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The Schweitzer Festival moves to Trinity College

David Spicer

David Spicer began as minister of music and the arts at the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1986. In 1996 he and Dr. Harold Robles founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival. Spicer is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Dr. Alexander McCurdy, and is a graduate of the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Dana, and they have a blended family of seven children and twelve grandchildren.

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At age 18, we are going to college! The Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival is moving to its new home at Trinity College in Hartford! After enjoying eighteen glorious years of this annual festival at the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, we look forward to even greater community participation moving forward. At this time of transition, I would like to offer a brief history of the festival, along with a report on our 2015 weekend—plus a glimpse of the future. 

The Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival began as an overtone. An inventor-type entrepreneur, Bernard Baruch Surkis, had joined the First Church of Christ, and during a service, he felt that God wanted him to give his newest invention to the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Haiti. His invention was a machine that turned salt water into drinking water. While other machines already did this, his had a special feature, the purpose of which I do not recall. At any rate, Mr. Surkis wished to make fresh water easily accessible for the hospital. Tragically, he died in a car accident, and since he was a friend of mine, I spoke at his memorial service and shared his vision, saying that I would follow through on his idea for the Haitian hospital. I later learned that a machine would cost $100,000! I gulped, but made an appointment with the Albert Schweitzer Institute, then housed in Wallingford, Connecticut. The director at that time, Harold Robles, met with Ruth Brennan, chairperson of my music committee, and Nancy Andersen, from the First Church of Christ, and informed us that our offer to give the machine was wonderful, but not needed, because a donor had given funds to drill a well that would provide fresh water for the hospital.

After a silent sigh of relief that I was “off the hook” for raising the funds to complete Bernie’s dream, I noticed posters on the wall about Albert Schweitzer’s organ recitals. I asked about them, and Mr. Robles stated that there had been an Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival in Holland, and that “we would like to have a festival in America.” We kept talking, and the energy was flowing. I volunteered our church as a possible site—and the rest is history.

We launched the idea of a competition by presenting Thurston Moore’s multimedia production, “Words of Albert Schweitzer and the Music of Bach,” which had been debuted by the Tennessee Players a few years earlier. Organists who played for this were Ronald Ebrecht, Ellen Hunt, Ezequiel Menendez, Christa Rakich, Catherine Rodland, John Rose, and Ralph Valentine. Guest narrators were Joanne Nesti, Gilbert Bond, and the Rev. Donald W. Morgan. The organ works of Bach were interspersed with readings about or by Albert Schweitzer. The pieces included: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, Nun komm der Heiden Heiland, Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, and the St. Anne Fugue, among others. We had to have overflow seating! Thurston Moore and his wife, Georgianna, were with us for this event.

We tried to fashion the competition after its European counterpart, as it was described to us. The adjudicators opened the event to inspire the finalists, then the competition was the next day. We were told that a large, black curtain hid the players from the judges. 

We decided that Friday night would be our judges’ performance night. The competition was launched. We chose to have the festival on the first weekend after Labor Day, which would always run close to Dr. Schweitzer’s death date (September 4, 1965). His birth date was in January (January 14, 1875), and it was felt that, in Connecticut, the weather might be a little colder than most would wish for.

I selected the repertoire for the competition, which reflected the Schweitzer posters and his friendship with Charles-Marie Widor. As a young boy, I fondly remember those big, grey copies of my music, even though they now lack covers and the pages have become separated. Even so, I still use them!

Hymns were included, because most of us end up in a church position, and it seemed to me that most teachers were not stressing the importance of hymns and their interpretation of the texts. Finalists were to play—the High School Division: a major Bach work, a Widor slow movement, a work from a composer born after 1850, and two hymns; the Young Professional Division: one of the Franck Chorales, a major Bach work, a Widor slow movement, and two hymns. One of the two hymns, which is required, was St. Thomas (Williams)—”I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord.” This became our “Schweitzer Hymn” because the words were by Timothy Dwight (1752–1817), then the president of Yale. He and his grandfather Jonathan Edwards (1703–58) spent time together in the Wethersfield area. The only steeple around was that of the meetinghouse in Wethersfield (still used here at First Church), so they most likely were quite familiar with its beauty. In the second verse of the hymn, Dwight wrote: “I love Thy Church, O God; Her walls before Thee stand. . . .” Reverend Donald W. Morgan felt sure that Dwight had the meetinghouse steeple in mind when he penned those words. 

We felt that three judges would be best, and, like the European model, they would not be able to see the finalists when playing.

We determined that three finalists would be invited in the High School Division and three from the Young Professional Division, to be chosen from the applicants. The level of playing has been incredibly high! On the opening night, we invited the three judges to play 8–10 minutes each and we formed a Festival Choir to sing. Complementing the judges’ selections, our usual repertoire was composed by organists: 

Prelude – (played by me)

Psalm 150, César Franck 

Hymn: Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation, hymn tune: Christ Church, Richard Dirksen

Kyrie (Messe Solennelle, op. 16), Louis Vierne 

He Comes to Us, Jane Marshall (The text is from The Quest for the Historical Jesus, by Albert Schweitzer)

 Go Ye Into All the World, Robert Wetzler

Hymn: Let Heaven Rejoice,                 hymn tune: Rock Harbor, music by Alan McMillan, text by Hal M. Helms.

 

John Walker, a judge for 2015, writes: 

“Emerging from the six brilliant finalists in the eighteenth annual Albert
Schweitzer Organ Festival, Monica Czausz won first place in the Young Professional Division, and Adrian Binkley took top honors in the High School Division. All contestants played at an impressively high level, everyone therefore being declared a winner. Having been nurtured for almost two decades by its founder, David Spicer, ASOF is far more than a performance competition: featured events of the weekend included a festival concert with massed choirs and organ, the competition, opportunities for all contestants to play in services of worship at the First Church of Christ (Wethersfield) and the Cathedral of St. Joseph (Hartford), an organ masterclass with the adjudicators, a field trip to the Austin Organ factory, and shared meals with competitors, adjudicators, and board members of ASOF. Following that memorable weekend, everyone departed with renewed inspiration and confidence in the future of our chosen vocation.”
       

