This show was produced on the Campus of Christ Cathedral during the years 2018 - 2020.

It is now available here and on APPLE PODCASTS

"Music from the Tower"  Theme Music  by Empire Brass and William Kuhlman

Concerto in G major: 3. Allegro     Telemann, Georg Phillip (1681-1767)

Episode No. 80 Marian Music for the Month of May

Guest Host David Ball takes us on a musical journey of Marian Music - from some of the oldest written hymns to classic Romantic-era solo works to well-known choral settings. Joining David is composer and friend of the show Daniel Ficarri. A recent graduate of the Juilliard School in New York, Daniel Ficarri speaks from the heart of a composer about the inspiring nature of Marian texts, and shares with us his own Ave Maria - a radio premiere and exclusive to Music from the Tower! Featured alongside Ficarri’s stunning new Ave Maria are classics including the Schubert, Bach-Gounod, and Biebl settings; and some lesser-known, yet equally gorgeous settings by living composers Anna Jacobs, Cecilia McDowall, James Biery, and John Rutter.

Guest Host: David Ball, Christ Cathedral Organist and Assistant Director of Music

Guest: Daniel Ficarri, Composer and Organist

MUSIC:

Chant: Ave Maria - The Monks of Solesmes

Vittoria: Ave Maria - The Cambridge Singers and John Rutter

Anna Jacobs: Ave Maria - The National Lutheran Choir SCORE AVAILABLE FROM MORNINGSTAR

Ave Maris Stella: Chant and Dupré: Toccata - Jeremy Filsell

Rachmaninoff: Ave Maria - Dr. John A. Romeri and the St. Louis Archdiocesan Choirs

James Biery: Ave Maria SCORE AVAILABLE FROM MORNINGSTAR

John Rutter: Ave Maria - John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers

Franz Schubert: Ave Maria - Renée Fleming and the Royal Philharmonia Orchestra

Bach-Gounod: Ave Maria - Jessye Norman

Daniel Ficarri: Ave Maria SCORE AVAILABLE

Franz Biebl: Ave Maria - Chanticleer

Leo Nestor: Virgin Great and Glorious - Leo Nestor and the Basilica of the National Shrine Choir

Maurice Duruflé: Tota Pulchra Es - The Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge

Cecilia McDowall: Alma Redemptoris Mater - The Marian Consort

Leo Nestor: Magnificat- Leo Nestor and the Basilica of the National Shrine Choir

Episode No. 79 Easter 2020, An Easter like no other

Four Cathedral Musicians talk about what it was like to prepare for Holy Week, Triduum and Easter Sunday without congregations, without instrumentalists, with a limited number of singers and in some cases just an organ and cantor. The Corona virus has given the church an Easter like none of us have ever experienced before. Enjoy this fascinating look into the planning (and replanning) that it took to make Easter 2020 come alive in four of the nations most important cathedrals:

GUESTS:
Christ Cathedral, Orange California Dr. John A Romeri, Director of Music and David L. Ball, Assistant Director of Music and Cathedral Organist ChristCathedralMusic.org
Christ Our Light Cathedral, Oakland California Dr. Rudy De Vos, Director of Music and Organist
ctlcathedral.org
St. Thomas More Cathedral, Arlington Virginia Dr. Richard Gibala, Director of Music and Organist
cathedralstm.org
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC Dr. Peter Latona, Director of Music and Organist
nationalshrine.org

MUSIC: Haec Dies John Shepherd (1515 - 1558) Christ Cathedral (7 singers) John Romeri, conductor
MUSIC: Alleluia Randall Thompson Christ Our Light Cathedral (8 singers) Rudy De Vos, conductor
MUSIC: The Lord Will Reign Forever James Biery St. Thomas More Cathedral (recorded before Corona with their Cathedral Choir) Richard Gibala, conductor
MUSIC: Christ our Passover, Peter Latona The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (5 singers) Peter Latona, conductor
MUSIC: In The Father’s Glory Peter Latona The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (5 singers) Peter Latona, conductor

ARTICLE: The Music of the Easter Season: Adapting to the Challenges of Coronavirus Dr. Peter Latona

Episode No 78 Dr. Jennifer Pascual, Dr. John Romeri, David Ball on a special episode of “Sounds from the Spire”. Dr. Pascual from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York, interviews the musicians of American’s newest Cathedral.

