Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Thirteenth Anniversary

David Spicer began as Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1986. In 1996 he and Harold Robles founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival. Spicer is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Alexander McCurdy, and is a graduate of the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

It hardly seems possible that twelve years have gone by since we began the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival! We have experienced outstanding applicants, who reflected wonderful, superb teaching, outstanding adjudicators, and a remarkable and consistently high level of music making.
Beautiful New England weather gave an idyllic setting for the festival. On Friday evening, September 10, our traditional opening concert was held. The service/choral portions were played by the writer:

Prelude: Benedictus, op. 59, no. 9, Max Reger (played also at the first annual festival)
Psalm 150, César Franck
Hymn: Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (tune: Christ Church), Richard W. Dirksen
Kyrie (from Messe Solennelle, op. 16), Louis Vierne
He Comes to Us (text by Albert Schweitzer), Jane Marshall
Go Ye into All the World, Robert Wetzler
Hymn: Let Heaven Rejoice (tune: Rock Harbor) (text by Hal M. Helms), Alan MacMillan

The three judges were each invited to play a selection of their own choosing. The artists’ playing from the balcony was projected onto a screen downstairs in the historic Meetinghouse. Frederick Hohman played his arrangement of Arioso (Suite No. 3 in D) by J. S. Bach. Wilma Jensen played Méditation à Ste. Clothilde by Philip James. John Weaver then played Chorale Prelude on Ellers followed by Fantasy on Sine Nomine, both his own compositions.
Saturday morning, from 9 to noon, the three high school division finalists played the required repertoire. At 2 pm the young professional division finalists were heard. The combined repertoire of these six finalists included hymn tunes: St. Thomas (Williams), Coronation, Ein’ Feste Burg, Diademata, Slane, and Veni Creator; Bach: Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor, BWV 542, Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, BWV 543, Prelude and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 539, Trio Sonata No. 1 in E-flat Major, BWV 525, and Trio Sonata No. 5 in C Major, BWV 529; Widor: Cantabile (from Symphony No. 6 in G Minor), Andante Cantabile (from Symphony No. 4 in F), and Andante Sostenuto (from Symphonie Gothique); Franck: Choral No. 2 in B Minor and Choral No. 3 in A Minor; Eben: Moto Ostinato (from Sunday Music); Jongen: Sonata Eroïca, op. 94; Jehan Alain: Aria; Duruflé: Scherzo, op. 2; Messiaen: Dieu parmi nous (Nativité du Seigneur, IX).
Immediately afterwards, all finalists and judges had a chance for interaction and discussion over a delicious meal provided by Dana Spicer at Mainly Tea, directly across the street from the Meetinghouse.
On Sunday, September 12, all finalists played portions of the 8, 9:15, and 11 am worship services. At 1:30 pm, a masterclass with the three judges was held. Many important topics were covered, and awards were presented.

The judges’ decisions
High School Division: first place, Bryan Anderson from Stockbridge, Georgia, a student of Sarah L. Martin; second place, Deniz Uz from Longwood, Florida, a student of Terry Yount and currently with Thomas Bara at the Interlochen Arts Academy; third place, Clarence Chaisson from South Lancaster, Massachusetts, a student of Christa Rakich.
Young Professional Division: first place, Adam Pajan from New Haven, Connecticut, formerly a student of Charles Boyd Tompkins at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina and currently with Martin Jean at Yale University; second place, Clayton Roberts from Houston, Texas, a student of Robert Bates at the University of Houston; third place: Jonathan Hehn from South Bend, Indiana, a student of Craig Cramer at the University of Notre Dame.
We are very grateful to Charles Callahan for serving as the screening judge for initial recorded examples of these organists and other applicants.
We are also grateful to Leigh and Betty Standish for the $2000 award for first prize in the high school division. The young professional division first prize of $3500 was given by Robert Bausmith and Jill Peters-Gee, M.D. Thanks go to John Gorton and Richard Pilch for providing $750 for the David Spicer Hymn Playing Award, which was awarded to high school division finalist Bryan Anderson. Other prizes and gifts toward the festival—including the high school division second prize of $1000 and the young professional division second prize of $1500—came from Austin Organs, Inc., Marilyn Austin & the Austin family, and several individuals in the First Church family. We also thank Dr. Paul Bender for his gift to this festival.
Special thanks go to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who was on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer assistance, should the organ need it, as well as his gracious gift of tuning and maintenance for this festival. Austin Organ Service Company is the regular curator of this instrument, serviced by Alex Belair and Michael Tanguay.
Our thanks to William Dean, music committee chair; Andrea Volpe, ASOF chair; and Linda Henderson, assistant, for so ably performing the organizational work that made the festival run smoothly and efficiently.
Churches that allowed their instruments to be used for additional practice include Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, Bruce Henley, organist-choirmaster; St. John’s Episcopal Church, West Hartford, Ralph Valentine, organist-choirmaster; St. James’ Episcopal Church, also in West Hartford, Jason Roberts, organist-choirmaster; First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, Angela Salcedo, director of music ministries; Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford, Ezequiel Menéndez, music director; and Bethany Covenant Church, Berlin, Olga Ljungholm, minister of music.
The 2009 first-place winners, Bryan Anderson and Adam Pajan, will perform in recital on Sunday, June 13, 2010, at 7 pm at the First Church of Christ, Wethersfield, Connecticut.
The 2010 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival will have the following judges for the competition: Joyce Jones, Charles Callahan, and Frederick Hohman. Plans are underway to feature these organists in the opening concert of the festival on Friday evening, September 10, at 7:30 pm. The ASOF committee is hoping to invite six qualified young organists to compete in the two divisions on Saturday, September 11. Information about the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival and current requirements for the competition are available by telephone at 860/529-1575 ext. 209, by e-mail at [email protected], or by viewing the ASOF website: www.firstchurch.org/ASOF. 

