Music From The Tower

Episode 54 features two of St. Louis Missouri’s finest musicians.  Both have been long-time friends of our host, John Romeri, from his days at St. Louis Cathedral.  In recent years they have formed a partnership that is unbeatable and through that collaboration have produced concerts and CD recordings that are top-notch!! Scott is a native St. Louisan and has been singing since the age of 8, beginning his singing career in the Cathedral of St. Louis Pontifical Boys Choir. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Fine and Performing Arts/Music and Theatre from St. Louis University, and has studied voice with Christine Armistead at Washington University. He currently serves as Principal Tenor for the American Kantorei in Concordia Seminary's Bach at the SemConcert Series. Scott is the Executive Director of St. Louis Cathedral Concerts. Since 1993 Scott has served as the Tenor section leader for the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis Choir and Archdiocesan Choir of St. Louis. He also serves as cantor for the Cathedral Parish, as well as at major Archdiocesan events. He was a cantor/soloist for 100,000+ in attendance and a worldwide television broadcast audience for the Papal Mass in St. Louis, Missouri in 1999. He has toured as soloist throughout the United States, Italy, England, Germany, and Austria. His performances have included Verdi’s Requiem in Rome, Italy; Hector Berlioz’s Te Deum in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, and numerous performances of Handel’s Messiah. He has also performed with Union Avenue Opera and the St. Louis Muny. John Powell Walsh began piano and organ lessons in elementary school and has had a love affair with music ever since.  Continuing his education through graduate school and even the Haarlem International Academy for Organists in the Netherlands.  John is one of the most prominent church musicians in St. Louis.  He was one of the Papal Organists for the Visit of John Paul II to St. Louis.  He is featured with numerous musical organizations in St. Louis from the Bach Society to the Ronald Arnatt Chorale.  He was the founder of The Archangel Players, The St. Cecilia Consort and the St. Louis Hills Arts Council.  He is presently the Organist for the St. Louis Abbey and Priory School. Enjoy these two amazing musicians as they tell of their extraordinary lives as church musicians.  Listen to music from their two latest CD’s. To purchase these or any of their CD’s      https://www.scottkennebeck.com/buy-cd  MUSIC: The Bells of St. Mary’s   A. Emmett Adams   CD: Angels Bending Near The Earth MUSIC: Still Still Still   German Carol arr. Philip Ledge  CD: Angels Bending Near The Earth MUSIC:  Birthday of a King  William H. Neidlinger  CD: Angels Bending Near The Earth MUSIC: Little Boy Blue  Reginald de Koven  CD: Words to Music: Songs of Eugene Field MUSIC:  Virgin Slumber Song   Max Reger  CD: Angels Bending Near The Earth Original Air date  Saturday, December 15, 2018  

Listen to a fascinating visit with a composer who has written music for Popes, Dioceses, Cathedrals, famous Choirs, Colleges, and Concert Halls.  Paul Gibson was born in Sacramento, California. A few years later, his family moved to the small village of Chitray, France, near the airbase at Châteauroux where his father worked for the U.S. Air Force. Gibson experienced his first liturgical music – Latin hymns and chants – in the local parish church.   He received degrees in composition from Mount St. Mary’s University (Los Angeles) and California State University, Northridge. He studied with Matt Doran, Frank Campo, Aurelio de la Vega, Ian Krouse, and John Harbison. Gibson was commissioned to arrange hymns for the visit of Pope John Paul II to L.A. Publisher G.I.A. released A Mass of Life, a critically acclaimed CD of his sacred music. He took part in the first Composers Symposium at the Oregon Bach Festival, where three of his works were performed.For its 15th anniversary, the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus commissioned Suite: Alice Through a Looking-Glass. Commissioned by Loyola Marymount University for the Golden Jubilee of the choral program founded by the late Paul Salamunovich, Gibson’s Te Deum for chorus and orchestra was premiered at LMU under Dr. Mary Breden. The following year saw his music in first performances at Carnegie Hall and St. Olaf College. This award-winning composer’s music has been broadcast on hundreds of radio stations and received performances by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, three Grammy-winning choruses: Los Angeles Chamber Singers, the Kansas City Chorale, and the Phoenix Chorale, and many others. He is published by Alliance, ECS, Fatrock Ink, G.I.A., Morningstar, and OCP.  http://paulgibsonmusic.com MUSIC: Salve Regina  Paul Gibson  recorded by Zephyr MUSIC:  May God Bless Us   Paul Gibson  recorded by Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller, conductor MUSIC:  Dona Nobis Pacem  Paul Gibson   LA Children’s Chorus, Anne Tomlinson, conductor MUSIC:  The Love of Our Creator  Paul Gibson   recorded in Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Portland, OR for OCP                  Commissioned by the Diocese of Orange for the installation of Bishop Tod David Brown.  Premiered by Matt Gray at Holy Family Cathedral MUSIC: Te Deum: 7. Alleluia. Amen.  Paul Gibson  Loyola Marymount University Choruses and Orchestra, Mary Breden, conductor Original air date Saturday, November 3, 2018  