Hear a fascinating visit with three of the busiest Church Musicians in the country. St Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Cathedral in Orange California are no doubt two of the wildest places on earth. Lots of people, parishioners and tourists, pour into these great cathedrals for many masses each weekend. John and David has been musical team since David was in high school back in their St. Louis Cathedral days. Hear some wonderful music from the choirs of Christ Cathedral, some great organ playing by David Ball, and even a surprise piece from the Papal visit in 1999 in St. Louis!

MUSIC: Te Deum Rachel Lauren David Ball, organist Cathedral Brass, John Romeri, Conductor
MUSIC: Let the People Praise Thee. William Mathias. Cathedral Choirs and Orchestra, John Romeri, Conductor
MUSIC: Paean. Herbert Howells. David Ball, Organist
MUSIC: Hic est vere martyr. Sebastian de Vivanco arr. David Ball. Cathedral Schola, John Romeri, Conductor
MUSIC: Festival Alleluia James Chepponis 1999 Papal Visit to St. Louis. Archdiocesan Choirs and Orchestra. Schoot Kennebeck, Cantor, John Romeri, Conductor
MUSIC: Dieu Parmi Nous. Olivier Messiaen David Ball, Organist
MUSIC: I Was Glad. Herbert H Parry. Cathedral Choirs and Orchestra, John Romeri, Conductor

Episode No. 77 Dr. Joe Miller, Conductor of Westminster Choir and head of the Choral Department, and Dr Marshall Onofrio, Dean of the School of Fine Arts and Westminster Choir College, Princeton.

As Westminster Choir celebrates its 100th Anniversary you will hear from its present conductor, Dr. Joe Miller and the Dean of the Choir College about the rich history of these 100 years. The great tradition of John Finley Williamson and Dr. Joseph Flummerfelt is the foundation of this great legacy now continued into the next century by Dr. Miller. He will give an explanation of the anniversary tour program and the significance of the pieces which he chose. Also hear about the future projects of the choir as they prepare for the annual Spoleto Festival in Italy and performances with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Dr. Onofrio looks into the complicated future of the Choir College as it moves to the Rider University campus in Lawrenceville, NJ. Marshall has complete confidence in a bright future for this worthy institution. With a strong alumni association here in Los Angeles, we are all hoping and praying he is correct in his forecast.

MUSIC: I sat down under his shadow Bairstow: (CD: Martin Mass for Double Choir)
MUSIC: O How Amiable  Ralph Vaughan Williams (CD: Favorite Hymns and Anthems)
MUSIC: Vocal Quartets, Op. 64 - An Die Heimat  Brahms (CD: Singing for Pleasure)
MUSIC: O Magnum Mysterium  Elder (CD: The Heart’s Reflection)
MUSIC: Sanctus from Mass for Double Choir  Martin: (CD: Martin: Mass for Double Choir)

Episode No. 76  Dr. Jennifer Pascual, Director of Music and Organist at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City and host of “Sounds from the Spires” with Dr. John Romeri, Director of Music and Organist at Christ Cathedral, Garden Grove, California and host of “Music from the Tower” in a joint radio program.  

Together they talk about the two busiest cathedrals in America!  Dr.  Pascual was appointed Director of Music at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City in 2003. She is the first woman to hold this position, one of the most prestigious sacred music appointments in the United States. Jennifer earned a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Organ Performance from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY.  She holds a Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance from the Mannes College of Music in New York. She received the Bachelor of Music Degrees in Piano and Organ Performance, magna cum laude, and Music Education from Jacksonville University in Florida.  https://saintpatrickscathedral.org ChristCathedralMusic.org

MUSIC:  Let There Be Light  Gilbert Martin  from the album “Christ Cathedral Dedication”
MUSIC: Let Us Go Rejoicing  Dr. Peter Latona  from the album “Christ Cathedral Dedication”
MUSIC:  Alleluia  Charles Callahan  Diocesan Children’s Choir from the album “Christ Cathedral Dedication”
MUSIC:  Gesu Bambino Pietro Yon  St Patrick Cathedral Choir, New York
MUSIC: Song of Mary  Charles Callahan  St Patrick Cathedral Choir, New York from a live broadcast of a bishop ordination.
MUSIC:  Holy God We Praise Thy Name  St Patrick Cathedral Choir, New York from a live recent broadcast of a bishop ordination.

