I really enjoy the months of January and February, especially as the days grow longer. It feels darn good to settle into a less frenetic routine, well past the holiday season. In this quiet time, what is being planned for the next few months can be anticipated with joy, and past events can be recalled in gratitude.

Our January event, “New Year, New Music” at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Gig Harbor, was particularly memorable. The Rieger organ, installed with added stops by Martin Pasi, has an interesting back story, with organ builder and instrument following the same path, from State University of New York (Purchase) to St. John’s. Dennis Northway performed original compositions to demonstrate the added stops, and chapter members performed music intended for church use. The variety of music revealed the versatility of the organ, and some very lovely solo stops. Martin shared the organ’s history, his impressions along the journey, and fielded many questions. I was encouraged to see so many of us visiting well into the evening, as newcomers mixed right in during the elegant reception. Our deepest thanks to Dennis, Martin, chapter members who performed, and the hospitality committee at St. John. It was truly a great evening!

Looking ahead, we are excited about our “Young Organists’ Event,” Sunday, February 12, at 12:00pm, at Lagerquist Concert Hall. This full afternoon begins with a demonstration of the Fritts organ by Wyatt Smith, and an opportunity for the young organists to try it out for themselves. Then follows a pizza lunch at Farelli’s, a visit to play the Kilgen & Son organ at Trinity Chapel, and a return to PLU for Dexter Kennedy’s concert at 3:00pm. Interested young organists are encouraged to contact Wyatt Smith smithwd2009@gmail.com. Adults are also welcome to join the pizza lunch, a chance to get to know the young organists.

We also invite you to “Bach Rediscovered,” at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Tacoma, Monday, March 20, at 7:00pm. Organists Cheryl Drewes, Sheila Bristow, Emma Kelly, Dr. Michael Plagerman, and Dr. Wyatt Smith will recreate Mendelssohn’s all-Bach recital performed at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig in 1840. The program includes the Passacaglia, Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, Schmücke dich, and much more!

Cheers,

Cheryl