Enjoy a delightful conversation with this young Organ Superstar, Lukas Hasler.  Born in 1996, he is certainly one of the youngest touring concert artists in the pipe organ world. He is still currently studying organ at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, Austria and cultural management at the University of Hamburg, Germany. In addition to his participation in the opening ceremony of the Salzburg Festival, he has already performed at the Tyrolean Festival Erl as well as at the International Organ Festival in Düsseldorf. Lukas has won the “Prima la musica” competition for organ twice. The second time, he also won the “Bärenreiter-Special” prize for his interpretation of a work by J. S. Bach. A year later, “Jugend komponiert”, a competition for young composers, named Lukas as a finalist for his piano and violin suites. The 22-year-old organist, composer and choral conductor has attended master classes with Jean Guillou, Ton Koopman, Ludger Lohmann and Skip Sempé.  Lukas is gaining recognition for his colourful and passionate musicality. He has performed many organ recitals in Austria, as well as internationally in Germany, France, Israel, the United Kingdom and the United States. For this year alone, his plans include performances in Los Angeles, Paris and Moscow.  We caught up with him on his latest tour in Los Angeles. You will love hearing his fascinating story as well as his artistry on the organ.     www.LukasHasler.com MUSIC: Prelude and Fugue on BACH. Franz Liszt MUSIC:  Fugue in d minor  Felix Mendelssohn MUSIC:  Sonata No. III movement II.  Felix Mendelssohn MUSIC:  Prelude and Fugue in F major.   Dietrich Buxtehude MUSIC:  Introduction and Passacaglia  Max Reger Original air date Saturday, October 20, 2018

Now just one year after taking the reins of the Pacific Chorale, Rob Istad returns to MUSIC FROM THE TOWER to tell us of the adventures of his first year as Artistic Director and Conductor, especially the excitement of performing with our Pacific Symphony at Carnegie Hall in New York City.  Dr. Istad fills us in on the exciting season about to begin.  This year, preparing 6 concerts with the Pacific Chorale, Rob has an amazing season planned. It is one of the biggest ever, and that does not even count the 5 concerts they also perform with the Pacific Symphony.  They are even combining with the LA Master Chorale for an unbelievable performance of the Mahler Symphony No. 8.   They open with the epic Oratorio, “The Creation” by Franz Joseph Haydn.  Hear several excerpts on today’s program as Rob takes us inside the wonderful work.   Marvel at this superb musician as you hear just how hard he works to ensure that Orange County and all of Southern California enjoy great music in live performance.  It is not too late to get season tickets.  Check out all of the details at https://www.pacificchorale.org All of the Music today is from THE CREATION by Franz Joseph Haydn  Handel and Haydn Society, Harry Christophers, Conductor.  It is available on I-Tunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/haydn-the-creation/1033661433 MUSIC:  Part 1 No. 2. In the Beginning MUSIC:  Part 1 No. 14. The Heavens are Telling of the Glory of God MUSIC:  Part 2  No. 2. Strait Opening her Fertile Womb MUSIC: Part 1  No. 9  With Verdure Clad the Fields MUSIC: Part 3  No. 13  Praise the Lord, Ye Voices All! Original air date Saturday, October 27, 2018