 

Diane Meredith Belcher, judge, writes:

“The eighteenth annual Albert
Schweitzer Festival has a history of bringing together student, volunteer, and professional church musicians, and this year was no exception. It was exhilarating to see the combination of so many talented high school and college/graduate school organists, combined church choirs and vocal soloists, and seasoned professional organists serving as performers, teachers, mentors, and/or judges. As usual, David Spicer led his flock of finalists, assisting musicians, volunteers, and guest judges (Peter Conte and John Walker) with energy and commitment that is astounding. What I continue to love most about this festival is that it truly is about what most organists do and what church music is about: serving God and being at service to others in the church through music. Finalists not only compete, they perform in church and in masterclasses and observe others rehearsing choirs and playing for services. A more collaborative, inspirational, and heartwarming competition/festival one finds only rarely in our profession. Kudos to David Spicer and the board of the ASOF for another wonderful success, and congratulations to all six finalists, who were winners before even arriving.”

 

I would like to thank the First Church of Christ for eighteen glorious years! A special note of thanks to ministers Donald W. Morgan, J. Jey Deifell, Jr., and Deryk Richenburg for their support and encouragement. It has been wonderful to have so many talented organists with us, along with supporters who travel from as far as the Czech Republic, Wisconsin, and Florida, and have faithfully attended, hearing the church’s magnificent Austin organ. A special note of thanks is given to Austin Organ Service of Avon, Connecticut—Bon Smith, president, and to Alex Belair and Michael Tanguay, for the gracious gift of servicing the organ for this festival. We also thank the additional practice sites for making their instruments available: Trinity Episcopal Church and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wethersfield, Connecticut; Bethany Covenant Church, Berlin; the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Trinity College, and Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford; St. John’s Episcopal Church and St. James’s Episcopal Church in West Hartford; and First Church of Christ, Congregational, in Glastonbury. The graciousness of the congregation, staff, and the community was truly
a blessing!

This year’s festival featured judges Diane Meredith Belcher, Peter Richard Conte, and John Walker, and opened on Friday, September 11, with a Festival Choir composed of representatives from Center Church in Hartford, the Cathedral of Saint Joseph, and the First Church of Christ. Ezequiel Menendez accompanied, and I conducted.

Here are this year’s finalists.

High School Division

1st Place ($2,000): Adrian Binkley from Madison, Wisconsin, a student of Thomas Bara, Interlochen Center for the Arts. This prize is provided by the Marjorie Jolidon Fund of the Greater Hartford Chapter, American Guild of Organists.

2nd Place ($1,000): Aaron Patterson from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a student of Dennis Elwell.

3rd Place ($500): Elena Baquerizo from Miami, Florida, a student of Thomas Schuster.

Young Professional Division

1st Place ($3,500): Monica Czausz from Houston, Texas, a student of Ken Cowan, Rice University.

2nd Place ($1,500): Robin Ericksen from Macon, Georgia.

3rd Place ($750): Mary Pan from Burlington, Connecticut, currently studying with Thomas Murray, Yale School of Music.

The David Spicer Hymn Playing Award ($1000): Adrian Binkley.

Save the dates: the festival is moving to the last weekend in September—Friday, September 30, to Sunday, October 2, 2016, with an opening concert at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. The competition will be held at Trinity College on Saturday, October 1, and  the 2015 first-prize winners will return on Saturday night to play a recital at St. John’s Episcopal Church in West Hartford. A masterclass ending the festival will be held on Sunday afternoon at Trinity College.

We are grateful to our newly formed board of directors for their vision and support. Board members include: Robert Bausmith, chair, Marilyn Austin, Stewart Battle, Robert Clement, William L. Dean, Newton R. Gilchrist, John Gorton, Vaughn Mauren, Ezequiel Menendez, Soo Hwan Pai, John Rose, and Phillip Truckenbrod.

For more information about the festival weekend and next year’s competition requirements, please see our website at www.schweitzerfestival.org, or contact 860/529-1575, ext. 209. The deadline for application is June 7, 2016.

Bernard Surkis would be pleased that a fresh supply, not of water, but of support for young organists, has been created!

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Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival

David Spicer
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We have been blessed with beautiful weekends for this festival, but this year was especially lovely. The leaves don’t turn color until October, but the weather was indeed glorious. That, combined with wonderful organ music, set the stage for the fifteenth annual festival. We are grateful to be able to encourage young organists with this competition, and had some wonderful applicants who sent in CDs. Diane Meredith Belcher served as the screening judge for these applications. Judges for this year’s festival were Faythe Freese, Cherry Rhodes, and Gordon Turk. It is interesting that both Cherry and Gordon, as youngsters, had written to Dr. Albert Schweitzer—and they each received a reply!

On Friday evening, September 7, our traditional opening concert was held. David Spicer played the service/choral portions: Prayer (Larghetto) from Serenade for Strings, Elgar, transcr. Spicer; Psalm 150, Franck; Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (Christ Church), Dirksen; Kyrie (from Messe Solennelle, op. 16), Vierne; He Comes to Us (text by Albert Schweitzer), Jane Marshall; Go Ye Into All the World, Robert Wetzler; Let Heaven Rejoice (Rock Harbor) (text by Hal M. Helms), Alan MacMillan.

Each of the judges played a selection of their own choosing at the Friday evening opening concert. A video camera, via closed-circuit television, projected images of the organists in the balcony onto a screen downstairs. The selections: Pageant,
Sowerby (Faythe Freese); Fugue in E Minor, BWV 548, Bach (Cherry Rhodes); Vesper Hymn—Improvisation—Golden Domes of Kiev (Gordon Turk).

