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.

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. 

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 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

We have been blessed with beautiful weekends for this festival, but this year was especially lovely. The leaves don’t turn color until October, but the weather was indeed glorious. That, combined with wonderful organ music, set the stage for the fifteenth annual festival. We are grateful to be able to encourage young organists with this competition, and had some wonderful applicants who sent in CDs. Diane Meredith Belcher served as the screening judge for these applications. Judges for this year’s festival were Faythe Freese, Cherry Rhodes, and Gordon Turk. It is interesting that both Cherry and Gordon, as youngsters, had written to Dr. Albert Schweitzer—and they each received a reply!

On Friday evening, September 7, our traditional opening concert was held. David Spicer played the service/choral portions: Prayer (Larghetto) from Serenade for Strings, Elgar, transcr. Spicer; 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), Jane Marshall; Go Ye Into All the World, Robert Wetzler; Let Heaven Rejoice (Rock Harbor) (text by Hal M. Helms), Alan MacMillan.

Each of the judges played a selection of their own choosing at the Friday evening opening concert. A video camera, via closed-circuit television, projected images of the organists in the balcony onto a screen downstairs. The selections: Pageant,
Sowerby (Faythe Freese); Fugue in E Minor, BWV 548, Bach (Cherry Rhodes); Vesper Hymn—Improvisation—Golden Domes of Kiev (Gordon Turk).

Saturday morning, from 8 am to 11 am, the young professional division finalists played the required repertoire. Michael Gebhart: Bach, Trio Sonata No. 5 in C Major, BWV 529; Franck, Choral No. 3 in A Minor; Messiaen, Dieu Parmi Nous; hymns: St. Thomas (Williams), Slane.

Samuel Nelson: Trio Sonata No. 6 in G Major, BWV 530; Franck, Choral No. 3 in A Minor; Dupré, Prelude and Fugue in G Minor, op. 7, no. 3; hymns: St. Thomas (Williams), Ein’ feste Burg.

Bryan Holten: Trio Sonata No. 4 in E Minor, BWV 528; Franck, Choral No. 2 in B Minor; Conte, Toccata; hymns: St. Thomas (Williams), Eventide.

At 12 noon the high school division finalists were heard. Joseph Russell: Bach, Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541; Widor, Cantabile (Symphony No. 6, op. 42, no. 2); Langlais, Hymne d’action de grâces ‘Te Deum’; hymns: St. Thomas (Williams), Ar Hyd y Nos.

Anna Pan: Bach, Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 547; Widor, Dolce (Symphony No. 4); Vierne, Naïades (Pièces de Fantaisie, op. 55, no. 4); hymns: St. Thomas (Williams), Hamburg.

Matthew Edwards: Fantasie in G Major, BWV 572; Widor, Adagio (Symphony No. 5); Alain, Litanies; hymns: St. Thomas (Williams), Hamburg. 

Later that evening, all finalists and judges had a chance for interaction and discussion over a delicious meal provided by Dana Spicer at the historic Solomon Welles House in Wethersfield, which is very near the First Church of Christ.

On Sunday, September 9, all finalists played portions of the 8:45 and 10:30 am worship services. At 1:30 pm, a masterclass with the three judges was held. Many important topics were covered, and awards were presented. High school division: first place, Joseph Russell from Grays-
lake, Illinois, student of Thomas Bara; second place, Anna Pan from Burlington, Connecticut, student of John Rose; third place, Matthew Edwards from El Centro, California, student of Hope Davis.

Young professional division: first place, Michael Gebhart from Bloomington, Indiana, student of Janette Fishell; second place (tie), Bryan Holten from Rochester, New York, student of David Higgs, and Samuel Nelson from Lynn, Massachusetts, student of Douglas Marshall.

Leigh and Betty Standish provided the $2,000 first-place award in the high school division. The young professional division first prize of $3,500 was given by Robert Bausmith and Jill Peters-Gee, M.D. John Gorton and Richard Pilch provided $1,000 for the David Spicer Hymn Playing Award, which was given to high school division finalists Joseph Russell ($750) and Anna Pan ($250). Other prizes and gifts toward the festival—including the high school division second prize of $1,000 and the young professional division second prize of $1,500—came from Marilyn Austin and the Austin family, several individuals in the First Church family, and others.  

Special thanks go to Bon Smith, Alex Belair, and Michael Tanguay of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who were on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer assistance, should the organ need it. 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 Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, the Reverend Scott Lee, rector; First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, Angela Salcedo, director of music ministries; the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, Dr. Ezequiel Menéndez, music director; and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Wethersfield, Melissa Cheyney, organist.

Plans are underway for the 2013 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival, including the opening concert of the festival on Friday evening, September 6 at 7:30 pm. Our 2012 first-place winners, Joseph Russell and Michael Gebhart, will perform in recital on Sunday, June 9, 2013, 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.

Photos by David Gilbert

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.