Dennis Janzer has retired after ten years as director of music and organist at St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Memphis, Tennessee. On October 5 during his final service, he was honored with the title “Organist Emeritus” and presented with an original artwork of the cathedral, created by the Reverend Jerry Harber, which was used to adorn the bulletin covers. Richard Townley, former assistant musician at the cathedral, will now lead the cathedral’s music program. He was commissioned to compose and perform a new work for the occasion, Fantasia on Rendez à Dieu. Furthermore, Janzer’s original compositions were used throughout the service.
Janzer will continue his work as a house composer for Wayne Leupold Editions. His organ transcription of Maurice Ravel’s Boléro is the latest addition to Leupold’s transcription catalogue. Janzer resides in the Memphis area and will continue performing and substituting during retirement.
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James Russell Brown celebrates 40 years at St. Giles, Northbrook, IL
