vocalists, string players, brass or woodwind players, or percussionists. Chris will teach how to make these processes habitual through research-based conditioning techniques so musicians will never “forget” to use them.

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Bezanson Recital Hall

Sudbury United Methodist Church plans to dedicate a Schlicker pipe organ recently installed in Davison Chapel at SUMC this Sunday, September 15, 2024, immediately after coffee hour fellowship. After a very brief liturgy from the United Methodist Book of Worship for the dedication of an organ, a program featuring organists from SUMC and from outside SUMC will play short pieces to demonstrate the capabilities of this new to SUMC instrument. Acquisition of this Schlicker pipe organ was made possible by two bequests from Yuh Rong Tsay-Smith and Russ and Wanda Doughty. These gifts were made with the stipulation that SUMC investigate the addition of a pipe organ in Davison Chapel. Music Director Kevin Murphy worked with Russ and Andover Organ Company this past spring to facilitate the move of this organ from Kearsarge Community Presbyterian Church in New London, NH to SUMC. Come meet this new musical member of the SUMC community! It is a markedly smaller instrument than our Stuart tracker in the sanctuary, but it has a lovely sweet voice, surprising power and a couple of distinctive colors in its palette. You will be glad you attended this celebration! Send questions and concerns to SUMC music director Kevin Murphy, AAGO <kevin@sudbury-umc.org>.

Works by Fanny Crosby, Bach/Walther, Mendelssohn, English traditional, Buxtehude, Bradbury, Wyeth's "Repository" 1843, J. H. Buttstedt, and J.S.Bach
Sudbury United Methodist Church

Contact: kevin@sudbury-umc.org

Grammy Award winner Paul Jacobs performs in Methuen's Fall Scholarship Fund Concert. Reserved Seating Only: $25 and $35 Tickets go on sale July 15

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Methuen Memorial Music Hall
$25 and $35 Reserved Seating
Contact: info@mmmh.org

Join us for half-hour organ concert featuring Beth Israel's magnificent Austin pipe organ with organist Michelle Horsley! Michelle Horsley is a conductor, organist, pianist, and collaborative artist whose musical endeavors have taken her into diverse artistic engagements across the world.

Works by Bach
Congregation Beth Israel

Contact: bethisrael@cbict.org

Co-presented with the Boston Wagner Society, Church of the Redeemer Organist & Director of Music, Nigel Potts, accompanies Mezzo Soprano, Sarah Rose Taylor, in an all Wagner & Elgar concert on Friday, September 20th at 7pm. The program includes Wagner’s Wesendonck-Lieder, Prelude to Act 1 and Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde, and Elgar’s Sea Pictures, all transcribed by Nigel Potts. The concert is free with a suggested donation of $30/$20. Wine reception following in the Parish Hall - all are welcome.

Works by Wagner & Elgar
Church of the Redeemer

Inaugural Mehaffey International Artist Series Peter Sykes will perform works by Bach, Buxtehude, Franck, and Woodman Reception to follow. FREE. ALL WELCOME!

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First Evangelical Lutheran Church

Peter Sykes, international organist and teacher, will give the inaugural recital in the newly established Mehaffey International Artist Series at FirstLutheran Church.

Works by Back, Buxtehude, Franck, and Woodman
First Lutheran Church

Contact: Steven Young, minister of music

A fire in his home destroyed the majority of the musical compositions by Marcel Lanquetuit, principal organist of the Rouen Cathedral's mighty Cavaille-Coll organ. Though no fire alarm will be set off at this concert, nonetheless the grand and inspiring Toccata in D Major will call your attention to a colorful program played by Klaus Becker, organist and music director at St. Mary's in Longmeadow and former dean of our chapter. The tour begins in Normandy, Northern France, and you are invited to travel, or rather go on pilgrimage, to Leipzig, Germany, to pay homage to the great J. S. Bach with his grandiose Prelude and Fugue in D Major as well as the Fantasy and Fugue in in g minor. Continuing our trip, you will visit Marco Enrico Bossi at the Como Cathedral in Northern Italy and listen to the magical and mysterious Scherzo in g minor. Rejuvenated, we will arrive in Paris, France, to hear Eugene Gigout’s sparkling Toccata and his profound Grand Choeur Dialogue. After a brief excursion to Belgium for Joseph Jongen’s famous Toccata, we will return to Paris to revel in Louis Vierne’s Final from his 6th Symphony. On the wings of this piece, you may reach the tip of the Eiffel Tower. Klaus will play this program centering on the Romantic Period on the E.M. Skinner Opus 179 organ. This will be a memorable afternoon well worth attending!