One of the finest and busiest Music Educators in the country is Mr. Scott Melvin.  With award winning choirs who have traveled extensively, he is now the Executive Director of Performing Arts at Mater Dei High School.  Hear first-hand from this extraordinary musician and educator all about his passion for what he does and where he get the motivation to keep it all going.   Mr. Melvin is a graduate of the Chapman University School of Music and is pursuing his MALA (Masters of Arts Administration and Leadership at Colorado State University. As a graduate student at CSULB, Mr. Melvin directed the Men’s Chorale as well as teaching beginning theory. As a faculty member at Chapman University, Mr. Melvin has directed the University Chorale and Men’s Chorale. In addition, Mr. Melvin is the Director of Music at Christ Our Savior Catholic Parish in Santa Ana, the Choir Director for Sts Simon and Jude Parish in Huntington Beach, CA, and is a frequent clinician throughout the Southern California area. Mr. Melvin is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, International Federation of Choral Music, Music Educators National Conference, California Music Educators Association, Chorus America, and the National Association of Church Music. He lives in Southern California with his wife, Debbie, and their three daughters, Emmerly, Nola and Aveline. MUSIC: Hosanna   Brent Pierce     Mater Dei Chamber Singers    Scott Melvin, Conductor MUSIC:  Sing Me To Heaven  Daniel Gawthrop   Mater Dei Chamber Singers    Scott Melvin, Conductor MUSIC:  Daniel Servant of the Lord  Stacey Gibbs  Mater Dei Chamber Singers    Scott Melvin, Conductor MUSIC:  Mata Del Anima Sola  Antonio Estévez  Mater Dei Chamber Singers    Scott Melvin, Conductor  Andrea Estrada, soloist MUSIC:  Praise his Holy Name  Kieth Hampton  Mater Dei Chamber Singers and Women’s Ensemble    Scott Melvin, Conduct Original Air date Saturday, November 17, 2018 

Guest Host David Ball takes us on a musical journey of Marian Music - from some of the oldest written hymns to classic Romantic-era solo works to well-known choral settings. Joining David is composer and friend of the show Daniel Ficarri. A recent graduate of the Juilliard School in New York, Daniel Ficarri speaks from the heart of a composer about the inspiring nature of Marian texts, and shares with us his own Ave Maria - a radio premiere and exclusive to Music from the Tower! Featured alongside Ficarri’s stunning new Ave Maria are classics including the Schubert, Bach-Gounod, and Biebl settings; and some lesser-known, yet equally gorgeous settings by living composers Anna Jacobs, Cecilia McDowall, James Biery, and John Rutter. Originally aired on live radio Saturday May 30, 2020.

Guest Host David Ball takes us on a musical journey of Marian Music - from some of the oldest written hymns to classic Romantic-era solo works to well-known choral settings. Joining David is composer and friend of the show Daniel Ficarri. A recent graduate of the Juilliard School in New York, Daniel Ficarri speaks from the heart of a composer about the inspiring nature of Marian texts, and shares with us his own Ave Maria - a radio premiere and exclusive to Music from the Tower! Featured alongside Ficarri’s stunning new Ave Maria are classics including the Schubert, Bach-Gounod, and Biebl settings; and some lesser-known, yet equally gorgeous settings by living composers Anna Jacobs, Cecilia McDowall, James Biery, and John Rutter. Original Air date, May 30, 2020

Four Cathedral Musicians talk about what it was like to prepare for Holy Week, Triduum and Easter Sunday without congregations, without instrumentalists, with a limited number of singers and in some cases just an organ and cantor.  The Corona virus has given the church an Easter like none of us have ever experienced before.  Enjoy this fascinating look into the planning (and replanning) that it took to make Easter 2020 come alive in four of the nations most important cathedrals: GUESTS: Christ Cathedral, Orange California   Dr. John A Romeri, Director of Music and David L. Ball, Assistant Director of Music and Cathedral Organist  ChristCathedralMusic.org Christ Our Light Cathedral, Oakland California  Dr. Rudy De Vos, Director of Music and Organist ctlcathedral.org St. Thomas More Cathedral, Arlington Virginia  Dr. Richard Gibala, Director of Music and Organist cathedralstm.org The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC  Dr. Peter Latona, Director of Music and Organist nationalshrine.org MUSIC:  Haec Dies   John Shepherd  (1515 - 1558)   Christ Cathedral (7 singers)  John Romeri, conductor MUSIC:  Alleluia   Randall Thompson   Christ Our Light Cathedral  (8 singers)  Rudy De Vos, conductor MUSIC:  The Lord Will Reign Forever   James Biery  St. Thomas More Cathedral  (recorded before Corona with their Cathedral Choir) Richard Gibala, conductor MUSIC:  Christ our Passover, Peter Latona  The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception  (5 singers)  Peter Latona, conductor MUSIC:  In The Father’s Glory  Peter Latona The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception  (5 singers)  Peter Latona, conductor ARTICLE:   The Music of the Easter Season: Adapting to the Challenges of Coronavirus   Dr. Peter Latona Original air date:  April 25, 2020