Episode No 75 Vincent Carr, Associate Professor of Music (Organ), Church Musician, Organist, Conductor, Composer, Scholar

Vincent Carr is Associate Professor of Music in Organ at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Carr is an organist, conductor, and composer known for his versatility as a performer. He leads an eclectic musical career, with interests in sacred music, choral repertoire, chamber music, contemporary American repertoire, musical theater, global popular music, and songwriting. He served as associate organist and choirmaster at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City, New York from 2013-2017. From 2009-2017, he served as Adjunct Professor at the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey.

Carr earned both a Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance and a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Spanish from Indiana University. At IU, he studied organ with Larry Smith, harpsichord with Elisabeth Wright, and improvisation and church music with John Schwandt and Marilyn Keiser. A graduate of the Institute of Sacred Music at Yale University, Carr studied organ performance there with Martin Jean, improvisation with William Porter and Jeffrey Brillhart, and choral conducting with Jeffrey Douma.

He has been an award winner in several national performance and improvisation competitions and is in high demand as a clinician, lecturer, and performer. From 2006 to 2013, he served as associate organist at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey, one of the largest gothic cathedrals in the Americas. He has performed and studied throughout the United States, Europe, and Latin America (including the Republic of Cuba).

Carr is an Associate and Choirmaster of the American Guild of Organists. In 2013, he took a sabbatical in Europe, studying composition in the tradition of Nadia Boulanger at the Schola Cantorum de Paris through the European American Musical Alliance. In 2014, he served as musical director for a new production of Ruddigore for the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Harrogate, England. An active collaborative musician, he has performed extensively with the renowned Richard Alston Dance Company in both London and New York City. Vincecarr.com

MUSIC: Impromptu Samuel Coleridge Taylor Vince Carr, Organist Recorded at Indiana University
MUSIC: Pavane Robert Elmore Vince Carr, Organist Recorded at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark
MUSIC: Come Sunday Mahalia Jackson Organ Improvisation by Vincent Carr Recorded at Indiana University
MUSIC: 3 Pieces for Organ #2 Chorale Prelude: Herr Liebster Jesu George Walker Vincent Carr, Organist
MUSIC: 3 Pieces for Organ #3 Invocation George Walker Vincent Carr, Organist

Episode No. 74 Saturday, November 23, 2019 Christopher Caliendo, Composer, Guitarist, Arranger, Publisher, Film Work, Educator

Meet LA’s own, Christopher Caliendo. As a composer, Caliendo is considered a “best bet” by the Los Angeles Times, with more than 400 published theatrical works. Caliendo has won numerous honors, including 10-time winner of the National Flute Association’s Newly Published Sheet Music Award. Notable recent commissions for Caliendo’s work include Sherlock Holmes: Symphonic Suite and The Hobbit: Symphonic Suite, commissioned by the Pacific Chamber Symphony, and Enders’s Game: Concert Band Suite, commissioned by the United States Air Force, a recording of which was released to honor the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

As a composer for film and television, Caliendo’s accomplishments include the 20th Century Fox-commissioned soundtrack to John Ford’s 1924 silent lm The Iron Horse. Called an “excellent orchestral score” by New York Times critic Dave Kehr, the 136-minute original work was featured at 20th Century Fox’s 75th anniversary celebration in 2010, where selections were performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, along with music from Alfred Newman, David Raskin, Jerry Goldsmith, John Williams and Rodgers and Hammerstein at the Hollywood Bowl.

He was also commissioned by Sony Pictures to compose a new score for the 2005 re-release of Sam Peckinpah’s 1965 feature Major Dundee, which earned him the honor of being the first composer in film history to re-score a major motion picture. Caliendo has also written music for the TV series’ Dallas, Knot’s Landing and Paradise, for which he received an Emmy nomination in 1988. Caliendo’s distinction as the first American to be twice-commissioned by Pope John Paul II for the Vatican’s “Encounters of Sacred Contemporary Music Festival” in Rome, Italy, where he debuted The Mystic Saints, a two-hour drama based on four of the Catholic church’s most enigmatic pioneers in Western spirituality. His latest religious work is Seven Psalms.

