Justin Hartz will perform a recital on an Estey Reed Organ Model “T”, 2 manuals and pedal c. 1915 on Friday, October 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton. The Estey Reed Organ, currently in use at St. Luke’s is on loan to the church through the generosity of the Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite Cathedral Association of Scranton and its affiliated lodges and members.

Works will include compositions for organ by Byrd, Zundel, Vierne, Liszt, Frank, and an American composition “The Thunderstorm” by Thomas Philando Ryder.

Justin Hartz, a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was educated at Westminster Choir College and earned his M.M from the Juilliard School. He has been an E.Power Bigs Fellow of the Organ Historical Society, and since 1989 has been playing popular Christmas Carol sing-alongs and recitals on the 10,010 Aeolian pipe organ at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. His recordings include “HARTZ AND FLOWERS”, recorded at Longwood Gardens, and “DECK THE HALLS”, recorded on the E.M. Skinner pipe organ at Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina.

Having a life-long interest in historical keyboard instruments, Justin Hartz enjoys selecting music which displays the unique characteristics of each one. Mr. Hartz’s interest in organs by the Estey Organ Company goes back to his high school years, when he purchased a two manual and pedal reed organ similar to the one to be featured in this performance.

Stefan Kiessling, assistant organist at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, Germany, will perform a recital at St. Stephen’s Church, Pro-Cathedral for the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, 35 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre on Friday, September 29 at 7:30 p.m. An offering of $15 per person ($10 for students and seniors) is suggested.

The recital will feature works by Bach and Mendelssohn, along with Max Reger’s thrilling Fantasy on Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott (A mighty fortress is our God) in commemoration of the five hundredth anniversary of the Reformation.

Mr. Kiessling is an internationally known concert organist, having been invited to perform recitals and give masterclasses across Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States. As assistant organist at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, Germany, Kiessling provides liturgical music, performs recitals, and assists with the church’s boys choir and Gewandhaus Orchestra. The church has a long history of distinguished musicians: Johann Sebastian Bach served there as Kapellmeister from 1723 until his death in 1750.

The recital is being sponsored jointly by Music from St. Stephen’s and the Pennsylvania Northeast Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

The pipe organ has been called the “King of Instruments.” The sounds of the pipe organ have inspired worshippers for centuries. Great composers have written countless works for the instrument. Pipe organs have been installed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls and theaters. The American Guild of Organists is passionate about the pipe organ and we want to share our love with a new generation.

Join us on Sunday, April 30 at Elm Park United Methodist Church in Scranton from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. for Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza. Participants will receive a behind the scenes tour of the instrument in addition to a chance to play it themselves (and eat some pizza!). All are welcome to attend. Students currently studying the piano are encouraged to bring a piece to play on the organ.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR PEDALS, PIPES, AND PIZZA!

The Pennsylvania Northeast AGO Chapter is sponsoring a Clergy & Musician Relations Workshop at St. Stephen’s Church, Pro-Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, 35 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 9:30 am. Continental breakfast will be available at 9:00 am and the workshop will conclude with Noonday Prayer.

The featured presenter will be the Rev. Dr. Victoria Sirota, an Episcopal priest, lecturer, organist, and author of Preaching to the Choir: Claiming the Role of Sacred Musician. The Rev. Dr. Sirota holds degrees from Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Boston University, and Harvard Divinity School, and has taught at Yale Divinity School, Yale Institute of Sacred Music, The Ecumenical Institute of Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary and University, and Boston University. She is currently Priest-in-Charge at Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Yonkers, New York.

The workshop is free and open to the public. Organists, choir directors, church musicians, Parish Council, Consistory, and Vestry members, and clergy of all denominations are  welcome and encouraged to attend. To register, please call 570-301-9253 or email dean@agopane.org before February 27.

The pipe organ has been called the “King of Instruments.” The sounds of the pipe organ have inspired worshippers for centuries. Great composers have written countless works for the instrument. Pipe organs have been installed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls and theaters. The American Guild of Organists is passionate about the pipe organ and we want to share our love with a new generation.

Join us on Sunday, November 13 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Pittston from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. for Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza. Participants will receive a behind the scenes tour of the instrument in addition to a chance to play it themselves (and eat some pizza!). All are welcome to attend. Students currently studying the piano are encouraged to bring a piece to play on the organ

TO REGISTER FOR PEDALS, PIPES, AND PIZZA, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

On Sunday, 6 December 2015 at 3:00 PM, the Cathedral Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Peter V. Picerno, will present a Festival of Lessons and Carols for Advent. Scripture, solos, hymns, and anthems will mark the liturgical season of Advent in preparation for Christmas. There is ample parking surrounding St Stanislaus Cathedral which is located at 529 East Locust St. in Scranton. The Festival is open to the public regardless of church affiliation.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2015, 7:30PM

INAUGURAL RECITAL BY KEN COWAN

Ken Cowan, one of North America’s finest concert organists, presents the new 101 rank Glück, opus 20 pipe organ in concert for the very first time. Praised by audiences and critics alike for his dazzling artistry, impeccable technique and imaginative programming, he maintains a rigorous performing schedule which takes him to major concert venues in America, Canada, Europe, and Asia. www.OrganistKenCowan.com

“… one of the most outstanding young organists on the scene today. His unassuming manner and his sure and relaxed technique hide a fiery yet totally musical approach to organ playing.” – The Diapason

Tickets: $20 general admission; $15 for students/seniors

 THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016, 7:30PM

RICHARD ELLIOTT IN CONCERT

Richard Elliott is Principal Organist of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City, where he participates in the daily recital series on the 206-rank Æolian-Skinner organ and accompanies the choir on its weekly radio and TV broadcast, Music and the Spoken Word. Elliott has performed in many of the world’s great halls and appeared on numerous television and radio programs, including the NBC Today Show, the CBS Morning Show, CBS Sunday Morning, and A Prairie Home Companion. http://www.MormonTabernacleChoir.org.

Tickets: $20 general admission; $15 for students/seniors

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016, 7:30PM

DIANE BISH IN CONCERT

Diane Bish is one of the most visible and influential classical organists performing today. Concert and recording artist, composer, conductor, and international television personality, Diane Bish displays her dazzling virtuosity and unique showmanship the world over to international acclaim. Her acclaimed international television series, The Joy of Music, has served since 1982 to broaden appreciation for “the king of instruments.” The Joy of Music combines exhilarating organ and ensemble performances with an informative, inspirational narrative and exciting world travel. www.TheJoyofMusic.org.

Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 for students/seniors

For more information, visit www.marblechurch.org.

Are you looking for some new organ repertoire? Would you like to browse through boxes of organ and choral music and take what you like for free? Do you have repertoire to share, perhaps a set of anthems your choir no longer sings or a book of organ voluntaries that are not applicable to your current situation and want to find it a new home?

Join members of the Pennsylvania Northeast AGO chapter for a Music Swap at Church of Christ Uniting, 190 South Sprague Avenue in Kingston, on Sunday, October 11, 2015 between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Please spread the word and invite organists, piano teachers, choir directors, etc.

Chapter Members and friends are invited to dinner at a local restaurant after the Music Swap. Please RSVP by October 4. Call Raphael Micca, Dean, at 570-301-9253 or email dean@agopane.org.