Hear fascinating stories of the days when "Hazel" was being created. Find out just who was the actual Hazel Wright and about her role in bringing about this great instrument.  Hear all about how they acquired the Aeolian-Skinner organ from Philharmonic Hall in New York and even about a special “Hour of Power” which was held in Philharmonic Hall to celebrate receiving this great pipe organ.  This episode is filled with lots of memories of the putting together of the Arboretum’s large Ruffatti pipe organ, combining it with the Philharmonic organ and even some pipes from USC.  It is wonderful to hear all of this history from the two that made it all happen. It is getting exciting to know that “Hazel” will be back playing in under two years.  MUSIC:  Concerto in A Minor  (I. Allegro)  Vivaldi/Bach     Richard Unfried, organist MUSIC:  All Creatures of Our God and King   arr. Richard Unfried         Richard Unfried, organist   MUSIC:  Trumpet Tune   Fred Swann     Fred Swann, organist MUSIC:  Heraldings   Robert Hebble    Fred Swann, organist Original air date.   January 13, 2018   

Hear from one of the country’s finest Children's Choir Directors and Music Educators about the importance of children singing and learning music. Patrick Flahive is one of the most experienced musicians teaching children in the United States.  As an educator and church musician, he knows first-hand that great adult choirs and singing congregations of adults flourish in parishes where there are children's choirs.  Enjoy exploring Patrick's own musical story which led him to be the National President of the American Federation of Pueri Cantores, the official Roman Catholic international organization for Children's Choirs.  Hear about his 19 years as president and the many festivals and tours which he took with his own choir, Pueri Cantores of San Gabriel Valley.  Patrick works with us here at Christ Cathedral and will be directing our Preparatory Choir for the Diocesan Children's Choir of Orange, he works as the Children’s Chorus Master for the annual Cathedral Opera Production mounted by LA Opera at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels’, and has numerous choirs at his parish in Covina. Pueri Cantores San Gabriel Valley:  http://puericantoressgv.org Their Christmas Concert is Sunday, December 17 at Sacred Heart Church in Covina.  7:30 PM The next One-Act Opera at the LA Cathedral, “Jonah and the Whale” will be March 16-17, 2018   MUSIC:  Welcome Yole  (Ceremony of Carols) Benjamin Britten   PCSGV Choir, Patrick Flahive, Conductor MUSIS:  Deo Gracias  (Ceremony of Carols) Benjamin Britten   PCSGV Choir, Patrick Flahive, Conductor MUSIC:  Deck The Halls  English Carol  PCSGV Choir, Patrick Flahive, Conductor MUSIC:  This Little Babe  (Ceremony of Carols) Benjamin Britten   PCSGV Choir, Patrick Flahive, Conductor MUSIC:  Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree  Elizabeth Poston  PCSGV Choir, Patrick Flahive, Conductor MUSIC: Jingles Bells    James Lord Pierpont  PCSGV Choir, Patrick Flahive, Conductor Original air date   December 2, 2017     

Enjoy a fascinating visit with one of America's most sought-after organ performers, Dr. Isabele Demers. With both a Masters and Doctorate from the famed Julliard School, and a student of Paul Jacobs, Isabelle has performed concerts around the world, at one National Convention of Organists after the other. This Canadian-born superstar came to the organ as a way to pay for her piano lessons!! Hear about her start into music and her journey into being a master teacher and concert artist in her own right. It is a wonderful visit with one of America's great artists. MUSIC:  Prelude and Fugue BWV 532   Johann S. Bach     Isabele Demers, Organist MUSIC:  Hallelujah, Gott zu loben    Max Reger     Isabele Demers, Organist MUSIC:  Romeo and Juliet Organ Suite: No. 5, Balcony Scene     Isabele Demers, Organist MUSIC:  Symphony No. 1  (IV. Toccata)   Rachel Laurin     Isabele Demers, Organist Original Air date  January 27, 2018   