Works by
Skinner Memorial Chapel, United Congregational Church

Organ and Choir Messe Solenelle, Opus 36 by Louis Vierne

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Cathedral of Saint Joseph

Sacred Sounds Concerts Series \r\nPresents\r\nJohann Vexo\r\nEzequiel Menéndez, Chapel Organ\r\nThe Cathedral Schola Cantorum\r\nThe Combined Choirs of Saint Patrick and Anthony Church\r\nMaestro Gabriel Löfvall, Conductor\r\n\r\nMesse Solenelle, Opus 36 by Louis Vierne

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Cathedral of Saint Joseph

A FREE one-hour concert of bassoon repertoire featuring Morgan Pope, bassoon, Jonathan Reuning-Scherer, piano, Honoka Masuyama, percussion. Works by Fasch, Pierne, Previn, Koshinski, and Hindimith. Free parking in the state lot on Capitol Avenue one block from the church. Food to follow!

Works by Pierne, Previn, Hindimith, Fasch, Koshinski
Emanuel Lutheran Church

Contact: Emanuel Lutheran Church - admin@emanuelhartford.org, 8605250894

Join us onFriday, September 27, at 7:30pm as we welcome Nat Reeves and Friends as they pay tribute to the late piano legend Kenny Kirkland. For years, Nat has inspired and influenced countless musicians as an educator in Hartford – and he continues to amaze audiences through his performances and recordings. Joined by the innovative Benito Gonzalez (piano) and incomparable Jeff “Tain” Watts (drums), this trio of jazz masters will surely amaze. This event will be presented in person and by livestream.

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Music at the Red Door - St. John's Episcopal Church

This is the second of three DMA recitals required by Boston University. The program will consist of works all composed before 1750, by Lübeck, Tunder, Bruhns, Froberger, Böhm, Buxtehude and Bach. The recital will be at First Lutheran Church of Boston, performed on the Richards, Fowkes & Co. Opus 10 (2000/2010), known as “Boston’s Bach organ.”

Works by Lübeck, Tunder, Bruhns, Froberger, Böhm, Buxtehude and Bach
First Lutheran Church of Boston

October is a beautiful month for travel and there could be none better than this musical Tour of Germany, France, and England with travel guide extraordinaire, Leo D. Abbott. We set off from St. John the Baptist Church in Peabody aboard Hook and Hastings Opus 937 (1879). We will enjoy the works of Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Franck, Langlais, and Saint-Saens along the way returning back in time for a reception to share our impressions of this magnificent journey. Join with other fellow travelers on this musical sojourn you won't soon forget!

Works by Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Franck, Langlais, Saint-Saens
St. John the Baptist Church

Choral Evensong with incense. The Choir of Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church will sing music by Richard Ayleward, Gideon Cox, Jacob Handl, Grayston Ives, Charles South. A reception will follow.

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Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church

Contact: Dan McKinley

Attend a return performance of Daniel Roth, one of the leading French organ virtuosos. Mr. Roth has held numerous prestigious positions including over 30 years as Titular Organist at St. Sulpice in Paris, and as Artist-in-Residence at the National Shrine in Washington, DC. A graduate of the Paris Conservatory, he studied with Rolande Falcinelli and Maurice Duruflé. Hear this renowned organist and improviser, on the “overwhelmingly breathtaking” E.M. Skinner Organ.

Works by Widor, Franck, JS Bach, Mendelssohn, Alain, Roth
Church of the Transfiguration
Free for Students and 18 & under
Contact: 508-240-2400

Join us on Sunday, October 13, at 2:00pm, for New World Trio, Ensemble-in-Residence at Music at the Red Door. Anhared Stowe, violin Peter Zay, cello David Ballena, piano This event will be presented in person only.