David Spicer began as Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1986. In 1996 he and Harold Robles founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival. Spicer is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Alexander McCurdy, and is a graduate of the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

It hardly seems possible that ten years have gone by since we began the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival! We have experienced outstanding applicants who reflected superb teaching, wonderful adjudicators, and a high level of music making. Beautiful New England weather gave an idyllic setting for the festival. On Friday evening, September 7, our traditional opening concert was held. The service/choral portions were played by the writer:
Prelude: Benedictus (op. 59, no. 9), Max Reger (played at the first festival)
Psalm 150, César Franck
Hymn: Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (Tune: Christ Church, Richard W. Dirksen)
Kyrie (from Messe Solennelle, op. 16), Louis Vierne
He Comes to Us (with text by Albert Schweitzer), Jane Marshall
Go Ye into All the World, Robert Wetzler
Hymn: Let Heaven Rejoice (text by Hal M. Helms) (tune: Rock Harbor by Alan MacMillan)
The three judges were each invited to play a selection of their own choosing. The artists’ playing from the balcony was projected onto a screen downstairs in the historic Meetinghouse. Frederick Hohman played Comes Autumn Time by Sowerby. Diane Meredith Belcher played her transcription of the Largo ma non tanto (from the Concerto for Two Violins, BWV 1043) by Bach, and the Toccata in B-flat minor (from Pièces de fantaisie, op. 53, no. 6) by Vierne. Paul Jacobs then played the Fugue (from Fantasy and Fugue on B-A-C-H, op. 46) by Max Reger.
Paul Jacobs returned as a judge to the competition in which he had won first prize ten years ago! At that competition, his mother and grandmother flew from Pennsylvania to be present at his winner’s recital. They both returned again this time, to be present as Paul served as a judge.
Saturday morning the three High School Division finalists played the required repertoire. At 2:00 pm the Young Professional Division finalists were heard. The combined repertoire of these six finalists included: hymn tunes St. Thomas (Williams), Coronation, Ein’ Feste Burg, Diademata, and Veni Creator; J. S. Bach, Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541; Prelude and Fugue in C, BWV 531; Fantasia and Fugue in G minor, BWV 542; Trio Sonata No. 1, BWV 525, and Trio Sonata No. 6, BWV 530; Charles-Marie Widor, Adagio (Symphony No. 3), Adagio (Symphony No. 5), and Cantabile (Symphony No. 6); Simon Preston, Fantasia, The Christmas Light; Jehan Alain, Litanies; Dan Locklair: “The people respond, Amen!” (Rubrics); and Franck: Chorals nos. 1, 2, and 3.
Immediately after the competition, all finalists and judges had a chance for interaction and discussion over a delicious meal provided by Dana Spicer at her restaurant, Mainly Tea, directly across the street from the Meetinghouse. On Sunday, September 9, all finalists played portions of the 8:00, 9:15, and 11:00 am worship services. At 1:30 pm, a masterclass with the three judges was held. Many important topics were covered, and awards were presented.
The judges’ decisions
High School Division: first place, Benton Blasingame from Collinsville, Illinois, former student of Dr. John Romeri and currently studying with Thomas Bara at the Interlochen Arts Camp; second place, Wesley Hall from Spencer, Massachusetts, student of Patricia Snyder and currently studying with William Ness; third place, Chelsea Barton from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, student of Dr. Shelly Moorman-Stahlman, a professor at Lebanon Valley College.
Young Professional Division: first place, Ahreum Han from New Haven, Connecticut, student of Ken Cowan at Westminster Choir College, of Alan Morrison at the Curtis Institute of Music, and currently at Yale with Thomas Murray; second place, Christopher J. Howerter, SPC, from Emmaus, Pennsylvania, student of Stephen Williams, Michael Krentz, and currently with James David Christie at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music; third place, John Alexander from Greensboro, North Carolina, student of Robert Burns King at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
We are very grateful to Paul Fejko for serving as the screening judge for initial recorded examples of these organists and other applicants. We are also grateful to Ahlborn-Galanti Organs for the $2000 award for first prize in the High School Division, and to the Austin family, who provided the second prize of $1000 in loving memory of Donald B. Austin. The Young Professional Division first prize of $3500 was shared by J.H. & C.S. Odell Pipe Organ Builders, which provided $1500; the Helen L. Reinfrank Music Fund, which provided $1000; and Dr. Marilyn Mason, who also gave $1000. The Reinfrank Fund also made possible the $500 Creative Hymn Playing Award, while the Music Committee of First Church of Christ contributed the $500 Improvisational Hymn Playing Award, both of which went to Benton Blasingame. Bank of America provided the Judges’ Award, totaling $1500. Other prizes and gifts toward the festival—including the High School Division third prize of $500 and the Young Professional Division third prize of $750—came from Austin Organs, Inc., Connecticut River Community Bank, Patrick J. Murphy and Associates, and several individuals in the First Church family.
Special thanks go to Gordon Auchincloss, who was on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer assistance should the organ need it, and to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who graciously gave the gift of tuning for this festival. Austin Organ Service Company is the regular curator of this instrument, serviced by Alex Belair and Michael Tanguay. Thanks to Betty Standish, Music Committee Chair; Leslie Vliet, ASOF Chair; Dave Gilbert, administrative assistant; and Laurie Allen, for so ably performing the organizational work that made the festival run smoothly and efficiently.
Churches that allowed their instruments to be used for additional practice include Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, Bruce Henley, organist-choirmaster; St. John’s Episcopal Church, West Hartford, Ralph Valentine, organist-choirmaster; St. James’ Episcopal Church, also in West Hartford, Jason Roberts, organist-choirmaster; and First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, Angela Salcedo, director of music ministries.
We are pleased to announce that the 2008 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival will have the following judges for the competition: Gerre Hancock, Marilyn Mason, and Frederick Hohman. Plans are underway to feature these organists in the opening concert of the festival on Friday, September 5, at 7:30 pm. The ASOF Committee is hoping to invite six qualified young organists to compete in the two divisions on Saturday, September 6.
The 2007 first-place winners, Ahreum Han and Benton Blasingame, will perform in recital on Sunday, June 8, 2008, at 7:00 pm at the First Church of Christ, Wethersfield, Connecticut.

