Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA

David Spicer is Minister of Music and the Arts at the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut and is chair and co-founder of the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA. He is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been a member of the music faculty at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut and is House Organist at Hartford's Bushnell Memorial Arts Center.

The organ, IV/62 Austin, Opus 2403, is capable of playing a wide range of literature.

Tapes were sent in by June 1, and from these were selected two high school and four college finalists. Judges for the 2001 Festival were John Walker,  Cherry Rhodes, and Frederick Hohman.

Friday morning featured a tour of the Austin Organ Company in nearby Hartford. Special thanks to Kimberlee Austin, president, and her wonderful staff. Friday evening, the three judges joined with David Spicer, Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ and co-founder of the ASOF/ USA, in a celebration concert. Rev. T. Michael McDowell, Associate Minister, welcomed all to this fourth ASOF/USA. Opening the concert was the hymn tune Rock Harbor: "Let Heaven Rejoice." A new anthem, Psalm 150, by Connecticut composer Thomas Schmutzler, was presented by the Festival Choir. Words of welcome from Donald Croteau, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Albert Schweitzer Institute were followed by the anthem Neighbors, a melody from Ghana arranged by Austin C. Lovelace, with African drumming.

That anthem was in marked contrast to the new composition by another Connecticut composer, Elizabeth R. Austin, whose work for brass quintet and organ entitled A Triadic Tribute is based on several hymns that begin with do-mi-sol relationships. At one point, the brass players are called to leave their positions and roam around the hall while playing bits and pieces of the various hymn tunes. They then come together again and after a full organ hint of Wachet auf! the piece subsides to the quietest tones of the ensemble. The Thread City Brass Quintet joined David Spicer for this new work.

Following the Austin selection (no relation to the organ company!) the three judges were introduced. Then Cherry Rhodes played Four piezas para la Misa by José Lidón (1748-1827): Cantabile para organo al alzar en la Misa - Ofertorio - Elevación - Allegro.

The introduction of the six finalists and ASOF/USA sponsors followed, as did an introduction of guest dignitaries Roberta Bitgood, past national president of the American Guild of Organists, along with her daughter Grace and son-in-law Stuart; John Anthony, former district convener for Connecticut, Rhodes Island and Argentina for the New England Region AGO; Curt Hawkes, factory representative from Austin Organs, Inc.; Renée Louprette, Dean of the Hartford AGO Chapter; and David Harper, AGO treasurer and producer of the local organ radio program "The King of Instruments."

After these introductions, Judge Frederick Hohman played his own composition The Homecoming. Then an offertory anthem He Comes to Us by Jane Marshall and text by Albert Schweitzer was sung by the Festival Choir. For the postlude (all remained seated) John Walker played the Chorale with Variations on Nun danket alle Gott by Ronald Arnatt (written for John Walker). After this rousing finale, all were treated to a reception sponsored by the Albert Schweitzer Committee and the First Church Choir. On display were pictures of Albert Schweitzer in his Lamberane, Africa hospital, and also on display was the harmonium that he played there. These were on loan from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, which houses the Albert Schweitzer Institute. In addition, Austin Organs, Inc. had a display of recent installations and pipe organ mechanisms.

Saturday morning is the time traditionally reserved for the high school division competition. However, be-cause one finalist observed Sabbath beginning at sundown on Friday, the judges were able to adjudicate this finalist late Friday afternoon and the other finalist on Saturday. In the high school division first place went to Christopher Johnson of Dickinson, Texas (a student of Marjorie Rasche). He received an award of $1000 sponsored by Fleet Bank of Hartford; second place, Tamara Logan of Fresno, California (a student of Aran Vartanian), received an award of $500 sponsored by Anne and Walter Kelly of Glastonbury, CT.