Saturday morning, from 8 am to 11 am, the young professional division finalists played the required repertoire. Michael Gebhart: Bach, Trio Sonata No. 5 in C Major, BWV 529; Franck, Choral No. 3 in A Minor; Messiaen, Dieu Parmi Nous; hymns: St. Thomas (Williams), Slane.

Samuel Nelson: Trio Sonata No. 6 in G Major, BWV 530; Franck, Choral No. 3 in A Minor; Dupré, Prelude and Fugue in G Minor, op. 7, no. 3; hymns: St. Thomas (Williams), Ein’ feste Burg.

Bryan Holten: Trio Sonata No. 4 in E Minor, BWV 528; Franck, Choral No. 2 in B Minor; Conte, Toccata; hymns: St. Thomas (Williams), Eventide.

At 12 noon the high school division finalists were heard. Joseph Russell: Bach, Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541; Widor, Cantabile (Symphony No. 6, op. 42, no. 2); Langlais, Hymne d’action de grâces ‘Te Deum’; hymns: St. Thomas (Williams), Ar Hyd y Nos.

Anna Pan: Bach, Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 547; Widor, Dolce (Symphony No. 4); Vierne, Naïades (Pièces de Fantaisie, op. 55, no. 4); hymns: St. Thomas (Williams), Hamburg.

Matthew Edwards: Fantasie in G Major, BWV 572; Widor, Adagio (Symphony No. 5); Alain, Litanies; hymns: St. Thomas (Williams), Hamburg. 

Later that evening, all finalists and judges had a chance for interaction and discussion over a delicious meal provided by Dana Spicer at the historic Solomon Welles House in Wethersfield, which is very near the First Church of Christ.

On Sunday, September 9, all finalists played portions of the 8:45 and 10:30 am worship services. At 1:30 pm, a masterclass with the three judges was held. Many important topics were covered, and awards were presented. High school division: first place, Joseph Russell from Grays-
lake, Illinois, student of Thomas Bara; second place, Anna Pan from Burlington, Connecticut, student of John Rose; third place, Matthew Edwards from El Centro, California, student of Hope Davis.

Young professional division: first place, Michael Gebhart from Bloomington, Indiana, student of Janette Fishell; second place (tie), Bryan Holten from Rochester, New York, student of David Higgs, and Samuel Nelson from Lynn, Massachusetts, student of Douglas Marshall.

Leigh and Betty Standish provided the $2,000 first-place award in the high school division. The young professional division first prize of $3,500 was given by Robert Bausmith and Jill Peters-Gee, M.D. John Gorton and Richard Pilch provided $1,000 for the David Spicer Hymn Playing Award, which was given to high school division finalists Joseph Russell ($750) and Anna Pan ($250). Other prizes and gifts toward the festival—including the high school division second prize of $1,000 and the young professional division second prize of $1,500—came from Marilyn Austin and the Austin family, several individuals in the First Church family, and others.  

Special thanks go to Bon Smith, Alex Belair, and Michael Tanguay of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who were on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer assistance, should the organ need it. We are also grateful to Bon Smith for his gracious gift of maintenance for this festival. Alex Belair and Michael Tanguay of Austin Organ Service Company are the regular curators of this instrument. Thanks to Linda Henderson, festival coordinator and associate, for so ably performing the organizational work that made the festival run smoothly and efficiently.

Churches that allowed their instruments to be used for additional practice included Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, the Reverend Scott Lee, rector; First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, Angela Salcedo, director of music ministries; the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, Dr. Ezequiel Menéndez, music director; and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Wethersfield, Melissa Cheyney, organist.

Plans are underway for the 2013 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival, including the opening concert of the festival on Friday evening, September 6 at 7:30 pm. Our 2012 first-place winners, Joseph Russell and Michael Gebhart, will perform in recital on Sunday, June 9, 2013, at 7:00 pm at the First Church of Christ, Wethersfield, Connecticut.

 

Information about the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival and current requirements for the competition are available by telephone at 860/529-1575, ext. 209, by e-mail at [email protected], or by viewing the ASOF website: www.firstchurch.org/ASOF.

 

Photos by David Gilbert

 

Fourteenth Annual Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival

David Spicer

David Spicer began as Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1986. In 1996, he and Dr. Harold Robles founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival. Spicer is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Dr. Alexander McCurdy, and is a graduate of the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. We wish to express our deep gratitude to Frederick Hohman, who has been a judge for these past fourteen years. Fred is resigning from this position. We owe him much for his great insight, guidance, and yes, humor! We shall truly miss him. It speaks volumes about him, and about the festival, that he was willing to invest so much of his time, energy and talents to help encourage so many young organists.

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The fourteenth Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival took place September 9–11 at the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut. The schedule included a competition, concert, worship services, and masterclass. Charles Callahan served as the screening judge for a portion of the applications. Judges for the festival were Michael Barone, Gregory D’Agostino, and Frederick Hohman.

On Friday evening, September 9, the traditional opening concert was held. The service/choral portions were played by the writer:

Andante Espressivo (Sonata in G Major, op. 28), Elgar

Psalm 150, Franck

Hymn: Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (Christ Church, Dirksen)

Kyrie (Messe Solennelle, op. 16), Vierne

He Comes to Us (with text by Albert Schweitzer), Jane Marshall

Go Ye into All the World, Wetzler

Hymn: Let Heaven Rejoice (Rock Harbor), text by Hal M. Helms, tune by Alan MacMillan.