Information about the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival and current requirements for the competition are available by telephone at 860/529-1575 ext. 209, by e-mail at <[email protected]>, or by viewing the ASOF website: <www.firstchurch.org/ASOF&gt;.
Photos by Scott Jensen

David Spicer began as Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut in 1986. In 1996 he and Harold Robles founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA. Spicer is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Alexander McCurdy, and of the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

On Tuesday, September 5, 2006, six young organists began arriving in Wethersfield, Connecticut, to participate in the Ninth Annual Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA. This year the caliber of playing was especially high. All who heard were greatly encouraged about the future of organ playing in our country.

We are grateful to the following churches for allowing these six finalists to practice on their organs: Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, Bruce Henley, organist-choirmaster; St. John’s Episcopal Church, West Hartford, Ralph Valentine, organist-choirmaster; Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Hartford, Charles Miller, organist and associate minister of Music; Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal) Hartford, Canon James Barry, organist and choirmaster; Bethany Covenant Church, Berlin, Olga Ljungholm, minister of Music; and First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, Angela Salcedo, organist-choirmaster.
Friday morning, the finalists were treated to a tour of the Austin organ factory in Hartford. Finalists were able to experience this institution, now in its 114th year, and were able to see pipe metal being cast as well as the many unique machines used in the process of making a pipe organ.

Friday evening, September 9, a concert was held in the historic Meetinghouse of the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield. The prelude was Andante Espressivo (from Sonata in G Major, op. 28) by Elgar. The Festival Choir sang Psalm 150 by Franck. All in attendance sang “Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation” (tune Christ Church by Richard Dirksen). The choir then sang Kyrie (from Messe Solennelle, op. 16) by Vierne. David Spicer served as organist-choirmaster for this portion of the concert.