Works by
Music at the Red Door

Contact: concerts@reddoormusic.org

1925 Phantom of the Opera silent movie with musical accompaniment provided by award winning organist Peter Krasinski on the 54 rank Austin organ. Event is FREE.

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First Church of Christ

Contact: 860 229-3709 - church office

Works of Henry M. Dunham, Arthur Foote, Paul Creston, and John Knowles Paine, followed with Choral Evensong, sung by the Choir of the Church of the Advent.

Works by Dunham, Foote, Creston, Paine
Church of the Advent

Contact: 617-523-2377

Every organist was a student at one time—even the great J. S. Bach! In our first concert of the season, we will celebrate the organ as a vessel of musical knowledge passed from teachers to students throughout the generations. Acclaimed pedagogue and concert artist, Timothy Olsen, the Kenan Associate Professor of Organ at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, will present a program of pedagogical works as well as works by students and their teachers

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St. Michael's Episcopal Church
$100 for season subscription (5 concerts

Hampton Congregational Church, 263 Main St., Hampton has announced that Aaron Patterson will be this year’s artist to play the church’s 1836 Dennison-Smith Tracker Organ. A native of Philadelphia, Aaron was a student of renowned concert organist Paul Jacobs and received his master’s degree at the Julliard School of Music in NYC where he was a proud recipient of a Kovner Fellowship. Mr. Patterson won first place both at the 2017 Albert Schweitzer Organ Competition and the 2016 West Chester University International Organ Competition. He has been a recipient of the Pogorzelski-Yankee Memorial Scholarship from the American Guild of Organists and the Bart Pitman Memorial Music Scholarship from the Delaware Valley Music Club. His performance venues include the Wannamaker Grand Court, where he is an assistant organist; Boardwalk Hall at Atlantic City and Philadelphia’s noted performance hall…the Kimmel Center. He is director of music at Cresheim Valley Church in Philadelphia. The concert will be held at the church on Sunday, October 20th at 4 p.m. Refreshments will follow in the church hall. There will be a free will offering.

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Hampton Congregational Church

On Sunday October 20th, 2024 at 3PM, Richard Given, trumpet and flugelhorn; Bill Hoke, clarinet; Rob Hammerton, vocals; and Kevin Francis Murphy, piano and organ, will present Connexions Concert I of this program year at Sudbury United Methodist Church. The concert will feature selections by Schumann, Nils Gade, William Mathias, Kevin Francis Murphy, Rob Hammerton, African American spirituals arranged by John Wesley Work II, and Paul Hindemith that represent a wide assortment of various styles including classical, sacred, and popular. The Connexions concerts at Sudbury United Methodist showcase the various talents of church members and guest artists who come to share their music. The concert will take place at Sudbury United Methodist Church, 251 Old Sudbury Road, Sudbury, Massachusetts. We will observe COVID protocols as we have followed them this past year in services: optional masking, distancing, ventilation and open windows. Because we will have fresh air in the sanctuary, kindly dress for a cool afternoon. A reception will follow the concert. Admission is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be taken to benefit the reparations work of the New England Methodist Foundation. For more information call 978 443 4351 OR send e-mail to kevin@sudbury-umc.org.

Works by Schumann, Nils Gade, William Mathias, Kevin Francis Murphy, Rob Hammerton, African American spirituals arranged by John Wesley Work II, and Paul Hindemith
Sudbury United Methodist Church

Contact: kevin@sudbury-umc.org

Sacred Sounds Concerts Series Presents Johann Vexo Ezequiel Menéndez, Chapel Organ The Cathedral Schola Cantorum The Combined Choirs of Saint Patrick and Anthony Church Maestro Gabriel Löfvall, Conductor Messe Solenelle, Opus 36 by Louis Vierne

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Cathedral of Saint Joseph

This multimedia presentation pairs organ works by J.S. Bach with Earth movies taken by astronauts from the International Space Station. Brian Hoffman is Director of Music at St. Pius X Church in Albany, NY. His most recent project, begun during the pandemic, is the recordings of the complete organ works of Bach on organs from around the world via the Hauptwerk program. Dan Barstow, retired Senior Education Manager for the ISS US National Lab, now serves as Education Mission Specialist for the Association of Space Explorers and as Founding Director of Earth Music Theater.