Each of the judges played selections at the Friday evening opening concert: Frederick Hohman, Finlandia, Sibelius; Michael Barone, Souvenir, John Cage, Adagio (Symphony No. 2 in D), Widor; Gregory D’Agostino, Fantasy and Fugue on B-A-C-H, Liszt. Saturday morning, from 10 am to noon, the high school division finalists played the required repertoire. At 2 pm the young professional division finalists were heard. 

 

High school finalists 

Mary Pan: Bach, Trio Sonata No. 4 in E Minor, BWV 528; Widor, Andante Sostenuto (Symphonie Gothique); Vierne, Toccata (Pièces de Fantaisie); hymn, St. Thomas (Williams); hymn, Hamburg.

Jacob Reed: Bach, Trio Sonata No. 1 in E-flat, BWV 525; Widor, Andante Sostenuto (Symphonie Gothique); Messiaen, Joie et Clarté des Corps Glorieux (Les Corps Glorieux); hymn, St. Thomas (Williams); hymn, Ein’ Feste Burg.

 

Young professional finalists 

Justin Maxey: Bach, Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor, BWV 542; Franck, Choral No. 2 in B Minor; Eben, Moto ostinato (Sunday Music); hymn, St. Thomas (Williams); hymn, Diademata.

Ian Tomesch; Bach, Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor, BWV 542; Franck, Choral No. 1 in E Major; Karg-Elert, Jesu, Meine Freude (Drei Symphonische Choräle, op 87/2, I. Inferno); hymn, St. Thomas (Williams); hymn, Slane.

Christopher Ganza: Bach, Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV 532; Franck, Choral No. 1 in E Major; Duruflé, Choral Varié sur le theme du “Veni Creator”; hymn, St. Thomas (Williams); hymn, Eventide.

Immediately afterwards, all finalists and judges had a chance for interaction and discussion over a delicious meal provided by Dana Spicer at the Parish Hall of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Wethersfield. On Sunday, September 11, all finalists played portions of the 8, 9:15, and 11 am worship services, and Frederick Hohman played his version of the Air (from Suite No. 3) by Bach at the 8 am service. At 1:30 pm, a masterclass with the three judges was held. 

 

The judges’ decisions

High school division: first place, Mary Pan from Burlington, Connecticut, student of Patricia Snyder; second place, Jacob Reed from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, student of Wylie S. Quinn III.

Young professional division: first place, Christopher Ganza from Norman, Oklahoma, student of John Schwandt; second place, Ian Tomesch from New Haven, Connecticut, student of Thomas Murray; third place, Justin Maxey from Rochester, New York, student of William Porter.

Leigh and Betty Standish provided the $2,000 award for first prize in the high school division. The young professional division first prize of $3,500 was given by Robert Bausmith and Jill Peters-Gee, M.D. John Gorton and Richard Pilch provided $750 for the David Spicer Hymn Playing Award, which was given to young professional division finalist Justin Maxey. Other prizes and gifts toward the festival—including the high school division second prize of $1,000 and the young professional division second prize of $1,500—came from Marilyn Austin and the Austin family and several individuals in the First Church family.

Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, was on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer assistance, should the organ need it, and provided a gracious gift of tuning and maintenance for the festival. Austin Organ Service Company is the regular curator of this instrument, serviced by Alex Belair and Michael Tanguay.

Thanks go to Linda Henderson, festival coordinator and associate, for so ably performing the organizational work that made the festival run smoothly and efficiently. Churches that allowed their instruments to be used for additional practice were Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, the Reverend Scott Lee, rector; and First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, Angela Salcedo, director of music ministries. 

The 2012 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival will have the following judges for the competition: Faythe Freese, Cherry Rhodes, and Gordon Turk. Plans are underway to feature these organists in the opening concert of the festival on Friday evening, September 7, at 7:30 pm. Information about the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival and current requirements for the competition are available by telephone at 860/529-1575 x209, by e-mail at [email protected], or by viewing the ASOF website.

The 2011 first-place winners, Mary Pan and Christopher Ganza, will perform in recital on Sunday, June 10, 2012, 7 pm, at the First Church of Christ, Wethersfield, Connecticut.

 

Photos by David Gilbert

 

2016 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Hartford

Phillip Truckenbrod

Phillip Truckenbrod recently retired from the agency Phillip Truckenbrod Concert Artists, which he founded 50 years ago this year. He is vice president of the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Hartford.

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Turning nineteen is a pretty awesome event—exploding horizons, new responsibilities, new friends, leaving home for an exciting new place to live, long-held goals coming within range, and dreaming ever bigger for the future.

The nineteen-year-old I want to talk about here left a home of eighteen years in the suburbs to take up residence in the city, and there found new friends, new status, and big new horizons.

But this teenager already has a job, and that job is helping flesh and blood teen-aged and twenty-something organists advance their careers, test their skills against peers, and collect cash prizes. Our teenager’s name is the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Hartford (ASOFH), which offers two competitions, for high school musicians and for “Young Professional” organists, every year with three finalists in each division all winning prizes. The competition is set in a context of two public concerts and other public events.

The nineteenth season in 2016 took place for the first time in Hartford and West Hartford, September 30 to October 2. The competition was held at Trinity College Chapel and other events at the Cathedral of St. Joseph (Catholic), both in Hartford, and at two Episcopal churches in West Hartford.

“What was so wonderful about ASOFH was that it truly was a ‘festival’ rather than ‘get in, play, get out,’ like some other competitions I’ve participated in,” said Joseph (Joey) Fala, a Young Professional finalist in 2016, a member of The Diapason’s 20 under 30 Class of 2016, and now a graduate student at Yale University by way of Honolulu.

“While centered around the contest, the weekend was about more,” he continued, “like celebrating music, the pipe organ, and the legacy of a great humanitarian. I so very much appreciated this emphasis and the effect it had on filling the weekend with an atmosphere of inspiration rather than creating an environment of competition. That was one of my biggest takeaways.”