Caliendo’s love of music began at an early age, playing guitar at age 5 and composing music at age 14. He is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, and the University of California, Los Angeles, where he received a Master of Fine Arts in music and graduated magna cum laude. www.christophercaliendo.com

MUSIC: Enchanted Pilgrimage Christopher Caliendo
MUSIC: The opening of the film MAJOR DUNDEE Christopher Caliendo
MUSIC: ALLEGRIA (Happy) from Flameneo Americano Christopher Caliendo
MUSIC: The Mystic Saints: Food of Humility - St. John of the Cross: Christopher Caliendo
MUSIC: The Mystic Saints: THE EFFICACY OF PATIENCE - TERESA OF AVILA Christopher Caliendo

Episode No. 73 Saturday, November 16, 2019 Dr. Mack Wilberg, Conductor, Composer, Arranger, Educator and the Music Director for the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

Mack Wilberg was appointed music director of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square on March 28, 2008, having served as associate music director of the Choir since May 1999. Dr. Wilberg is responsible for all musical and creative aspects of the Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in rehearsals, concerts, tours, and recordings, as well as the weekly broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word.

He is a former professor of music at Brigham Young University and is active as a composer, arranger, guest conductor, and clinician throughout the United States and abroad. His compositions and arrangements, currently published exclusively by Oxford University Press, are performed and recorded by choral organizations throughout the world. Dr. Wilberg received his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Southern California.

Enjoy a wonderful episode with the director of “America’s Choir.” Hear the journey which led Dr. Wilberg to this wonderful position and even the fascinating process for becoming a member of one of the most famous choirs in the world. https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/about/choir/

MUSIC: Old Hundredth Hymntune arr. Mack Wilberg Tabernacle Choir from their album TREE OF LIFE
MUSIC: Love Diving All Loves Excelling arr. Mack Wilberg Tabernacle Choir from their album LET US ALL PRESS ON
MUSIC: Child of Light Mack Wilberg Tabernacle Choir from their album ANGELS AMONG US
MUSIC: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing arr. Mack Wilberg Tabernacle Choir from their album ANGELS AMONG US

Episode No. 72 Saturday. November 9, 2019 Victor A. Vanacore, Conductor, Pianist, Composer, Arranger

Grammy Award winner Victor Vanacore has been at the nexus of popular music for more than 30 years. Widely respected for his versatility, he has had a long history of fruitful collaborations with the biggest names in the entertainment industry, as a conductor, pianist, composer and arranger. 

Originally from New Haven, Connecticut, Mr. Vanacore began learning the piano at age six and wrote his first composition at the age of eight, thus beginning his life-long fascination with music. As a teenager, he played the piano in nightclubs, shows, and theatres, receiving valuable experience along the way by accompanying Broadway acts, opera singers, and celebrities. After serving in the U.S. Navy Band, he enrolled in the Berklee College of Music, from which he recently received an Alumnus Recognition Award as “one of the top 60 Alumni.”

As a symphony pops conductor, his engagements include orchestras nationwide, including the Indianapolis, Buffalo, Phoenix and St. Louis Symphonies, He has also worked with orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, and San Francisco Symphony. Abroad he has worked with the philharmonic orchestras of Calgary, London, Belgrade, Bratislava, and Skopije as well as the Hanover Pops, the Mozarteum Orchestra, and the symphony orchestras of Sydney, Melbourne, Edmonton and Vancouver.

In conjunction with his career as a pops conductor, Mr. Vanacore has had numerous associations with celebrity vocalists. He served as conductor, keyboardist and musical arranger for the Jackson Five as well as conductor and arranger for the Fifth Dimension. Not long afterward, Johnny Mathis hired him as musical director for his world tour. He joined Barry Manilow for 6 years in the same capacity.

Additionally, Mr. Vanacore feels honored to have enjoyed a close ongoing relationship with the musical icon Ray Charles, whom he met in 1990. They remained colleagues and friends until Mr. Charles’ passing in 2004, during which time he served as his musical director, arranger, and opening act. Ray Charles’ only platinum album entitled “Genius Loves Company” features Mr. Vanacore’s orchestral arrangements, including the Grammy-winning “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” with special guest Johnny Mathis.