Music from West Africa was presented by St. Mary’s Ghanaian Catholic Ministry Choir from East Hartford. The choir, dressed in ceremonial garb, was directed by Rev. Fr. Savino-Gyimah and Joachim Pennin. Music sung in the Ghanaian tongue was a reminder of Albert Schweitzer’s great missionary work in Africa. Next, the three judges for the competition played on the Austin IV/62. Marilyn Mason played March on a Theme of Handel by Guilmant and Amazing Grace (from Gospel Preludes, Book IV) by William Bolcom, which was commissioned by and dedicated to Dr. Mason. Following this, Frederick Hohman played two excerpts by Widor: Meditation (Symphony No. 1 in C minor, op. 3), and Intermezzo (Symphony No. 6 in G, op. 42). Thomas Heywood ended the judges’ recital portion with his own composition: Humoresque for Pedal Trombone.

Anthems He Comes to Us by Jane Marshall (with text by Albert Schweitzer) and Go Ye Into All the World by Robert Wetzler were sung by the Festival Choir. These anthems reinforced the idea of the missionary work that was so much a part of Dr. Schweitzer’s life. The concluding hymn was “Let Heaven Rejoice” (tune: Rock Harbor by Alan MacMillan, and text by Hal M. Helms), which has become a tradition at these opening concerts.

Saturday morning, September 9, the High School Division competition was held 9–noon. The Young Professional Division finalists competed 1–4 pm.

High School finalists were Caroline Judith Robinson from Greenville, South Carolina (third prize), who studies with Adam Pajan; Malcolm Ross Matthews from Knoxville, Tennessee (second prize), who studies with Professor John Brock; and Samuel Kohei Gaskin from Beaumont, Texas (first prize), who studies with Marjorie Rasche and Christina Harmon. Gaskin also was the judges’ choice for the most creative hymn playing in this festival.

The Young Professional Division finalists were Ahreum Han, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (third prize), a student of Alan Morrison at the Curtis Institute of Music; Mark Edwards from Ontario, Canada (second prize), a student of David Higgs at the Eastman School of Music; and Brenda Portman, from Flint, Michigan (first prize), a graduate of Wheaton College and Northwestern University.

Sunday morning, September 10, all finalists played portions of the 8, 9:15 and 11 am worship services. At 3 pm awards were presented and first-place winners Samuel Kohei Gaskin and Brenda Portman were heard in recital.

Frederick Hohman remarked that “It has been a privilege to have served as permanent juror at ASOF/USA for the first nine years. All recent contestants chosen for the finals have shown remarkable levels of technical achievement. The technical ability and secure memory shown by High School and Young Professional contestants is at a higher level than I can recall in any previous generation. ASOF/USA recognizes and encourages this devotion and achievement in organ-playing with cash prizes; however, equally valuable is the exposure that the festival provides young organists with regard to inspired leadership in hymn-playing, and the detailed, honest, and at times tough and frank feedback of the jurors.”

The total combined repertoire represented by these six finalists included Bach: Trio Sonatas No. 3, BWV 527, No. 5, BWV 529, and No. 6, BWV 530; Concerto in d minor, BWV 596 (Vivaldi); Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 545; from Dupré’s Opus 7: Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in B Major and Prelude and Fugue No. 3 in g minor; Widor: Adagio from Symphony No. 2; Adagio from Symphony No. 5, Cantabile from Symphony No. 6, Andante Sostenuto from Symphonie Gothique; Franck: Choral No. 1 in E Major, Choral No. 2 in b minor, and Choral No. 3 in a minor; Hindemith: Sonata II (first movement); Persichetti: Sonata for Organ (Vivace, movement III); Demessieux: Te Deum; hymn tunes: Coronation, Diademata, Eventide, and St. Thomas.

We are grateful to Ahlborn-Galanti Organs for the $2000 award for first prize in the High School Division. The Young Professional Division first prize of $3500 was shared by the Helen L. Reinfrank fund, which provided $2000, and J.H. and C.S. Odell Organ Builders, which provided $1500. Bank of America, Hartford, provided $1500 for the second prize Young Professional Division. Austin Organs, Inc. provided a tour of their facilities and a gift for the judges’ awards. The Helen L. Reinfrank Music Fund provided $500 for the most creative hymn playing. In addition, several local residents gave gifts to this festival, which are most appreciated.

Special thanks go to Gordon Auchincloss, who was on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer assistance should the organ need it, and to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who graciously gave the gift of tuning for this festival. Austin Organ Service Company is the regular curator of this instrument, serviced by Alex Belair and Michael Tanguay.

Our thanks to Nancy Andersen, festival manager; Karen Franzen, administrative assistant; Betty Standish and Laurie Allen, ASOF/USA Chair, for so ably performing the organizational work that made the festival run smoothly and efficiently. A special note of thanks to Dana Spicer and Mainly Tea of Wethersfield, which provided a reception for the three judges on Friday evening, and a wonderful dinner for finalists and judges on Saturday evening.

