The money raised paid for the following: music for the organ dedication liturgy; a newly commissioned work for choir and organ by Richard Webster (with plans to be published in the near future); four brass players and percussionist; beautifully illustrated programs with a full color front cover; recital fees for Joan Lippincott and Diane Meredith Belcher; the use of New Trinity Baroque (eight members); an incredible reception following Joan’s concert; archival recordings of the recitals; and a newly commissioned toccata for organ solo by Timothy Tikker, to be premiered at the next recital on May 9.

Joan Lippincott’s recital demonstrated the organ’s clarity. Complex fugues by Bach and Mozart highlighted the organ as a master of polyphony. Diane Belcher’s recital, by contrast, showed the Romantic side of the organ and the beauty of its quiet stops. I have much to live up to in the next concert, so I’ve recruited help. I’ve invited solo instrumentalists to play works on the program accompanied by organ. Amy & I will present a work by Gerald Finzi originally for piano and string orchestra; I’ll accompany Martha Bishop & Joshua Lee in three ricercardas for two viola da gambas by Diego Ortíz; and Kristen Johns will serenade us in a piece by Craig Phillips written only two years ago for organ and French horn.

I am grateful to all the members of the Organ Committee, particularly Cal Johnson, for taking a lead role in raising money for the organ dedication. Each of the events in this series has been very successful and could not have been accomplished without their efforts. I also thank Dan Treadaway & Eric Still and all my fellow board members of the St. Bartholomew’s Arts Ministry for hosting the organ crawl and reception following the October concert. I hope to see all of you at the May recital.

- Brad Hughley