Here are some of the advances made between season 18 and season 19, all thanks to the hard work of the ASOFH volunteer board of directors.

• A newly added program produced in cooperation with the Albert Schweitzer Institute at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut made its debut, and each year will explore various aspects of the life and work of Schweitzer.

• All prizes were increased and a new one added—a Prize of the Audience.

• The competition took up residence at Trinity College as mentioned above, along with new homes for other events.

• For the first time ASOFH had a professionally designed and printed full color program booklet comprehensive of competition, concerts, symposium, and biographies of participants and competitors.

• Attendance at the two competition sessions gathered record large audiences.

• A recital by the previous year’s two winners was incorporated into the festival itself and brought a healthy audience turn out.

Donors to the festival expanded from individuals to include several local foundations, including that of the Greater Hartford American Guild of Organists chapter.

“My hope is to evolve the festival into a destination event,” says ASOFH president Robert Bausmith, “centered around a world-class competition.”

Destination event? Well, let’s look at 2016. The two-plus day 19th season was attended by organ enthusiasts from at least ten states, just working from memory, plus others from Canada and Europe.

World-class competition? The first winner back in season number one was Paul Jacobs, a rather convincing start. Subsequent winners have included Nathan Laube, Christian Lane, Monica Czausz, Simon Thomas Jacobs, Christopher Houlihan, and Jonathan Ryan.   Ring any bells?

The prize money may have room to grow, but it has steadily increased with every session for years. As an every-year double competition, the ASOFH prize money awarded in a three-year span actually compares favorably with many “bigger prize” triennial competitions—ASOFH just spreads it out and includes more winners.

Bausmith was enthusiastic in assessing growth achieved by the nineteenth season, saying “Support from the Hartford community was overwhelming.”

Competitor Fala agreed. “It was a full-blown extravaganza,” he said. “I really felt a part of something that was ‘a big deal’.”

His fellow Young Professional competitor Collin Boothby, a Texas Christian University graduate student, agreed. “The experience as a whole was a wonderful weekend of making friendships and sharing music together in a beautiful setting.”

Judges for the 2016 session were Isabelle Demers, Faythe Freese, and Christopher Houlihan, who won the ASOFH High School division top prize in 2003. They all agreed that the caliber of the 2016 competitors was very encouraging.

“The contestants were of a very high level—I wish I had been able to play that well when I was a high-schooler,” commented Isabelle Demers.

Faythe Freese summed it up this way, “We heard some remarkable performances from high school and college students alike. If these exciting performances were any indication of the vitality and health of our discipline, then the next decades are in great shape for the world of the pipe organ.”

Here are the 2016 winners:

• Colin MacKnight, New York City, Young Professional Division, First Place and Prize of the Audience

• Collin Boothby, Texas, Young Professional Division, Second Place and Hymn Playing award

• Joey Fala, Connecticut, Young Professional Division Third Place and Hymn Playing award

• Katherine Johnson, North Carolina, High School Division, First Place

• Elena Baquerizo, Florida, High School Division, Second Place

• Martin Jones, New Jersey, High School Division, Third Place and Prize of the Audience and Hymn Playing award

The festival was founded by David Spicer and the then head of the Albert Schweitzer Institute at Quinnipiac, Harold Robles. The first season was held in 1998 at the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut, and continued there through 2015. Spicer continues as artistic director of ASOFH.

“I can’t say enough good about the weekend,” said Joey Fala. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see event attendance grow in the coming years because of the various changes made.”

To learn more and to keep up with the ASOFH, be sure to visit www.
albertschweitzerorganfestival.org.

 

Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival 17th Anniversary

September 5–7, 2014

David Spicer

David Spicer began as Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1986. In 1996, he and Dr. Harold Robles founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival. Spicer is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Dr. Alexander McCurdy, and is a graduate of the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

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To encourage young organists—this has been our raison d’être for the past seventeen years of the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival, something with which all of us in the profession agree.

It was indeed a treat to hear such wonderfully prepared young organists at the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival in September! One can marvel at these students developing their talents and be grateful for their excellent teachers. That, combined with wonderful organ music, set the stage for the seventeenth annual festival. We are grateful to be able to encourage young organists with this competition. We had some wonderful applicants who sent in outstanding CDs. Judges for this year’s festival were Diane Meredith Belcher, Charles Callahan, and Ken Cowan.

On Friday evening, September 5, our traditional opening concert was held. The service/choral portions were played by the author: Andante (Grand Pièce Symphonique, op. 17), Psalm 150, Franck; Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (Christ Church), Dirksen; Kyrie (from Messe Solennelle, op. 16), Vierne; He Comes to Us (text by Albert Schweitzer), Marshall; Go Ye Into All the World, Wetzler; Let Heaven Rejoice (text by Hal M. Helms; tune, Rock Harbor, by Alan MacMillan).

Each of the judges played selections of their own choosing on the Austin organ at the opening event. A video camera, via closed-circuit television, projected a view of the organists in the balcony onto a screen downstairs. The selections were: Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr, BWV 662, Bach, and Passacaglia on a Theme by Dunstable, Weaver, played by Diane Meredith Belcher; Lyric Prelude and Fugue, Callahan, and Risoluto, op. 68, Parker, played by Charles Callahan; Fantasie in F Minor, K. 608, Mozart, played by Ken Cowan.

Saturday morning, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, the high school division finalists played the required repertoire; at 2 p.m. the young professional division finalists were heard. All finalists were required to play the hymn tune St. Thomas (Williams).

The high school division finalists and the works they played were:

Clara Gerdes—Bach, Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, BWV 543; Widor, Adagio (from Symphony No. 5); Messiaen, Transports de Joie (from L’Ascension); hymn, Coronation.

Alexander Pattavina—Bach, Fantasia and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 537; Widor, Meditation (from Symphony No. 1); Langlais, Fête; hymn, Ein’ Feste Burg.