The college division competition on Saturday was held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. First place went to Thomas Schuster of Leonard, Michigan (a student of Ray Ferguson, Wayne State University), the Austin Grand Prize of $2000 sponsored by Austin Organs, Inc. of Hartford. Second place, Hyo Kun Kang of Palisades Park, New Jersey (a student of John Weaver, the Juilliard School), $1000 sponsored by Dutch Point Credit Union, Wethersfield; third place, Stephen Scarlato of Ellington, Connecticut (a student of Larry Allen, the Hartt School at the University of Harford), $500 by the Hartford AGO Chapter; honorable mention, Joshua Hearn of Denver, Iowa (a student of Marilou Kratzenstein, University of Northern Iowa), $300 sponsored in part by the Wethersfield Committee on Culture and the Arts.

After this very long day, the judges and finalists and members of the ASOF/USA Committee were treated to a marvelous dinner by Dana Spicer at Wethersfield's "Mainly Tea." Mrs. Spicer is co-owner of this establishment.

Sunday morning, preludes and postludes were presented by the finalists at the services of worship at the First Church of Christ. At the 8:00 a.m. service, Hyo Kun Kang played Prelude in a minor by J.S. Bach for the prelude and the Fugue (BWV 543) for the postlude. Tamara Logan played "The Peace May Be Exchanged" from Rubrics by Dan Locklair for the offertory.

At the 9:15 a.m. service, Tamara Logan played Prelude in G Major by J.S. Bach for the prelude and the Fugue in G Major (BWV 541) for the postlude. At the 11:00 a.m. service Stephen Scarlato played Dan Locklair's Jubilo: A Prelude for Organ for the prelude and Joshua Hearn played J. S. Bach's Fugue in G minor (BWV 542) for the postlude. Associate organist Bruce Henley played the service music at 8:00 a.m. and David Spicer the service music at 9:15 and 11:00 a.m.

The winner's recital was held on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. During this time awards were presented to the finalists by the sponsors and to the host families. The first place winners in both divisions were featured in recital. Christopher Johnson opened the program with the hymn tune St. Thomas (a theme of this festival) and then played Concerto in a minor, Vivaldi/Bach (BWV 593); Pange Lingua, Verbum Caro and Tantum Ergo (from Pange Lingua), Hakim; and Andante Sostenuto (from Gothic Symphony), Widor. Thomas Schuster played Choral No. 1, Franck, then all in attendance joined as he led in the singing of the hymn tune Coronation. He ended the recital with a brilliant rendition of Anton Heiller's Tanz-Toccata.

We wish to thank Nancy Andersen, the festival coordinator, for her many areas of expertise and hard work. Also, we give a special "thank you" to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut for the gift of tuning and maintenance of the Austin organ used in this festival. We wish to thank the following for the use of their instruments for additional practice: St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Wethersfield, Rev. Hugh Haffenneffer, pastor and Melissa Cheney, organist; and Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Wethersfield, Father Thomas Campion, pastor, Deacon Seth English and Thaddeus Terzo, organist. Curt Hawkes and Gordon Auchincloss of the Austin Organ Company deserve a note of appreciation for their assistance with this festival.

Our emotions, so high from this time of music making, plummeted to the depths two days later on September 11, with the terrorists' attacks on New York City, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania. We praise God that all finalists, their families and our judges arrived home safely. Albert Schweitzer's philosophy of "Reverence for Life" never seemed so germane.

Next year's ASOF/USA dates are September 6-8, 2002. Entry deadline is June 1.

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 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.

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.

From September 10-12, 2004, the seventh annual Albert
Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA was held at the First Church of Christ,
Congregational, in Wethersfield, Connecticut. This year two finalists for the
High School Division and four for the Young Professional Division were chosen
to come to Wethersfield and compete.

Finalists for the High School Division were Lily I. Ardalan
from St. Paul, Minnesota and Nathan J. Laube from Gurnee, Illinois. The Young
Professional Division finalists were Adam J. Brakel from Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania; Julia C. Howell from Red Lion, Pennsylvania; Scott Myers from
Doylestown, Pennsylvania; and M. Jonathan Ryan from Charlotte, North Carolina.