At this moment, the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival committee is preparing for our tenth ASOF/USA, to be held in Wethersfield, Connecticut, September 7–9, 2007. Organists Paul Jacobs and Diane Meredith Belcher will join Frederick Hohman as this year’s guest artists/judges. Plans are underway to feature these organists in the opening concert of the festival on Friday evening, September 7 at 7:30 pm. The committee is hoping to invite six qualified young organists to compete in the two divisions on Saturday, September 8.

Samuel Kohei Gaskin and Brenda Portman will perform in recital on Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 7:00 pm.


Information about the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA and current requirements for the competition are available by telephone: 860/529-1575 ext. 209; e-mail: or by viewing the ASOF/USA website: , click “Ministries,” then click “Music” and go to the ASOF/USA link.

David Spicer began as Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut in 1986. In 1996 he and Dr. Harold Robles founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA. Spicer is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Dr. Alexander McCurdy, and of the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

On Tuesday, September 6, 2005, six young organists began arriving in Wethersfield, Connecticut to participate in the eighth annual Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA. This year the caliber of playing was especially high, and all who heard were greatly encouraged regarding the future of organ playing in our country.
We are grateful to the following churches for allowing these six finalists to practice on their organs: Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield: Bruce Henley, organist-choirmaster; Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Hartford: Charles Miller, organist and associate minister of music; Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal), Hartford: Canon James Barry, organist and choirmaster; and Bethany Covenant Church, Berlin: Olga Ljungholm, minister of music.
On Friday morning, September 9, the finalists were treated to a tour of St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Roman Catholic) in Hartford, conducted by Ezequiel Menendez, organist-choirmaster. The awesome architecture and the IV/141 Austin with its five seconds of reverberation were a thrill for all to experience.
On Friday evening a concert was held in the historic Meetinghouse of the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, featuring music composed by organists. The Campanella Handbell Choir, directed by Linda Henderson, joined organist David Spicer in presenting Paean of Praise (based on Pasticcio) by Jean Langlais, arranged by Sue Mitchell-Wallace. Spicer then played Aria by Flor Peeters and led the Festival Choir in Chant Praises to God, an anthem heard for the first time at this festival, composed by Frederick Hohman and dedicated to the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA. The final triumphal chords of this anthem led into the hymntune Christ Church (“Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation”) by Richard Dirksen. The Festival Choir then sang Psalm 150 by César Franck.
The father and son team Abubaker and Babafemi (Generations of Drummers) led all present in some vigorous, interactive African drumming. Alvin Carter Sr. and Alvin Carter Jr. were dressed in African garb, a reminder of Dr. Albert Schweitzer’s great missionary work in Africa. Next, the three judges for the competition played on the Austin IV/62. Benjamin Dobey, from Kohler, Wisconsin, played the Paean (from Six Pieces for Organ) by Herbert Howells. This was followed by Cortège and Litany, op. 19, no. 2 by Marcel Dupré, played by Katharine Pardee, who traveled from Oxford, England to be at the festival. Finally, permanent adjudicator of the ASOF/USA, Frederick Hohman, from South Bend, Indiana, played the Allegro (Theme with Variations), the first movement of Symphony No. 6 in G by Widor.
Anthems He Comes to Us by Jane Marshall (with text by Albert Schweitzer) and Go Ye into All the World by Robert Wetzler were sung by the Festival Choir. The concluding hymn was “Let Heaven Rejoice” (Rock Harbor), tune by Alan MacMillan and text by Hal M. Helms, which has become a tradition at these opening concerts.
High School Division finalists were Samuel Kohei Gaskin, from Beaumont, Texas (third prize), who studies with Hugh E. Thompson; Kenneth Scott Miller from Conover, North Carolina (second prize), a student of Florence Jowers; and Jacob Michael Street from North Reading, Massachusetts (first prize), a student of John Shelton.
The Young Professional Division finalists were Scott A. Montgomery from Champaign, Illinois (third prize), a recent graduate of the University of Illinois, where he is continuing his studies with Dana Robinson; Monica Alexandra Harper, from Waco, Texas (second prize), where she is a graduate student of Joyce Jones at Baylor University; and Jason Noel Roberts from New York City (first prize), studying under McNeil Robinson at the Manhattan School of Music.
Saturday, September 10, the High School Division competition was held from 9 am to noon. The Young Professional Division finalists competed from 1–4 pm. Sunday morning, September 11, all finalists played portions of the 8, 9:15 and 11 am worship services. At 4 pm awards were presented, and first-place winners Jacob Michael Street and Jason Noel Roberts were heard in recital.
The total combined repertoire represented by these six finalists included Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV 532; Prelude and Fugue in a minor, BWV 543; Fantasia in G Major, BWV 572; and Trio Sonata No. 6 by Bach; Andante Sostenuto from Symphonie Gothique by Widor; Choral No. 1 in E Major, Choral No. 2 in b minor, and Choral No. 3 in a minor by Franck; Méditation by Duruflé; Prelude and Fugue in g minor by Dupré; “Lebhaft” (Sonate II) by Hindemith; Wondrous Love: Variations on a Shape-Note Hymn by Barber; and hymn tunes St. Thomas, Ein’ feste Burg, Ar Hyd y Nos, Coronation, Slane and Eventide.
Special thanks go to Gordon Auchincloss, who was on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer assistance should the organ need it, and to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who graciously gave the gift of tuning for this festival.
Our thanks to Nancy Andersen, festival manager; Karen Franzen, administrative assistant; Betty Standish, ASOF/USA chair, for the organizational work that made the festival run smoothly and efficiently. A special note of thanks to Dana Spicer and Mainly Tea of Wethersfield, for providing a reception for the three judges on Friday evening and a wonderful dinner for finalists and judges on Saturday evening.
The Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival committee is preparing for ASOF/USA 2006, to be held in Wethersfield, Connecticut, September 8–10. Organists Marilyn Mason and Thomas Heywood will join Frederick Hohman as this year’s guest artists/judges. Plans are underway to feature these organists in the opening concert of the festival on Friday evening, September 8 at 7:30 pm. The committee is hoping to invite six qualified young organists to compete in the two divisions on Saturday, September 8. Awards and requirements have been changed: the High School Division first-place award sponsored in part by Ahlborn-Galanti Organs has been raised to $2000. In addition to the first-place award of $3500, provided in part by J.H. & C.S. Odell Organ Builders, the Young Professional Division first-place award winner will have the opportunity to present an organ recital during the 2006–2007 First Church Concert Series. An additional award of $500 will be given from the Helen L. Reinfrank Music Fund for the most creative hymn playing.