Richard Gress—Bach, Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541; Widor, Andante Cantabile (from Symphony No. 5 in F Minor); Messiaen, Transports de Joie (from L’Ascension); hymn, Veni Creator (1940 Hymnal #217).

The young professional division finalists and the works they played were:

Evan Cogswell—Franck, Choral No. 2 in B Minor; Messiaen, Communion (from Messe de la Pentecôte); Bach, Fantasy and Fugue in G Minor, BWV 542; hymn, Slane.

Brian Glikes—Bach, Trio Sonata No. 5, BWV 529; Franck, Choral No. 2 in B Minor; Messiaen, Offrande et Alléluia final; hymn, Diademata.

Nicholas Quardokus—Bach, Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV 532; Franck, Choral No. 1 in E Major; Vierne, Finale (from Symphonie VI); hymn, Ein’ Feste Burg.

Later that evening, all finalists and judges had a chance for interaction and discussion over a delicious meal provided by Dana Spicer at the Solomon Welles House in Wethersfield.

On Sunday, September 7, the young professional finalists played portions of the 8:45 a.m. worship service. In addition, we thank Ezequiel Menéndez, who invited the finalists to play portions of the 11 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. In Wethersfield at 1:30 p.m., a masterclass with the three judges was held. Many important topics were covered and awards were presented.

 

The judges’ decisions

High school division: first place, Clara Gerdes from Davidson, North Carolina, a student of Alan Morrison at the Curtis Institute of Music; second place, Alexander Pattavina from Stoughton, Massachusetts, a student of Paul Jacobs at the Juilliard School of Music; third place, Richard Gress from Newmarket, New Hampshire, student of Bruce Adami.

Young professional division: first place, Nicholas Quardokus from Bridgeman, Michigan, student of Janette Fishell at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University; second place, Brian Glikes from Rochester, New York, student of David Higgs at the Eastman School of Music; third place, Evan Cogswell from Glastonbury, Connecticut, student of Patricia Snyder, and a recent graduate of the Hartt School of Music.

We are grateful to Robert Bausmith and Jill Peters-Gee, M.D. for giving the young professional division first prize of $3,500; the young professional division second prize of $1,500 came from several individuals in the First Church of Christ community and others. Our thanks to the Helen L. Reinfrank Music Fund for the $2,000 award for first prize in the high school division and to Marilyn Austin and family for the high school division second place prize of $1,000. Thanks go to John Gorton and Richard Pilch for providing $1,000 for the David Spicer Hymn Playing Award, which was given to young professional division finalist Nicholas Quardokus.

Special thanks go to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who was on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer volunteer assistance, should the organ have needed it. Thanks to Linda Henderson, festival coordinator and associate, for so ably performing the organizational work that made the festival run smoothly and efficiently.

Churches that allowed their instruments to be used for additional practice included the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford, Ezequiel Menéndez, director of music; First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, Angela Salcedo, director of music ministries; and Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, the Reverend Lois Keen, interim rector.

We are taking steps to move this festival to a more community-based organization. Robert Bausmith is the chairperson, and a board of directors has been formed; I will remain as the artistic director. We are looking forward to having this wonderful event at alternate sites in the future. In our efforts to make this happen, the two first-place winners, Clara Gerdes (high school division) and Nicholas Quardokus (young professional division) will return to play their recitals at Trinity College Chapel, Hartford, Connecticut, on June 14, 2015, at 7 p.m.

Plans are underway for the 2015 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival September 11–13, 2015. Information about the festival and current competition requirements are available by telephone at 860/529-1575, ext. 209, by e-mail at [email protected], or at the ASOF website: www.firstchurch.org/ASOF. 

Seventh annual Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA

David Spicer

David Spicer began as Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut in 1986. In 1996 he and Dr. Harold Robles founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA. Spicer is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Dr. Alexander McCurdy, and of the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

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From September 10-12, 2004, the seventh annual Albert
Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA was held at the First Church of Christ,
Congregational, in Wethersfield, Connecticut. This year two finalists for the
High School Division and four for the Young Professional Division were chosen
to come to Wethersfield and compete.

Finalists for the High School Division were Lily I. Ardalan
from St. Paul, Minnesota and Nathan J. Laube from Gurnee, Illinois. The Young
Professional Division finalists were Adam J. Brakel from Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania; Julia C. Howell from Red Lion, Pennsylvania; Scott Myers from
Doylestown, Pennsylvania; and M. Jonathan Ryan from Charlotte, North Carolina.

The three adjudicators were Cherry Rhodes from Pasadena,
California; John Rose from Hartford, Connecticut; and Frederick Hohman from
South Bend, Indiana, recently named a permanent adjudicator for this
competition.

Finalists began arriving in Wethersfield on Tuesday,
September 7. Each was allowed 41⁄2 hours of practice time on the Austin
pipe organ, Opus 2403, in the church’s historic Meetinghouse. Friday
morning, a tour of the factory of Austin Organs, Inc. in nearby Hartford was
given for the finalists. Friday evening the opening Celebration Concert began
with the Andante from Franck’s Grande Pièce Symphonique
style='font-style:normal'>, played by David Spicer, organist/choirmaster. The
First Church Choirs sang
Psalm 150
by Franck and He Comes to Us by Jane Marshall (text from
The Quest
for the Historical Jesus
by Dr. Albert
Schweitzer) as well as
Go Ye into All the World
style='font-style:normal'> by Robert Wetzler. Dr. Schweitzer’s missionary
work in Africa was underscored by African drumming by costumed drummers
Abubaker and Babafemi (Alvin Carter, Sr. and Alvin Carter, Jr.). Two hymns that
have become a tradition at this opening concert were sung with much enthusiasm
:
Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
by
Richard W. Dirksen (tune: Christ Church) and
Let Heaven Rejoice
style='font-style:normal'> by Hal M. Helms (text) and Alan MacMillan (music)
(tune: Rock Harbor).

