Raymond and Elizabeth Chenault premiere duets
Duo organists Raymond and Elizabeth Chenault premiered two duets in recital on May 17 at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta, Georgia. Dedicated to the Chenault Duo, Chase Loomer (organist and associate choirmaster of the cathedral) composed Sortie on Ton-y-Botel, featuring the Welsh hymntune. The duet was inspired by an improvisation by Loomer at the cathedral the previous year. Variations on Urbs Beata Jerusalem by Raymond Chenault is based on the 13th-century plainsong chant. The duet contains the chant theme followed by seven contrasting variations, ending in a large-scale toccata. It is dedicated to the composer’s wife. Both duets were performed again on June 11 for the sixtieth anniversary of the Association of Anglican Musicians Conference in Atlanta for the closing recital at the Cathedral of St. Philip.
Chase Loomer premieres Raymond Chenault’s newest solo organ composition Toccata Francaise in recital at St. James’s Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia, on July 31. The composition, based on original themes, is dedicated to Loomer and is in memory of Rachel Laurin, who wrote two duets for the Chenault Duo, both published in The Chenault Duet Series by MorningStar Music Publishers.
Chase Loomer and the Chenaults are represented by Phillip Truckenbrod Concert Artists, LLC, Charles Miller, president.
For information: concertartists.com.