The three adjudicators were Cherry Rhodes from Pasadena,
California; John Rose from Hartford, Connecticut; and Frederick Hohman from
South Bend, Indiana, recently named a permanent adjudicator for this
competition.

Finalists began arriving in Wethersfield on Tuesday,
September 7. Each was allowed 41⁄2 hours of practice time on the Austin
pipe organ, Opus 2403, in the church’s historic Meetinghouse. Friday
morning, a tour of the factory of Austin Organs, Inc. in nearby Hartford was
given for the finalists. Friday evening the opening Celebration Concert began
with the Andante from Franck’s Grande Pièce Symphonique
style='font-style:normal'>, played by David Spicer, organist/choirmaster. The
First Church Choirs sang Psalm 150
by Franck and He Comes to Us by Jane Marshall (text from The Quest
for the Historical Jesus by Dr. Albert
Schweitzer) as well as Go Ye into All the World
style='font-style:normal'> by Robert Wetzler. Dr. Schweitzer’s missionary
work in Africa was underscored by African drumming by costumed drummers
Abubaker and Babafemi (Alvin Carter, Sr. and Alvin Carter, Jr.). Two hymns that
have become a tradition at this opening concert were sung with much enthusiasm:
Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation by
Richard W. Dirksen (tune: Christ Church) and Let Heaven Rejoice
style='font-style:normal'> by Hal M. Helms (text) and Alan MacMillan (music)
(tune: Rock Harbor).

The three judges were the featured performers for this concert.
Cherry Rhodes played Toccata and Fugue in d minor (BWV 565) by Bach; John Rose played Prélude, Fugue et
Variation, op. 18 by Franck; Frederick
Hohman played Allegro vivace--Theme with Variations
style='font-style:normal'> (from Symphony No. 5
style='font-style:normal'>, op. 42, no. 1) by Widor. Finalists and judges were
introduced to all those in attendance.

The required repertoire for the high school competition
included a work by Johann Sebastian Bach (8-12 minutes in length), a slow
movement from one of the Widor symphonies, and a work written after 1885
(3-8 minutes), plus two hymns: I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord
style='font-style:normal'> (St. Thomas) and one selected from a prescribed
list.

Young Professional Division required repertoire included the
same hymn requirements and an extended Bach work selected from a list including
prelude and fugues and trio sonatas, one of the three Franck Chorals, and a
work written by a composer born after 1885 (5-8 minutes in length).

First place winner in the High School Division was Nathan
Laube, who is 16 years old and is attending The Curtis Institute of Music,
studying under Alan Morrison. Before moving to Philadelphia, Nathan studied
organ with Dr. Beth Naegele at the Chicago Academy for the Arts. Second place
was Lily Ardalan who is studying at The Juilliard School under Paul Jacobs. Her
former teachers include Nancy Lancaster and Dean Billmeyer.

First place winner in the Young Professional (college through
age 26) was M. Jonathan Ryan, 22 years old, who is studying at the Eastman
School of Music under David Higgs. Previous organ teachers include André
Lash, Dr. Joyce Jones, and Todd Wilson. Second place was awarded to Scott
Myers, a student of Alan Morrison at The Curtis Institute of Music. During his
high school years, Scott studied with the late Robert Murphy at the Interlochen
Arts Academy in Michigan. Two third place awards were given: to Adam Brakel, a
student of Dr. John Walker at Duquesne University, and to Julia Howell, a
student of Dr. Delbert Disselhorst at the University of Iowa. Before attending
Duquesne, Adam was a student of Dr. William Lindberg. Julia studied at Lebanon
Valley College with Dr. Shelly Moorman-Stahlman.