The three judges were the featured performers for this concert.
Cherry Rhodes played Toccata and Fugue in d minor (BWV 565) by Bach; John Rose played Prélude, Fugue et
Variation
, op. 18 by Franck; Frederick
Hohman played
Allegro vivace--Theme with Variations
style='font-style:normal'> (from
Symphony No. 5
style='font-style:normal'>, op. 42, no. 1) by Widor. Finalists and judges were
introduced to all those in attendance.

The required repertoire for the high school competition
included a work by Johann Sebastian Bach (8-12 minutes in length), a slow
movement from one of the Widor symphonies, and a work written after 1885
(3-8 minutes), plus two hymns: I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord
style='font-style:normal'> (St. Thomas) and one selected from a prescribed
list.

Young Professional Division required repertoire included the
same hymn requirements and an extended Bach work selected from a list including
prelude and fugues and trio sonatas, one of the three Franck Chorals, and a
work written by a composer born after 1885 (5-8 minutes in length).

First place winner in the High School Division was Nathan
Laube, who is 16 years old and is attending The Curtis Institute of Music,
studying under Alan Morrison. Before moving to Philadelphia, Nathan studied
organ with Dr. Beth Naegele at the Chicago Academy for the Arts. Second place
was Lily Ardalan who is studying at The Juilliard School under Paul Jacobs. Her
former teachers include Nancy Lancaster and Dean Billmeyer.

First place winner in the Young Professional (college through
age 26) was M. Jonathan Ryan, 22 years old, who is studying at the Eastman
School of Music under David Higgs. Previous organ teachers include André
Lash, Dr. Joyce Jones, and Todd Wilson. Second place was awarded to Scott
Myers, a student of Alan Morrison at The Curtis Institute of Music. During his
high school years, Scott studied with the late Robert Murphy at the Interlochen
Arts Academy in Michigan. Two third place awards were given: to Adam Brakel, a
student of Dr. John Walker at Duquesne University, and to Julia Howell, a
student of Dr. Delbert Disselhorst at the University of Iowa. Before attending
Duquesne, Adam was a student of Dr. William Lindberg. Julia studied at Lebanon
Valley College with Dr. Shelly Moorman-Stahlman.

We are grateful to the following for providing the funds for
the awards for this 2004 competition: College/Young Professional Division first
prize of $3500 provided by Patrick J. Murphy & Associates, Inc. Organ
Builders; second prize of $1000 provided by Betty Willard and David A. Smith;
third prizes, two gifts of $500 provided by the Hartford AGO Chapter. High
School Division first prize of $1500 provided by Ahlborn-Galanti Organs; second
prize of $500 provided by Karen Franzen in memory of Freida Mehre
(1905-2003); judges’ awards provided by Fleet Bank of Hartford,
Connecticut, and Dr. William Zeller in memory of Mr. Arthur Andrews, Julia and
Arleigh Green, and Mary Shonk Zeller.

The Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA 2004 was made
possible by generous gifts provided by Jenny Fong, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kelly,
Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Mellen, Mr. David Rieck, The Helen L. Reinfrank Music Fund,
Mr. Jason Solomonides, Mr. and Mrs. Leigh Standish, and Mr. Symond Yavener.

We are indebted to the following churches for allowing their
organs to be used for additional practice: Trinity Episcopal Church,
Wethersfield (Bruce Henley, organist/choirmaster); Sacred Heart Roman Catholic
Church, Wethersfield (Father Thomas Campion, Thaddeus Terzo,
organist/choirmaster and Robert and Geri Cashman); St. Joseph’s
Cathedral, Hartford (Ezequiel Menendez, organist/choirmaster); and Christ
Church Cathedral, Hartford (Canon James Barry, organist and choirmaster).

Sunday morning, all finalists shared in playing portions of
the worship services. At 4:00 p.m., first place winners Nathan Laube and M.
Jonathan Ryan played a recital from portions of their competition repertoire.
All awards were presented to the finalists at the start of the recital. Nathan
Laube then played the first movement from Symphonie Romane
style='font-style:normal'> by Widor,
Fantasy and Fugue in g minor
style='font-style:normal'>, BWV 542, by Bach, Andante Sostenuto (from
Symphonie
Gothique
) by Widor, and Fugue on
the name Alain
by Duruflé. M.
Jonathan Ryan played
Miroir by Ad
Wammes,
Prelude and Fugue in a minor,
BWV 543, by Bach,
Toccata by
Monnikendam, and “The World Awaiting the Saviour” (from
Passion
Symphony
, op. 23) by Dupré. The
recital also included the hymn
St. Thomas.

Special thanks go to Gordon Auchincloss, who was on hand
throughout the Saturday competition to offer assistance should the organ need
it, and to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who
graciously gave the gift of tuning for this festival.

Our thanks to Nancy Andersen, festival coordinator; Karen
Franzen, administrative assistant; Betty Standish and Nancy Moodie, ASOF/USA
committee co-chairs for so ably performing the organizational work that made
the ASOF/USA 2004 run smoothly and efficiently. A special note of thanks to
Dana Spicer and Mainly Tea of Wethersfield, which provided a reception for the
three judges on Friday evening, and a wonderful dinner for finalists and judges
on Saturday evening.

The eighth annual Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA will
be held September 9-11, 2005. For information:  860/529-1575 x209;

<[email protected]>;

<www.firstchurch.org/ASOF&gt;.

Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Thirteenth Anniversary

David Spicer

David Spicer began as Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1986. In 1996 he and Dr. Harold Robles founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival. Spicer is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Dr. Alexander McCurdy, and is a graduate of the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

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It hardly seems possible that thirteen
years have gone by since we began the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival! We have experienced outstanding applicants, who reflected superb teaching, outstanding adjudicators, and a remarkable and consistent high level of music making. Beautiful New England weather gave an idyllic setting for the festival.
On Friday evening, September 10, the opening concert was held. David Spicer played the service/choral portions:
Prayer (Larghetto) from Serenade for Strings, Elgar, transcribed by David Spicer
Psalm 150, César Franck
Hymn: Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (Christ Church), Richard Dirksen
Kyrie (from Messe Solennelle, op. 16), Vierne
Agnus Dei (Missa Brevis), McNeil Robinson
He Comes to Us (with text by Albert Schweitzer), Jane Marshall
Go Ye into All the World, Robert Wetzler
Hymn: Let Heaven Rejoice (Rock Harbor), text by Hal M. Helms, tune by Alan MacMillan
The three judges were each invited to play a selection of their own choosing. One of the original judges, Joyce Jones, was unable to attend. David Enlow agreed to be her replacement. The artists’ playing from the balcony was projected onto a screen downstairs in the historic Meetinghouse. Frederick Hohman played the Toccata (from Suite, op. 5) by Maurice Duruflé. Charles Callahan played Praeludium in A Minor by Clarence Eddy, and his own compositions: Prelude on a Theme of Gustav Holst (world premiere) and The Rejoicing. David Enlow then played his own transcription of La forza del destino: Overture by Giuseppe Verdi.
Saturday morning, from 9 to noon, the three high school division finalists played the required repertoire. At 2 pm, the young professional division finalists were heard. The combined repertoire of these six finalists included: hymn tunes St. Thomas (Williams), Hamburg, Ein’ feste Burg, and Slane; Bach: Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor, BWV 542, Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV 532, Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541, Trio Sonata No. 4 in E Minor, BWV 528, and Trio Sonata No. 1 in E-flat, BWV 525; Widor: Andante Cantabile from Symphonie No. 4 in F, Choral from Symphonie Romane, and Prelude from Symphony No. 2 in D Major; Franck: Choral No. 1 in E Major and Choral No. 3 in A Minor; Dupré: Prelude and Fugue in B Major, op. 7, and Ave Maris Stella from Vèpres du Commun, op. 18; Vierne: Toccata in B-flat Minor; Langlais: Te Deum from Three Gregorian Paraphrases; Paulus: As if the Whole Creation Cried; and Messiaen: Messe de la Pentecôte – Communion “Les oiseaux et les sources” and Sortie “Le vent de l’Esprit.” Immediately afterwards, all finalists and judges had a chance for interaction and discussion over a delicious meal provided by Dana Spicer at the historic Solomon Welles House down the street from the Meetinghouse.
On Sunday, September 12, all finalists played portions of the 8:00, 9:15, and 11:00 am worship services. At 1:30 pm, a masterclass with judges Callahan and Hohman was held. Many topics were covered, and awards were presented.
High school division, first place: Christopher Holman from Thomasboro, Illinois, student of Dana Robinson. Second place: Janet Yieh from Alexandria, Virginia, student of Dr. John Walker. Third place: Donald VerKuilen from Appleton, Wisconsin, student of Frank Rippl.
Young professional division, first place: Simon Thomas Jacobs from Greenwich, Connecticut. Second place: Dana Steele from Washington, West Virginia, student of Todd Wilson. Third place: Brandon Santini from Weymouth, Massachusetts, previously studied with David Higgs at Eastman School of Music.
We are very grateful to Dr. John Weaver for serving as the screening judge for initial recorded examples of these organists and other applicants.
We are also grateful to Leigh and Betty Standish for the $2,000 award for first prize in the high school division. The young professional division first prize of $3,500 was given by Robert Bausmith and Jill Peters-Gee, M.D. Thanks goes to John Gorton and Richard Pilch for providing $750 for the David Spicer Hymn Playing Award, which was awarded to high school division finalist Christopher Holman. Other prizes and gifts toward the festival—including the high school division second prize of $1,000 and the young professional division second prize of $1,500—came from Marilyn Austin and the Austin family and several individuals in the First Church family. We also thank Dr. Paul Bender for his gift to this festival.
Special thanks go to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who was on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer assistance, should the organ need it, as well as his gracious gift of tuning and maintenance for this festival. Austin Organ Service Company is the regular curator of this instrument, serviced by Alex Belair and Michael Tanguay. Our thanks to Linda Henderson, festival coordinator and associate, for so ably performing the organizational work that made the festival run smoothly and efficiently.
Churches that allowed their instruments to be used for additional practice were: Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield (Bruce Henley, organist-choirmaster); Rocky Hill Congregational Church, Rocky Hill (William Kanute, director of music); First Church of Christ, Glastonbury (Angela Salcedo, director of music ministries); St. James’ Episcopal Church (James Barry, minister of music); Trinity College, Hartford (John Rose, organist); Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford (Dr. Ezequiel Menéndez, music director); and Bethany Covenant Church, Berlin (Olga Ljungholm, minister of music). We are grateful to these churches who also made their instruments available: St. John’s Episcopal, West Hartford (Peter Stoltzfus Berton, music director); Asylum Hill Congregational Church (Dan Campolieta, organist); and St. James’s Episcopal Church, West Hartford (Jason Roberts, organist-choirmaster).
We are pleased to announce that the 2011 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival will have the following judges for the competition: Gregory D’Agostino, Frederick Hohman, and Michael Barone. Plans are underway to feature these organists in the opening concert of the festival on Friday evening, September 9 at 7:30 pm. The ASOF committee is hoping to invite six qualified young organists to compete in the two divisions on Saturday, September 10.
Our 2010 first-place winners, Christopher Holman and Simon Thomas Jacobs, will perform in recital on Sunday, June 12, 2011, at 7 pm at the First Church of Christ, Wethersfield, Connecticut.

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