This is an amazing story of a wonderful musician, who served the Crystal Cathedral for 18 years, 1976 - 1993, as Assistant Organist and assisting for the Hour of Power with scripting, service programming, and even arranging for the musical guests! As author, composer, and performer, his life drastically changed after a horrific car accident in 2003.  As a man of great faith, he went on to create the Mark Thallander Foundation, which he serves as president, and even continues to perform organ concerts around the country.  The Mark Thallander Foundation presents choral festivals inspiring thousands of church musicians, singers, clergy, and congregations, presenting great music of faith.  The foundation connects children and youth to sacred and classical music.  In addition, it fosters the education of organists through music scholarships.  You can find out more at markthallanderfoundation.org MUSIC:  Improvisation On "O Store Gud"   Recorded “live” at The Crystal Cathedral for the Hour of Powerc   Mark Thallander, Organist   Peggy Lee Whiteaker and Jeremy Reinbolt, Percussionists MUSIC:  Postlude On "Old Hundredth"   Recorded “live” at The Crystal Cathedral for the Hour of Powerc   Mark Thallander, Organist   Peggy Lee Whiteaker and Jeremy Reinbolt, Percussionists MUSIC: Toccata on "Hymn to Joy"   Recorded “live” at The Crystal Cathedral    The Hazel Wright Organ 20th Anniversary    Mark Thallander, Organist MUSIC:  Festival Fideles MUSIC:  Organ Fantasy On "O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing"    Recorded “live” at The Crystal Cathedral for the Hour of Powerc   Mark Thallander, Organist   Peggy Lee Whiteaker and Jeremy Reinbolt, Percussionists MUSIC:  Praise to the Lord, the Almighty  Michael Burkhardt   Recorded “live” at The Crystal Cathedral for the Hour of Power  Mark Thallander and Sean Groombridge, Organists MUSIC:  Fanfare by Brian Sawyers  (written for Mark Thallander)   Recorded “live” at The Crystal Cathedral for the Hour of Power    Mark Thallander, Organist Much of the music may be found at  TRIUMPHANT TUNES AND TOCCATAS  Tenth Anniversary Album 2013   Mark Thallander and Friends available at  www.MarkThallander.com Original air date: November 18, 2017   

Meet two of the finest musicians in Southern California.  Hear how music came into their lives and how music has led them to two of the most prominent positions in Church Music anywhere in the country.  We will explore the rich musical program at St. James and how it has developed over the last 20 years under the director of Canon Buonemani.  You will hear a wide variety of music recorded live by the St James Choir and special organ arrangements written by both Canon Bounemani and Dr. Mueller, performed on the historic organ at St. James.  It is certainly the continuation of the rebirth of the great English choral tradition and proof that tradition is alive and well in Southern California at the hands of this spectacular musicians.  St. James in the City website:  http://stjla.org/ MUSIC: Bransle de Bourgogne from Suite francaise   Francis Poulenc  arranged and performed by Dr. Tom Mueller at St. James Episcopal MUSIC: Fanfare for the Common Man Aaron Copland  arranged and performed by James Buonemani at St. James Episcopal MUSIC: Bransle de Champagne from Suite francaise  Francis Poulenc  arranged and performed by Dr. Tom Mueller at St. James Episcopal MUSIC:  Trois danses pour orgue- No. 1   Jean Alain  performed by Dr. Tom Mueller at St. James Episcopal MUSIC:  Magnificat - -Collegium Regale- - Herbert Howells  performed by St. James Choir, James Buonemani, Conductor, Dr. Tom Mueller, organist MUSIC:  I wonder as I wander- - trad. arr. J. Aaron McDermid (b. 1974)  performed by St. James Choir, James Buonemani, Conductor MUSIC:  Motet- Sancta Maria, Regina caeli - -Second Eve- Ola Gjeilo  performed by St. James Choir, James Buonemani, Conductor Original Air Date   December 9, 2017     