We are grateful to the following for providing the funds for
the awards for this 2004 competition: College/Young Professional Division first
prize of $3500 provided by Patrick J. Murphy & Associates, Inc. Organ
Builders; second prize of $1000 provided by Betty Willard and David A. Smith;
third prizes, two gifts of $500 provided by the Hartford AGO Chapter. High
School Division first prize of $1500 provided by Ahlborn-Galanti Organs; second
prize of $500 provided by Karen Franzen in memory of Freida Mehre
(1905-2003); judges’ awards provided by Fleet Bank of Hartford,
Connecticut, and Dr. William Zeller in memory of Mr. Arthur Andrews, Julia and
Arleigh Green, and Mary Shonk Zeller.

The Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA 2004 was made
possible by generous gifts provided by Jenny Fong, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kelly,
Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Mellen, Mr. David Rieck, The Helen L. Reinfrank Music Fund,
Mr. Jason Solomonides, Mr. and Mrs. Leigh Standish, and Mr. Symond Yavener.

We are indebted to the following churches for allowing their
organs to be used for additional practice: Trinity Episcopal Church,
Wethersfield (Bruce Henley, organist/choirmaster); Sacred Heart Roman Catholic
Church, Wethersfield (Father Thomas Campion, Thaddeus Terzo,
organist/choirmaster and Robert and Geri Cashman); St. Joseph’s
Cathedral, Hartford (Ezequiel Menendez, organist/choirmaster); and Christ
Church Cathedral, Hartford (Canon James Barry, organist and choirmaster).

Sunday morning, all finalists shared in playing portions of
the worship services. At 4:00 p.m., first place winners Nathan Laube and M.
Jonathan Ryan played a recital from portions of their competition repertoire.
All awards were presented to the finalists at the start of the recital. Nathan
Laube then played the first movement from Symphonie Romane
style='font-style:normal'> by Widor, Fantasy and Fugue in g minor
style='font-style:normal'>, BWV 542, by Bach, Andante Sostenuto (from Symphonie
Gothique) by Widor, and Fugue on
the name Alain by Duruflé. M.
Jonathan Ryan played Miroir by Ad
Wammes, Prelude and Fugue in a minor,
BWV 543, by Bach, Toccata by
Monnikendam, and “The World Awaiting the Saviour” (from Passion
Symphony, op. 23) by Dupré. The
recital also included the hymn St. Thomas.

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 coordinator; Karen
Franzen, administrative assistant; Betty Standish and Nancy Moodie, ASOF/USA
committee co-chairs for so ably performing the organizational work that made
the ASOF/USA 2004 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.

The eighth annual Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA will
be held September 9-11, 2005. For information:  860/529-1575 x209;

<[email protected]>;

<www.firstchurch.org/ASOF&gt;.

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;

David Spicer is Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut, and co-founder of the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA. Undergraduate studies were at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied organ with Dr. Alexander McCurdy. Graduate studies were at the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, also in Philadelphia.

The sixth annual Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA was
held at the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut, September 5-7,
2003. The festival opened with a celebration concert on Friday evening,
September 5. David Spicer, Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of
Christ and co-founder of the festival, served as organist/choirmaster for the
choral portions of the concert. The opening carillon selection was Bach's Liebster
Jesu, wir sind hier, one of Albert
Schweitzer's favorite chorale settings. The Campanella Handbell Choir, directed
by Linda Henderson, then played Paean of Praise
style='font-style:normal'> (based on Pasticcio
style='font-style:normal'>) by Jean Langlais, adapted and arranged by Sue
Mitchell-Wallace for handbells and organ. Following the handbell selection, all
in attendance were invited to sing "Christ is made the sure
foundation" (tune: Christ Church 
by Richard W. Dirksen). The Festival Choir sang the Kyrie from Louis
Vierne's Messe Solennelle.

Mr. Spicer introduced the three judges: Colin Andrews and
Janette Fishell from Greenville, North Carolina, and Frederick Hohman from
South Bend, Indiana. Next the two high school finalists were introduced:
Christopher Mark Houlihan from Somers, Connecticut, and Stephanie Y. Liem from
Haverford, Pennsylvania, followed by the three college/young professional
division finalists: David Enlow from New York City, Andrew Cornell Pester from
Dayton, Ohio, and Jin-Ah Yoo from Cedar Falls, Iowa. Then the three judges
performed: Frederick Hohman played his own composition, A Patriot's
Processional, Janette Fishell played Moto
Ostinato by Petr Eben, and Colin Andrews
played Concert Variations by
Joseph Bonnet.

