August 2023

In the middle of Kansas, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, sits the newly constructed Immaculata Church in Saint Marys. The magnificent structure stands tall against the Kansas winds, and the brick structure provides a stark contrast to the open, light interior of the building. Walking into the sanctuary, one is immediately struck by the craftsmanship of the skilled hands that created the space: marble flooring and altar are surrounded by murals inserted into the ceiling (with a proverbial nod to the Sistine Chapel).

Editor’s note: Part 1 of this series appeared in the March 2023 issue of The Diapason, pages 18–20; part 2 appeared in the April 2023 issue, pages 14–19; part 3 appeared in the July 2023 issue, pages 10–15.

She was life itself in her way of being and in her playing.²

The name of Marthe Bracquemond is little known in the musical world, yet she was a pioneer as one of the first female organists to break with established expectations in musical training. Additionally, she was the busiest organ performer on the airwaves of France between 1931 and 1939. She appeared more regularly than any other organist, male or female, on the Transmission sans fil (TSF) broadcasts aired by Radio-Paris P. T. T.

An explosion of creativity

Albert Laurence "Laurie" Campbell

Albert Laurence “Laurie” Campbell died April 25. He was born December 25, 1932, in San Diego, California. He began to play piano when he was three or four and played string bass and trumpet in junior high and high school.