Hear a fascinating visit with three of the busiest Church Musicians in the country.  St Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Cathedral in Orange California are no doubt two of the wildest places on earth.  Lots of people, parishioners and tourists, pour into these great cathedrals for many masses each weekend.  John and David has been musical team since David was in high school back in their St. Louis Cathedral days.  Hear some wonderful music from the choirs of Christ Cathedral, some great organ playing by David Ball, and even a surprise piece from the Papal visit in 1999 in St. Louis!   MUSIC:  Te Deum Rachel Lauren    David Ball, organist   Cathedral Brass, John Romeri, Conductor MUSIC:  Let the People Praise Thee. William Mathias.  Cathedral Choirs and Orchestra, John Romeri, Conductor MUSIC:  Paean. Herbert Howells. David Ball, Organist MUSIC:  Hic est vere martyr.  Sebastian de Vivanco   arr. David Ball.  Cathedral Schola, John Romeri, Conductor MUSIC:  Festival Alleluia James Chepponis  1999 Papal Visit to St. Louis. Archdiocesan Choirs and Orchestra. Schoot Kennebeck, Cantor, John Romeri, Conductor MUSIC:  Dieu Parmi Nous. Olivier Messiaen  David Ball, Organist MUSIC:  I Was Glad. Herbert H Parry. Cathedral Choirs and Orchestra, John Romeri, Conductor

Episode No 78 Dr. Jennifer Pascual, Dr. John Romeri, David Ball on a special episode of “Sounds from the Spire”....

Hear from one of America's longest tenured Symphony Conductors, Carl St. Clair.  He is a musical treasure of the entire Orange County arts community and far, far beyond that as a beloved guest conductor of almost every major symphony in the US and Europe.  Not only do we hear of his very earliest beginnings in music, but his working with the great Leonard Bernstein.  Enjoy great memories with the early days of the Pacific Symphony and how it has become one of the prominent symphony orchestras of our time under St. Clair during his 28 years as Conductor and Artistic Director.  He highlights two of this season's coming concerts, "Cathedrals of Sound" built around the deeply religious composer, Anton Bruckner, and his Symphony No 8 and then he speaks a bit about the symphony's historic trip to Carnegie Hall this year to celebrate the 80th birthday of Philip Glass with the piece commissioned for the opening of our own Segerstrom Concert Hall, The Passion of Ramakrishna.          https://www.pacificsymphony.org MUSIC:   Greeting   Leonard Bernstein     MUSIC:  There Will Be Rest   Frank Ticheli    Pacific Chorale, John Alexander, director MUSIC:  The Passion of Ramakrishna  PROLOGUE   Philip Glass     Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale  Carl St. Clair, Conductor MUSIC:  Symphony No. 8  II. Scherzo   Anton Bruckner  Vienna Philharmonic, Herbert von Karajan Original Air Date:  November 4, 2017    

Stephen Salts is one of the busiest musicians in Southern California, singing in many choirs and ensembles, conducting choirs, and even running the Children's Choir program at St. Wilfrid Episcopal Church.  Yet this Fulbright Scholar in the Anglican Choral Tradition had time and the vision to create a year-long festival celebrating the English Composer, Herbert Howells' 125th birthday!!  Listen as Stephen talks about his background and education, his study in London, hear him sing on several recordings, learn about his involvement in "Golden Bridge" project, and especially find out all about the many performances of the great music of Herbert Howells which took place, all because of his foresight and drive to create this spectacular festival.  Enjoy this exciting episode of MUSIC FROM THE TOWER showcasing this superb musician, innovator, and scholar. MUSIC:   "My love is fair"  Henry Leslie  Choir of Royal Holloway.  (Stephen is singing the bass solo on this recording) (Hyperion Records: 2016 English Romantic Madrigals) MUSIC:   "Spiritus Mundi"  Dale Trumbore  recorded live at the 2016 Golden Bridge Concert MUSIC:   "Coelos ascendit hodie"  Charles V. Stanford   Trinity College Choir recording of this piece by a teacher of Herbert Howells (Hyperion Records: 2017 Stanford Choral Works) MUSIC:  "Behold, O God, our defender" Herbert Howells  Trinity College Choir  (Hyperion Records: Howells: Collegium Regale and other choral works) Original Air date:  October 7, 2017  