What a treat to hear such wonderfully prepared young organists at the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival in September! It speaks well of them developing their God-given talents, and of their excellent teachers. That, combined with wonderful organ music, set the stage for the sixteenth annual festival, held at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut. We are grateful to be able to encourage young organists with this competition. We had some wonderful applicants who sent in outstanding CDs, and we thank Charles Callahan for serving as the screening judge for these applications. Judges for this year’s festival were Diane Meredith Belcher, Cherry Rhodes, and David Hurd.

On Friday evening, September 6, the traditional opening concert was held. The service/choral portions were played by this writer: Andante Espressivo (Sonata in G Major, op. 28), Elgar; Psalm 150, Franck; Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (Christ Church), Dirksen; Kyrie (from Messe Solennelle, op. 16), Vierne; He Comes to Us (text by Albert Schweitzer), Marshall; Go Ye Into All the World, Wetzler; Let Heaven Rejoice (Rock Harbor), (text by Hal M. Helms), tune by Alan MacMillan. 

At the Friday evening opening concert, each of the judges played selections of their own choosing on the Austin organ. A video camera, via closed-circuit television, projected a view of the organists in the balcony onto a screen downstairs. The selections: Salix (from Plymouth Suite), Whitlock; Prelude and Fugue in G Minor, op. 7, no. 3, Dupré, played by Diane Meredith Belcher; Variations sur un Noël bourguignon, Fleury; Toccata in B Minor, Gigout, played by Cherry Rhodes; Arioso and Finale, Hurd, played by David Hurd.

Saturday morning, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, the high school division finalists played the required repertoire. At 2 p.m. the young professional division finalists were heard. All finalists were required to play the hymn tune St. Thomas (Williams).

The high school division finalists and the works they played were: 

Anna Pan—Bach, Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541; Widor, Andante Sostenuto (from Symphonie Gothique); Demessieux, Te Deum, op. 11; hymn tune, Ar Hyd Y Nos.

Bryan Dunnewald—Bach, Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV 532; Widor, Adagio (from Symphony No. 2, op. 13); Duruflé, Fugue (from Prélude et Fugue sur le nom d’Alain, op. 7); hymn tune, Ar Hyd Y Nos.

Alexander Pattavina—Bach, Fantasia and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 537; Hancock, Air for Organ; Widor, Meditation (from Symphony No. 1, op. 13); hymn tune, Ar Hyd Y Nos.

The Young Professional Division finalists and the works they played were: 

Alcée Chriss III—Bach, Trio Sonata No. II in C Minor, BWV 526; Franck, Choral No. 1 in E Major; Duruflé, Toccata (from Suite, op. 5); hymn tune, Slane.

