American Guild of Organists Congregate in Morristown July 3-6, 2011

WEBWIRE – Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Convention includes workshops, regional youth competition and performances for the public to enjoy.

The Metropolitan New Jersey Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is proud to host the regional convention for Regions I and II (New England, New York, Northern/Central New Jersey, Argentina, Europe) in Morristown, NJ from July 3 through 6, 2011. The convention schedule includes distinguished recitalists including Ken Cowan, Marilyn Keiser (performing with the Shanghai Quartet, harp, flute, and oboe), Renée Anne Louprette, Thomas Murray, Eric Plutz, Carol Williams, and the young artists who win the AGO/Quimby Regional Competition for Young Organists for both Regions I and II.

There will be a hymn sing presented by Mark Miller and a hymn festival presented by John Walker. You will hear exciting instruments. The convention has commissioned two intriguing compositions, one for organ and string quartet by Trent Johnson, and one for organ and narrator based on a Chinese folk tale by Chelsea Chen. There will also be a large number of workshops presented by distinguished presenters. Considering the large geographical region from which attendees will come, and the exciting artists, composers, presenters, and instruments to be featured, we expect a large number of enthusiastic convention attendees.

We eagerly anticipate AGO Morristown 2011. Please join us in celebrating the King of Instruments, whether you are an organist or one who enjoys listening. There are 11 programs during the convention for the public’s enjoyment, for a nominal fee.

For complete information on the convention, visit our website: www.ago2011nj.com. Following is a schedule of performances for the public to enjoy.

Sunday, July 3, 8:00pm • Free
Opening Convocation
The Reverend Victoria Sirota, Speaker
Harmonium Choral Society
Calvary Episcopal Church, 31 Woodland Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901

Monday, July 4, 11:00am • $5.00
Organ Recital of “Americana”
Carol Williams, Organist
The Presbyterian Church in Morristown, 57 East Park Place, Morristown, NJ 07960

Monday, July 4, 2:00pm • $15.00; $10.00 Seniors/Students
A Post-Modern Hymn Sing Revival!
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mark Miller, Presenter

91 Maple Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960

Monday, July 4, 8:00pm • $15.00; $10.00 Seniors/Students
Music for Organ and Instruments
Marilyn Keiser, Organist
Shanghai Quartet, harp, flute, and oboe
Morristown United Methodist Church, 50 South Park Place, Morristown, NJ 07960

Tuesday, July 5, 1:30pm • $15.00; $10.00 Seniors/Students
Organ Recital
Eric Plutz, Organist
St. John the Evangelist Church, 94 Ridge Street, Orange, NJ 07050

Tuesday, July 5, 3:00pm • $15.00; $10.00 Seniors/Students
Organ Recital
Renée Anne Louprette, Organist
Women’s Chant Schola, James Kennerley, Conductor
Grace Church, 950 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102

Tuesday, July 5, 5:00pm • $15.00; $10.00 Seniors/Students
Organ Recital
Thomas Murray, Organist
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
89 Ridge Street, Newark, NJ 07104

Wednesday, July 6, 11:30am • $15.00; $10.00 Seniors/Students
Organ Recital
Ken Cowan, Organist
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 70 Maple Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960

Wednesday, July 6, 2:00pm • $15.00; $10.00 Seniors; Students-Free
Organ Recital of Organ Demonstrators
Members of Metropolitan New Jersey Chapter:
Joseph Arndt, Jackson Borges, Vincent Carr, Kathy McNeil
Mark Pacoe, Barbara Piercy, Organists
Morristown United Methodist Church, 50 South Park Place, Morristown, NJ 07960

Wednesday, July 6, 8:00pm • $15.00; $10.00 Seniors/Students
Hymn Festival
John Walker, Presenter/Organist
Solid Brass / Massed Choir
The Presbyterian Church in Morristown, 57 East Park Place, Morristown, NJ 07960

Recitals by winners of the AGO/Quimby
Regional Competition for Young Organists
Tuesday, July 5, 9:00am The Presbyterian Church in Morristown
Wednesday, July 6, 9:00am Morristown United Methodist Church
Free and open to the public