Find out about Southern California's busiest organist, Dr. Jung-A Lee.  She is a church organist, concert organist, symphony organist, accompanist/artist-in-residence for the Pacific Chorale, and college teacher.  Hear her fascinating journey from South Korea to Canada to the US as she studied organ at some of the finest and most prestigious universities.  Enjoy music from Harvard University Chapel to Disney Hall as Dr. Lee tells of her performances on organs literally all over the world. In 2009 she founded Music Mission International to promote the organ.  She is a brilliant young artist with a fascinating story.  Tune in! MUSIC: "Thee, God"  Ned Rorem   Memorial Church, Harvard University.  Jung-A Lee, organist MUSIC:  "For Mortal Flesh is as the Grass"  (Requiem) Johannes Brahms  Pacific Choral Festival Chorus, Jung-A Lee, organist MUSIC:  Sinfonia from Cantata No. 29  Johann Sebastian Bach,  Jung-A Lee, organist   from her DVD "Beauty in the Wind" MUSIC: "Amazing Grace/How Great Thou Art"  Jung-A Lee with David Washburn trumpet, recorded at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach on the CD Precious Lord. MUSIC:  Final (Symphonie No. 1) Louis Vierne   Jung-A Lee, organist on the Rosales/Glatter-Goetz Organ in Disney Hall, Los Angeles, from her CD Amazing Grace. Original air date:   November 11, 2017     

Enjoy hearing from this French concert artist, Johann Vexo, as he describes Sacred Music in France as well as the French system of Titular Organists and Choir Organists.  Johann will compare the church in France with the church in America, and even who owns the churches and organs in France! Hear him speak about his musical training, his church and university positions, and the many places around the world he has performed as a concert organist.  It is a fascinating look into the life of this amazing young artist and a captivating glimpse into the musical scene of another country.   MUSIC:  Symphony No. 5  TOCCATA   Charles Marie Widor     Johann Vexo on the Grand Organ of the Cathedral of Nancy, France MUSIC:  Trio Sonata No. 4   Johann Sebastian Bach      Johann Vexo on the Choir Organ of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France MUSIC: Prelude and Fugue on the Name of ALAIN  Maurice Duruflé    Johann Vexo on the Organ of Our Lady of Refuge, Brooklyn NY MUSIC:  24 Pieces de Fantasie:  FEUX FOLLETS   Louis Vierne   Johann Vexo on the Grand Organ of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris MUSIC:  Poémes pour Orgue: Vers L'espérance  Thierry Escaich   Johann Vexo on the Grand Organ of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/orgues.nancy/?ref=bookmarks Youtube:   https://www.youtube.com/user/AROCNMEDIA Website:  http://www.orgues-cathedrale-nancy.fr/fr/ Original Air Date: October 20, 2017     

Episode No. 77   Dr. Joe Miller, Conductor of Westminster Choir and head of the Choral Department, and Dr Marshall Onofrio, Dean of the School of Fine Arts and Westminster Choir College, Princeton. As Westminster Choir celebrates its 100th Anniversary you will hear from its present conductor, Dr. Joe Miller and the Dean of the Choir College about the rich history of these 100 years.  The great tradition of John Finley Williamson and Dr. Joseph Flummerfelt is the foundation of this great legacy now continued into the next century by Dr. Miller.  He will give an explanation of the anniversary tour program and the significance of the pieces which he chose.  Also hear about the future projects of the choir as they prepare for the annual Spoleto Festival in Italy and performances with the Philadelphia Orchestra.  Dr. Onofrio looks into the complicated future of the Choir College as it moves to the Rider University campus in Lawrenceville, NJ.  Marshall has complete confidence in a bright future for this worthy institution.  With a strong alumni association here in Los Angeles, we are all hoping and praying he is correct in his forecast.   MUSIC: I sat down under his shadow Bairstow:  (CD: Martin Mass for Double Choir) MUSIC: O How Amiable   Ralph Vaughan Williams  (CD: Favorite Hymns and Anthems) MUSIC:  Vocal Quartets, Op. 64 - An Die Heimat   Brahms   (CD: Singing for Pleasure) MUSIC:  O Magnum Mysterium  Elder  (CD: The Heart’s Reflection) MUSIC:  Sanctus from Mass for Double Choir   Martin:  (CD: Martin: Mass for Double Choir) Original Air Date:  February 1, 2020