After all the festival sponsors were acknowledged and
thanked, the choir sang He Comes to Us
by Jane Marshall (with text from The Quest for the Historical Jesus by Albert
Schweitzer) and the anthem Go Ye into All the World
style='font-style:normal'> by Robert Wetzler. The concert concluded with all
singing "Let Heaven Rejoice" (tune: Rock Harbor by Alan MacMillan and
text by Hal M. Helms).

On Saturday, September 6, the high school division
competition was held from 10 am to 12 noon, and the college/young professional
division competition from 2-5 pm. The judges made the following decisions: high
school division, first place, $1500, was awarded to Christopher Mark Houlihan,
a junior at Somers High School and a student of John Rose; second place, $500,
was awarded to Stephanie Y. Liem, a junior in high school attending the
Friends' Central School outside Philadelphia, and a student of Michael Stairs.
In the college/young professional division: first place, $3250, was awarded to
David Enlow, a student of John Weaver at the Julliard School in New York City
(this award includes a return concert at First Church of Christ on March 21,
2004 at 7 pm); second place, $1000, was awarded to Andrew Cornell Pester, a
student of Hans Davidsson at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New
York; third place, $500, was awarded to Jin-Ah Yoo, a student of Marilou
Kratzenstein and Melody Steed at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar
Falls, Iowa.

Saturday evening the judges, finalists and invited guests
enjoyed a lavish meal prepared by Dana Spicer at Mainly Tea in Wethersfield. On
Sunday, September 7, the second and third place winners played during the 8,
9:15 and 11 am services of worship, and at 4 pm the two first place winners
were featured in recital. Awards were presented during this concert.

Special thanks to First Church of Christ hosting ASOF/USA
2003, Nancy Andersen, ASOF/USA manager; Karen Franzen, administrative
assistant; Betty Standish, chair of the music committee; David Gilbert for
photography, and to the following sponsors. College/young artist division,
first prize: The Austin Grand Prize Award, $2000, Austin Organs, Inc.,
Hartford; Jenny Fong Award, $300 (given in memory of King-Ao Tze); Helen L.
Reinfrank Award, $200; concert appearance, $750; second prize: The Betty
Standish and Evelyn Lee Award, $500 (given in memory of Richard M. K. Lee);
Dutch Point Credit Union Award, Wethersfield, CT, $500; third prize: Hartford
AGO Chapter, $500. High school division, first prize: Fleet Bank of Hartford
Award, $1500; second prize: Jason Solomonides Award, $500; Judges Award, Helen
L. Reinfrank Music Fund Award. The Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA is
grateful to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Co. in Avon, Connecticut for the
gift of tuning and maintenance of the Austin Organ used in this festival.

The repertoire of this year's finalists included Bach: Trio
Sonata No. 5, BWV 529, Prelude
and Fugue in D Major, BWV 532, Prelude
and Fugue in f minor, BWV 534, Prelude
and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541, Fantasy
and Fugue in g minor, BWV 542; Franck:
Choral No. 1, Choral No. 2, Choral No. 3;
Widor: Andante Cantabile (Symphony No. 4), Allegro Cantabile (Symphony No. 5
style='font-style:normal'>); Dupré: Cortège et Litanie,
Prelude and Fugue in B; Barber: Variations
on "What Wondrous Love Is This?";
Sowerby: Toccata; Langlais:
Epilogue (Hommage à Frescobaldi).

Next year's Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA will be
held September 10-12, 2004. The deadline for competition applications is June
1, 2004. Interested candidates may find information about ASOF/USA 2004 by
visiting our website: <[email protected]> and click on Seventh
Annual Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA or call 860/529-1575 x209.