One of the things I love about being part of a community of organists is the wide historical range in solo repertoire. A recital can include works from the 16th through 21st centuries, a much greater span than represented in the average symphony concert. I’ve gained a greater perspective on the 21st-century end of things by serving on the New Music Committee for the 2022 AGO National Convention (in Seattle July 3-7!). It has been fascinating to see the work of established organists who are also fine composers–and the work of established composers whose musical lives have been organ-adjacent. Part of the committee work included individual tutorials with the latter, on registration, etc., and I hope that work will bear fruit in a stream of future organ music. In the near future, please plan to attend the convention and enjoy the many fine performances and workshops! As a chapter member, you will receive 15% off the current registration fee by using the Discount Code SEATAC22. The registration page is at https://agoseattle2022.com/register/

If you are hankering to savor some new organ music before July, there are two opportunities this month. On Monday, January 10th at 4 PM, there will be a webinar presented by AGO National on women composers. Information is available at https://www.agohq.org/webinars-and-supporting-documents/ And on Friday, January 15th at 7:30 PM, Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral is presenting the annual Flentrop organ recital. The program will feature Cathedral organists John Stuntebeck and Michael Kleinschmidt, and includes a commissioned work by Rebecca Groom Te Velde. Please see the accompanying article for information on attending as part of our January chapter meeting. Hope to see you there!