Organ season will resonate with all ages

September 4, 2007
Organ season will resonate with all ages

By Timothy Albrecht and Sally Corbett

The upcoming Emory concert season will feature a wide array of organ programs and concerts, providing offerings for all ages. One such program, The annual University Organist Recital Series, organized by Emory organist Timothy Albrecht, features twists and turns, including a day-long program of lectures and events commemorating the birth centenary of one of the most significant 20th-century organ composers, Olivier Messiaen (1908–92). The series’ six free, one-hour public concerts feature the unique-to-Emory Jaeckel Opus 45 organ, housed in the Schwartz Center’s Emerson Concert Hall. A remarkable experience is in store for those who haven’t yet heard the Jaeckel’s 3,605 pipes or seen the organ’s elaborate floral carvings of peach and dogwood blossoms.

2007–08 Schedule:
Bach Live!
Timothy Albrecht, organ
Sunday, Sept. 9, 4 p.m., free, Emerson Concert Hall
This year’s exploration of Johann Sebastian Bach organ monuments features the “Prelude and Fugue in D Major BWV 542” and Franz Liszt’s organ tribute to Bach, the “Fantasy and Fugue on B-A-C-H.”

Reformation Day at Emory Concert
Tuesday, Oct. 23, 8 p.m., free, Emerson Concert Hall
This concert features Bach organ music and his “Cantata No. 80.” Performers include the Emory Concert Choir (directed by Eric Nelson, choral studies director), Vega String Quartet and Timothy Albrecht, organ.
Co-sponsor: Candler School of Theology.

“Scary Ride!”
Timothy Albrecht, organ, Emory String Musicians and Richard Prior, director of orchestral studies
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 8 p.m., free, Emerson Concert Hall
Spooky Halloween organ music for all ages, including Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor” and Francis Poulenc’s “Organ Concerto.”

Zuzana Ferjencíková, organ
Sunday, Nov. 4, 4 p.m., free, Emerson Concert Hall.
Ferjencíková teaches organ at the Academy of Music in Bratislava, Slovakia. Her virtuosic program includes improvisational performances, of which the audience suggests the themes.

“Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols”
Friday, Dec. 7, 5 and 8 p.m., $15 public/$12, under 18 and over 65, and other discount category members/$5 Emory students, Glenn Auditorium.
This Emory tradition, established in 1935, continues with a candlelit evening service, featuring choral music and scripture readings by special guests. Emory Chorus and Concert Choir will perform (directed by Eric Nelson and Timothy Albrecht).

Messiaen Anniversary Celebration
Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2008
This celebration commemorates the centennial of the birth of composer Olivier Messiaen.

“Messiaen: An Overview”
10 a.m., Glenn Auditorium,
Lecture by Timothy Albrecht

“Musical Theology in Messiaen’s Organ Music”
2:30 p.m., Glenn Auditorium,
Lecture by Timothy Albrecht

“Messiaen Anniversary Celebration Reception”
3:15 p.m., William and JoAn Chace
Upper Concert Hall Lobby, Schwartz
Center

“Messiaen Organ Music”
4 p.m., Emerson Concert Hall, Performed by Emory Graduate Organ Alumni and Organ Studio

“Musical Offering”
Atlanta Bach Ensemble, Jun Ching Lin, violin; Carl Hall, flute; Peter Lemonds, cello; and Timothy Albrecht, organ
Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, 4 p.m.
Emory faculty and faculty artist affiliates team up for a Super Bowl Sunday escape as they perform Bach’s “1747” chamber music masterpiece.

David Oliver, Morehouse College Organist
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008, 4 p.m.
A recital of organ fireworks from an Atlanta treasure, Morehouse College organist David Oliver. Oliver is beloved for both his artistry and virtuosity.

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