The fifteenth annual Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival will take place September 7-9, hosted by First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut. Featuring a national competition and masterclass for young organists and a concert by three world-renowned organists, the schedule is as follows:
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7: ASOF Celebration Concert, 7:30 p.m.
A Celebration Concert opens the festival, featuring Faythe Freese, Cherry Rhodes and Gordon Turk. These three musicians will be performing on First Church of Christ’s magnificent Austin pipe organ (IV/62) Opus 2403. The concert will also feature the Festival Choir, conducted by ASOF co-founder David Spicer.
An offering will be received. Childcare is available (up to age 8). A reception will follow.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10: ASOF Organ Competition
• Young Professional Division........... 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• High School Division........... 12:00 noon to 2:30 p.m.
Organists Faythe Freese, Cherry Rhodes and Gordon Turk will be the adjudicators.
High School Division finalists are Matthew Edwards, El Centro, California; Anna Pan, Burlington, Connecticut; and Joseph Russell , Grayslake, Illinois.
Young Professional Division finalists are Michael Gebhart, Bloomington, Indiana; Bryan Holten, Rochester, New York; and Samuel Nelson, Lynn, Massachusetts.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11: Worship Services, Masterclass, and Awards
At 8:45 and 10:30 a.m., all six finalists will provide music for First Church of Christ’s three traditional worship services.
From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., all six finalists will participate in a masterclass with judges Freese, Rhodes and Turk. All awards will be presented.
All are welcome to attend any or all of the events!
The public is invited to experience these musical events on all three days of the festival. An offering will be received on Friday evening, and childcare will be available on Friday evening for those through age 8. First Church of Christ is located at 250 Main Street in Wethersfield, just off I-91 at Exit 26. For more information, call 860-529-1575, ext. 209.