Derek Remeš—Bach, Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541; Franck, Choral No. 3 in A Minor; Langlais, Féte; hymn tune, Diademata.

Patrick Kreeger—Bach, Toccata and Fugue in F Major, BWV 540; Franck, Choral No. 3 in A Minor; Vierne, Finale (from Symphony No. 5); hymn tune, Slane.

Later that evening, all finalists and judges had a chance for interaction and discussion over a delicious meal provided by Dana Spicer at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wethersfield.

On Sunday, September 8, the young professional finalists played portions of the 9 a.m. worship service. In addition, we thank Ezequiel Menéndez, who invited the finalists to play portions of the 11 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. In Wethersfield at 1:30 p.m., a masterclass with the three judges was held. Many topics were covered, and awards were presented.

The judges’ decisions

High school division, first place, Bryan Dunnewald from Arvada, Colorado (Interlochen Center for the Arts), student of Thomas Bara; second place (tie): Anna Pan from Burlington, Connecticut, student of Joseph Ripka; and Alexander Pattavina from Stoughton, Massachusetts, student of Philip Jones.

Young professional division, first place, Alcée Chriss III from Oberlin, Ohio (Oberlin Conservatory), student of James David Christie; second place, Derek Remeš from Rochester, New York (Eastman School of Music), student of David Higgs; third place, Patrick Kreeger from New Haven, Connecticut (Yale University), previously a student of Alan Morrison at the Curtis Institute of Music, and currently studying with Martin Jean.

We are grateful to Robert Bausmith and Jill Peters-Gee, M.D., for giving the young professional division first prize of $3,500; the young professional division second prize of $1,500 came from several individuals in the First Church family and others; our thanks to Evelyn Lee and Betty Standish for the $2,000 award for first prize in the high school division, and to Marilyn Austin and family for the high school division second place prize of $1,000. Thanks go to John Gorton and Richard Pilch for providing $1,000 for the David Spicer Hymn Playing Award; $500 was given to high school division finalist Bryan Dunnewald and $500 to young professional division finalist Derek Remeš.  

Special thanks go to Bon Smith and Alex Belair of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who were on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer assistance, should the organ have needed it. (It did not!) We are also grateful to Bon Smith for his gracious gift of maintenance for this festival. Alex Belair and Michael Tanguay of Austin Organ Service Company are the regular curators of this instrument. Thanks to Linda Henderson, festival coordinator and associate, for so ably performing the organizational work that made the festival run smoothly and efficiently.

Churches that allowed their instruments to be used for additional practice included Bethany Covenant Church, Berlin, Olga Ljungholm, minister of music; the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford, Ezequiel Menéndez, director of music; Covenant Village of Cromwell, the Reverend Glen Halvorsen; First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, Angela Salcedo, director of music ministries; First Congregational Church, Southington, John Parsons, minister of music; and Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, Father Scott Lee, rector.

Our 2013 first-place winners, Bryan Dunnewald and Alcée Chriss III, will perform in recital on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at 4:00 p.m. at the First Church of Christ, Wethersfield, Connecticut.

Plans are underway for the 2014 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival, including the opening concert of the festival on Friday evening, September 5 at 7:30 p.m. Information about the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival and current requirements for the competition are available by telephone at 860/529-1575, ext. 209, by e-mail at [email protected], or by viewing the ASOF website: www.firstchurch.org/ASOF.&nbsp;

September 5–7, 2014

David Spicer began as Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1986. In 1996, he and Dr. Harold Robles founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival. Spicer is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Dr. Alexander McCurdy, and is a graduate of the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

To encourage young organists—this has been our raison d’être for the past seventeen years of the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival, something with which all of us in the profession agree.

It was indeed a treat to hear such wonderfully prepared young organists at the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival in September! One can marvel at these students developing their talents and be grateful for their excellent teachers. That, combined with wonderful organ music, set the stage for the seventeenth annual festival. We are grateful to be able to encourage young organists with this competition. We had some wonderful applicants who sent in outstanding CDs. Judges for this year’s festival were Diane Meredith Belcher, Charles Callahan, and Ken Cowan.

On Friday evening, September 5, our traditional opening concert was held. The service/choral portions were played by the author: Andante (Grand Pièce Symphonique, op. 17), Psalm 150, Franck; Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (Christ Church), Dirksen; Kyrie (from Messe Solennelle, op. 16), Vierne; He Comes to Us (text by Albert Schweitzer), Marshall; Go Ye Into All the World, Wetzler; Let Heaven Rejoice (text by Hal M. Helms; tune, Rock Harbor, by Alan MacMillan).