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Methuen Memorial Music Hall
Reserved Seating: $20 and $30 ; Student

Immerse yourself in the spirit of Halloween with a truly spooktacular musical experience. Led by Conductor John Jesensky, and featuring Chorus Angelicus, the Hartford Symphony Orchestra will perform the creepiest musical favorites the concert hall and silver screen have to offer, including Beetlejuice, The Phantom of the Opera, and many more! This scream-worthy performance for ghouls of all ages will be accompanied by interactive illustrations, lighting, and special effects. Guests are encouraged to attend in costume as The Bushnell transforms into a haunted theater with spellbinding decorations, festive activities, and enough tricks and treats to fill a graveyard! Don’t miss this frightfully fun event… or your chance to hear the might Austin Organ!

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Mortensen Hall at The Bushnell
Student Tickets start at $10; Tickets fr

Choral Evensong with St. John's Choir, directed by Buffy Gray with guest organist Andrew Sheranian. Stanford Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis in B-flat, Smith Preces & Responses, Howells "A Hymn for St. Cecilia" and congregational hymns will be sung. A Reception will follow the service. All are welcome!

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The Parish of St. John the Evangelist

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross continues the longstanding tradition! Thirty-third Annual Cathedral Organ Benefit Recital for the historic 101-rank 1875 E & GG Hook & Hastings Organ, Opus 801. Several of New England's notable organists will perform a variety of works on the historic pipe organ of 5,292 pipes. Performers: • Leo Abbott, Cathedral Music Director & Organist Emeritus • Dr. Janet Hunt, International Concert Artist • Sarah Ku, Organ Scholar, Christ Church, Fitchburg • Rosalind Mohnsen, Immaculate Conception, Malden • Peter Krasinski, International Sonic Artist • Richard J. Clark, Director of Music of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross

Works by Bach, Barber, Duruflé, Demessieux, Dunham, Karg-Elert, Widor
Cathedral of the Holy Cross
17 and under FREE
Contact: (link)

The 2024-2025 Pipes Alive! series begins with organist Ondres Hornas playing the St. John’s organ on Sunday, November 3, at 12:30pm. This event will be presented in person and by livestream. PROGRAM: Bedrich Smetana (1824-1884) - The Moldau from Ma Vltava Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) - Movement 4, Allegro con fuoco, from Symphony No.9 in E minor, From the New World

Works by
Music at the Red Door - St. John's Episcoppal Church

The Jubilate Chamber choir will present Evensong at St Paul's Episcopal Church in Newton Highlands. Canticles are Stanford in B flat Anthem " Gong Home " by Nicholas White Jubilate will be in residence at Chichester Cathedral in August of 2025. We will be singing Evensong at different church's to get ourselves ready to go! A festive reception will follow.

Works by Stanford, and White
St Paul's Episcopal Church

Take a guided journey through time and culture to reflect on the ways music has given voice to our deepest desires, dreams, hopes, and even fears. Explore the intersections of nature, faith, and culture that illuminate the sacred spaces we create within and around us. Consider what gives you sanctuary through hearing works by James Macmillan, Imant Raminsh, Moses Hogan, Arvo Pärt, Kevin Siegfried, and more. Celebrate the echoing voices that bring us from darkness to light, from despair to hope, and from danger to sanctuary. Daniel Parsley, Guest Conductor Director of Choral Activities and Director of Graduate Conducting Programs School of Music at Boston University

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Holy Name Parish
For first-timer attendees see https://ww
Contact: Daryl Bichel, darylbichel@aol.com, 617/312-8328

