February 2023

Dear Organists,

As I watched the snow fall this morning, the words of Christina Rossetti’s beautiful poem “In the Bleak Midwinter” came to mind. “In the bleak mid-winter frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone…”

As organists create a point of gathering and communion in church services and concerts during the long days of winter, we bring light in the darkness and warmth to cold places. I just received a very. kind and sincere note of gratitude for a funeral service I played last weekend; it reminded me of the “why” to our hard, often isolated work, which is the connection, warmth and hope we can offer during dark or difficult times.

Organ historian Douglas Bush introduced me to these beautiful words of Oliver Hereford, “I heard a bird sing in the dark of December, a magical thing, and sweet to remember.” Musicians indeed usher in the light, warmth, and songs that help people forge through life’s winters into spring.

I wish to express my thanks in particular to Shelby Fisher and Linda Margetts for their work toward a very successful open console event last Saturday at the LDS Conference Center. Looking to upcoming events, please join us on Friday, February 3rd at 7:30pm, for the Tabernacle Organ Virtuoso Performance Series concert featuring Hungarian organist Viktor Billa. The following Friday, February 10th at 7:30pm at First Baptist Church, we will enjoy a lecture recital by Kurt Lueders, of the Protestant Church of the Holy Spirit in Paris, France. Please join me this weekend and next in supporting both of these gifted visiting artists.

I hope to see you there!

Emily Spencer, Dean,  SLCAGO