Each of the judges played selections of their own choosing on the Austin organ at the opening event. A video camera, via closed-circuit television, projected a view of the organists in the balcony onto a screen downstairs. The selections were: Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr, BWV 662, Bach, and Passacaglia on a Theme by Dunstable, Weaver, played by Diane Meredith Belcher; Lyric Prelude and Fugue, Callahan, and Risoluto, op. 68, Parker, played by Charles Callahan; Fantasie in F Minor, K. 608, Mozart, played by Ken Cowan.

Saturday morning, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, the high school division finalists played the required repertoire; at 2 p.m. the young professional division finalists were heard. All finalists were required to play the hymn tune St. Thomas (Williams).

The high school division finalists and the works they played were:

Clara Gerdes—Bach, Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, BWV 543; Widor, Adagio (from Symphony No. 5); Messiaen, Transports de Joie (from L’Ascension); hymn, Coronation.

Alexander Pattavina—Bach, Fantasia and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 537; Widor, Meditation (from Symphony No. 1); Langlais, Fête; hymn, Ein’ Feste Burg.

Richard Gress—Bach, Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541; Widor, Andante Cantabile (from Symphony No. 5 in F Minor); Messiaen, Transports de Joie (from L’Ascension); hymn, Veni Creator (1940 Hymnal #217).

The young professional division finalists and the works they played were:

Evan Cogswell—Franck, Choral No. 2 in B Minor; Messiaen, Communion (from Messe de la Pentecôte); Bach, Fantasy and Fugue in G Minor, BWV 542; hymn, Slane.

Brian Glikes—Bach, Trio Sonata No. 5, BWV 529; Franck, Choral No. 2 in B Minor; Messiaen, Offrande et Alléluia final; hymn, Diademata.

Nicholas Quardokus—Bach, Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV 532; Franck, Choral No. 1 in E Major; Vierne, Finale (from Symphonie VI); hymn, Ein’ Feste Burg.

Later that evening, all finalists and judges had a chance for interaction and discussion over a delicious meal provided by Dana Spicer at the Solomon Welles House in Wethersfield.

On Sunday, September 7, the young professional finalists played portions of the 8:45 a.m. worship service. In addition, we thank Ezequiel Menéndez, who invited the finalists to play portions of the 11 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. In Wethersfield at 1:30 p.m., a masterclass with the three judges was held. Many important topics were covered and awards were presented.

The judges’ decisions

High school division: first place, Clara Gerdes from Davidson, North Carolina, a student of Alan Morrison at the Curtis Institute of Music; second place, Alexander Pattavina from Stoughton, Massachusetts, a student of Paul Jacobs at the Juilliard School of Music; third place, Richard Gress from Newmarket, New Hampshire, student of Bruce Adami.

Young professional division: first place, Nicholas Quardokus from Bridgeman, Michigan, student of Janette Fishell at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University; second place, Brian Glikes from Rochester, New York, student of David Higgs at the Eastman School of Music; third place, Evan Cogswell from Glastonbury, Connecticut, student of Patricia Snyder, and a recent graduate of the Hartt School of Music.

We are grateful to Robert Bausmith and Jill Peters-Gee, M.D. for giving the young professional division first prize of $3,500; the young professional division second prize of $1,500 came from several individuals in the First Church of Christ community and others. Our thanks to the Helen L. Reinfrank Music Fund for the $2,000 award for first prize in the high school division and to Marilyn Austin and family for the high school division second place prize of $1,000. Thanks go to John Gorton and Richard Pilch for providing $1,000 for the David Spicer Hymn Playing Award, which was given to young professional division finalist Nicholas Quardokus.

Special thanks go to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who was on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer volunteer assistance, should the organ have needed it. Thanks to Linda Henderson, festival coordinator and associate, for so ably performing the organizational work that made the festival run smoothly and efficiently.

Churches that allowed their instruments to be used for additional practice included the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford, Ezequiel Menéndez, director of music; First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, Angela Salcedo, director of music ministries; and Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, the Reverend Lois Keen, interim rector.

We are taking steps to move this festival to a more community-based organization. Robert Bausmith is the chairperson, and a board of directors has been formed; I will remain as the artistic director. We are looking forward to having this wonderful event at alternate sites in the future. In our efforts to make this happen, the two first-place winners, Clara Gerdes (high school division) and Nicholas Quardokus (young professional division) will return to play their recitals at Trinity College Chapel, Hartford, Connecticut, on June 14, 2015, at 7 p.m.

Plans are underway for the 2015 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival September 11–13, 2015. Information about the festival and current competition requirements are available by telephone at 860/529-1575, ext. 209, by e-mail at [email protected], or at the ASOF website: www.firstchurch.org/ASOF.