We at Assabet Valley Mastersingers are pleased to offer an invitation and ten tickets to our upcoming concert. Under the direction of Dr. Robert P. Eaton, we are pleased to invite all music enthusiasts and opera aficionados to experience “Andiamo: Great Opera Choruses and Arias” on November 10, 2024, at 3:30 PM. The concert will be held at Trottier Middle School, located at 49 Parkerville Rd, Southborough, MA 01772. This enchanting concert will take audiences on a journey through the realms of Italian, German and French opera, featuring a captivating selection of beloved classics. Attendees can look forward to performances of iconic works such as Verdi’s “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves” from Nabucco, the exhilarating “Triumphal March ” from Aida, and Puccini’s exquisite “Humming Chorus” from Madama Butterfly. This concert will feature Erin Smith, Soprano and Michael Gonzalez, Tenor; they will join AVM during some of the concert selections. Audiences will leave the concert whistling something beloved and very familiar whether it is the drinking song from La Traviata, the wedding march from Lohengrin, or Carmen's seductive Habanera.

Works by
Trottier Middle School
Children under 12 = free

GMChorale has another fantastic Main Stage concert planned for the fall of 2024 in the Santo Fragilio Performing Arts Center at Middletown High School, 200 LaRosa Lane. Our fall concert of Baroque music on Sunday, November 10, at 4 p.m., will open with motets by German composer Heinrich Schütz, followed by two majestic works, J.S. Bach’s jubilant “Gloria in Excelsis Deo (Cantata BWV 191)” and G.F. Handel’s rarely performed “Dettingen Te Deum.” Composed within a couple of years of each other at a time of war, they both convey messages of gratitude and peace. The program will close with the “Dona Nobis Pacem” from Bach's divine “Mass in B Minor.” Under the baton of Artistic Director, Joseph D’Eugenio, GMChorale will join forces with the talented Orchestra New England and the heavenly voices of The Elm City Girls’ Choir. A pre-concert lecture by Wesleyan Professor Neely Bruce will begin at 3 p.m. For more information and tickets go to <a href="https://www.gmchorale.org/events" target="_blank">(link)</a>.

Works by
Middletown High School

Contact: info@gmchorale.org

Jared Lamenzo, organist of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral in New York City, plays the 1827 Appleton at Second Congregational in Middle Haddam. The program features music of Vivaldi, Valeri, Mendelssohn, Raynor Taylor, Chausson, and others. Jared plays the 1868 Henry Erben organ in NYC, which is currently under restoration. This Appleton was moved out of NYC by Erben in 1844; Brooklyn-based organ builder and restorer Larry Trupiano rebuilt and restored the instrument, re-dedicated in 1992 in a recital by John Ogasapian. Now approaching the organ's 200 birthday, it is time to celebrate!

Works by Vivaldi, Valeri, Mendelssohn, Taylor, Chausson, Boieldieu
Second Congregational Church

Contact: Bob Marshall at 203.232.7387

Take a guided journey through time and culture to reflect on the ways music has given voice to our deepest desires, dreams, hopes, and even fears. Explore the intersections of nature, faith, and culture that illuminate the sacred spaces we create within and around us. Consider what gives you sanctuary through hearing works by James Macmillan, Imant Raminsh, Moses Hogan, Arvo Pärt, Kevin Siegfried, and more. Celebrate the echoing voices that bring us from darkness to light, from despair to hope, and from danger to sanctuary. Daniel Parsley, Guest Conductor Director of Choral Activities and Director of Graduate Conducting Programs School of Music at Boston University

Works by
First Church in Cambridge
For first-timer ticket incentive options
Contact: Daryl Bichel, darylbichel@aol.com, 617/312-8328

Featuring internationally acclaimed artists Zhanna Alkhazova (Soprano) and Natasha Ulyanovsky (Organ). The concert will include works by F. Mendelssohn, M. Reger, F. Schubert, G. Verdi, S. Karg-Elert.

Works by Mendelssohn, reger, Schubert, Verdi, Karg-Elert
Congregation Beth Israel

Contact: bethisrael@cbict.org

The 2024-2025 Pipes Alive! series continues with organist Walden Moore playing the St. John’s organ on Sunday, December 1, at 12:30pm. This event will be presented in person and by livestream.

