In this new article on Vox Humana, Susan Tattershall discusses her work restoring organs in Mexico, Bolivia, and the West Indies, and engaging local communities in the process.
AGO & Organ News
Organists Ponder Fate and Future of Notre Dame’s Organ
NPR Interviews Olivier Latry in Wake of Notre Dame Fire
Link.
Statement from Vincent DuBois on the Notre Dame Organ
Vincent Dubois, one of the three organiste titulairs at Notre Dame de Paris, released a statement that began “Contrary to rumors that have circulated, the great organ is, a priori, saved. There are a few puddles on the left and right, but nothing dramatic. ”
Calling All Advanced Organists Entering a High School Grade This Fall…
Do you know any advanced organists entering a high school grade this fall? Please encourage them to apply today for the 2019 Pipe Organ Encounter (Advanced) in Houston! Sponsored by the Houston (Tex.) Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, the POEA will feature world-class organs, internationally recognized faculty from around the nation, and of course many unique Texas traditions!
On Monday, June 24, we’ll take a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA’s Space Center Houston – this isn’t the regular public tour, folks! Tuesday afternoon will feature a class on music marketing and technology led by S. Andrew Lloyd (University of Texas at San Antonio) followed by a hymn playing and liturgical improvisation class and silent film performed by Jason Roberts (Westminster Choir College). On Wednesday, after learning about organ building/maintenance from Jason Alden (Alden Organ Service) and continuo playing from Matthew Dirst (University of Houston), you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Houston Zoo and its incredible new African Forest exhibit. And no trip to Texas would be complete without enjoying incredible TexMex and Texas BBQ – don’t worry, we’ve got that covered!
All participants will have the opportunity to practice multiple hours per day, work with two POEA faculty members during the week, participate in a small group masterclass, and perform in the final student recitals on the monumental Fisk-Rosales organ at Rice University. Workshops on career development, the liturgical year, and practical repertoire will also be offered. The final student recitals will be professionally videorecorded and made available to all participants!
FACULTY
Jeong-Suk Bae (Univeristy of St. Thomas)
Ken Cowan (Rice University)
Isabelle Demers (Baylor University)
Stefan Engels (Southern Methodist University)
Rhonda Furr (Houston Baptist University)
Anne Laver (Syracuse University)
Daryl Robinson (University of Houston)
Catherine Rodland (St. Olaf College)
GUEST ARTISTS
Jason Alden (Alden Organ Service)
Matthew Dirst (University of Houston)
S. Andrew Lloyd (University of Texas at San Antonio)
Jason Roberts (Westminster Choir College)
Click here to start the application process online.
Contact POEA Director Daryl Robinson with any questions about the application/audition process, scholarships, or other topics.
Daryl Robinson, Director
Pipe Organ Encounter Advanced (POEA) is for participants in grades 9-12 who have achieved a high level in organ study. Prospective attendees must submit an audition recording to apply. A POEA provides daily lessons and a unique opportunity for participants to meet and interact with peers who have similar interests.
Marilyn Mason: 1925-2019
The organ world has grown smaller with the passing of legendary organist, scholar, teacher, and performer, Marilyn Mason, yesterday in Florida. Dr. Mason was the foremost champion for commissioning new music for the organ and the benefactor of the AGO/Marilyn Mason Award in Organ Composition.
Marilyn Mason’s performing career took her around the globe. She was the first female organist ever to perform at Westminster Abbey, the first female organist to play in Latin America, and the first American organist to perform in Egypt. She was named the International Performer of the Year by the New York City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists in 1988 and was honored at the AGO Endowment Fund Gala in 2009.
She was the subject of an AGO Master Series teaching video produced in 2009. It can be viewed on YouTube.com.
Marilyn Mason is perhaps best known for having been the longest tenured faculty member at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). She retired in 2014 after having taught for 67 years. During those years, she trained three generations of prize-winning students for successful careers as church organists, performing artists, and teachers.
We will never forget you, Marilyn.
F. Anthony Thurman
Director of Development and Communications
Read Marilyn Mason’s obituary.
Read the New York Times obituary