Works by
Music at the Red Door - St. John's Episcopal Church

Contact: concerts@reddoormusic.org

Advent’s Lessons and Carols has been an important Anglican ritual since the late 1800’s. In the tradition of King’s College, Cambridge, an introspective journey of sacred stories and music help prepare us for the Christmas Season. On Sunday, December 15, at 3:00pm, Lessons & Carols will provide you moment of musical peace in this often-complicated world, as we offer spectacular carols and musical anthems from a long tradition of music of the season. This event will be presented in person and by livestream. The St. John’s Choir School and Adult Choir; Walden Moore, interim choirmaster; Floyd Higgins, organist.

Works by
Music at the Red Door - St. John's Episcopal Church

Contact: concerts@reddoormusic.org

The 2024-2025 Pipes Alive! series continues with organist Kari Miller playing the St. John’s organ on Sunday, January 5, 2024, at 12:30pm. This event will be presented in person and by livestream.

Works by
Music at the Red Door - St. John's Episcopal Church

Contact: concerts@reddoormusic.org

Join us on Sunday, January 19, at 2:00pm, for New World Trio, Ensemble-in-Residence at Music at the Red Door. Anhared Stowe, violin Peter Zay, cello David Ballena, piano This event will be presented in person only.

Works by
Music at the Red Door - St. John's Episcopal Church

Contact: concerts@reddoormusic.org

The 2024-2025 Pipes Alive! series continues with organist Madison Thompson playing the St. John’s organ on Sunday, February 2, at 12:30pm. This event will be presented in person and by livestream.

Works by
Music at the Red Door - St. John's Episcopal Church

Contact: concerts@reddoormusic.org

The 2024-2025 Pipes Alive! series continues with organist Michelle Horsley playing the St. John’s organ on Sunday, March 2, at 12:30pm. This event will be presented in person and by livestream.

Works by
Music at the Red Door - St. John's Episcopal Church

Contact: concerts@reddoormusic.org

Noted by the Boston Globe for playing with passion and precision, join us 0n Friday, March 21, at 7:30pm for an evening of exquisite chamber music with The Claremont Trio. Known as the freshest breath of air in the world of chamber music today, be ready as they take full advantage of the beautiful acoustics of the St. John’s nave. This event will be presented in person and by livestream.

Works by
Music at the Red Door - St. John's Episcopal Church

Contact: concerts@reddoormusic.org

The 2024-2025 Pipes Alive! series continues with organist Sarah Ku playing the St. John’s organ on Sunday, April 6, at 12:30pm. This event will be presented in person and by livestream.

Works by
Music at the Red Door - St. John's Episcopal Church

Contact: concerts@reddoormusic.org

Join us on Sunday, April 13, at 2:00pm, for New World Trio, Ensemble-in-Residence at Music at the Red Door. Anhared Stowe, violin Peter Zay, cello David Ballena, piano This event will be presented in person only.

Works by
Music at the Red Door - St. John's Episcopal Church

Contact: concerts@reddoormusic.org

You’ll find it impossible to sit still during this evening featuring Afro-Cuban influenced rhythms and soulful, creative music and dance. Join us on Friday, May 2, at 7:30pm as we welcome back Ed Fast and Congabop for this upbeat treat for young and old alike! This event will be presented in person and by livestream.

Works by
Music at the Red Door - St. John's Episcopal Church

Contact: concerts@reddoormusic.org

The 2024-2025 Pipes Alive! series continues with organist Angela Kraft-Cross playing the St. John’s organ on Sunday, May 4, at 12:30pm. This event will be presented in person and by livestream.

Works by
Music at the Red Door - St. John's Episcopal Church

Contact: concerts@reddoormusic.org

Our 2023-2024 season draws to a close with Pipes Alive! featuring St. John's organ artist-in-residence Christa Rakich playing the St. John’s organ Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 12:30pm. This event will be presented in person and by livestream.

Works by
Music at the Red Door - St. John's Episcopal Church

Contact: concerts@reddoormusic.org