He has also been composing in collaboration with his brother David on the critically acclaimed hit CBS show “Survivor.” Other television credits include music for the 2005 Academy Awards show, Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice,” and “American Idol.” He received the 2009 Telly Award for his musical contribution to the City of Hope cancer center’s fundraising video entitled “Thank You.” Recent CD’s include Natalie Cole, Teena Marie, George Benson, and Dave Koz.

These past few years have seen Maestro Vanacore as composer-in-residence at the Festival of The Arts' Pageant of the Masters, where he is commissioned annually to provide compositions and arrangements of all styles, Classical to Modern, to accompany living art (tableaux vivants). His religious works include La Sorgente which is based upon the poetry of Pope John Paul II for orchestra, 2 sopranos and 4 tenors. It was performed in 2017 at the John Anson Ford Theatre in Hollywood.

MUSIC: It Was A Very Good Year. Performed by Ray Charles; arrangement by Vincent Vanacore
MUSIC: “La Sorgente” (The Source) Music: Vincert Vanacore Text: St. Pope John Paul II
MUSIC: “Stupore” (Wonderment) about Adam and the Garden. Music: Vincert Vanacore Text: St. Pope John Paul II
MUSIC: Somewhere Over The Rainbow arrangement by Vincent Vanacore Featuring Ray Charles and Johnny Mathis from the album, Genius Loves Company.

Episode No. 71 Saturday, November 2, 2019 Dr. David Crean, Organist, Church Musician, Recitalist, Radio Host, and the Author of the new book on the Hazel Wright Pipe Organ (With special co-host David L. Ball)

Dr. David Crean enjoys a multi-faced career as a teacher, recitalist, church musician, and radio personality. He has concertized throughout the United States and completed two concert tours of Australia, where he gave several Australian premieres and performed on historic organs. In 2014 he was the opening recitalist of WQXR’s “Bachstock” marathon performance of the complete organ works of J.S. Bach. Other recent highlights include the Poulenc organ concerto with the Bach Society of Dayton, recitals at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, St. Thomas Fifth Ave., Central College Presbyterian (Columbus, OH), and several programs for American Guild of Organists (AGO) chapters.

A committed teacher at the keyboard and in the classroom, David has taught organ, harpsichord, and theory at Wright State since 2014. From 2013 to 2017 he was University Organist and Director of Chapel Music at Wittenberg University, and has held adjunct positions at Juilliard and The University of Iowa. He also serves as sub-dean of the Dayton, OH chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

Since February 2017, David has been the midday host at Discover Classical WDPR, Dayton’s only full-time classical radio station. As Music Director, he also plans music for nearly 70 hours of weekly live broadcast and manages a library of nearly 10,000 recordings. An active church musician since age 15, he currently serves as Organist and Music Director at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Dayton, where he directs the adult choir and leads worship from the 1989 C.B. Fisk Organ.

An avid writer, David is in demand as a program and CD annotator. He currently supplies program notes for Juilliard performances and has written liner notes for several CD’s (including one Grammy-winner). His dissertation focused on the life and works of Samuel P. Warren, organist at New York’s Grace Church in the 19th century and founding member of the AGO. He serves as an occasional reviewer for Notes: the Journal of the Music Library Association and The Diapason. Additional articles have appeared in The American Organist.

A native of New York, David received his D.M.A. from The Juilliard School, where he was the 2014 recipient of the Richard F. French Doctoral Prize for outstanding research in a dissertation. He also holds degrees from Oberlin College/Conservatory and The University of Iowa. His former teachers include Paul Jacobs, Lionel Party, Greg Hand, Delbert Disselhorst, and David Boe. http://www.davidcrean.info

All music performed by Dr. Crean.
MUSIC: Sonata in C Major BWV 529 by J.S. Bach (1685-1750) 1. Allegro Fisk Organ, St. George's Episcopal Church, Dayton, OH
MUSIC: Concert Piece No. 1 in C minor by Louis Thiele (1816-1848) Casavant Organ, Brick Presbyterian Church, New York City
MUSIC: Fugue in G Minor, BWV 535 by J.S. Bach Klais Organ, St. Peter's Lutheran Church, New York City
MUSIC: Prelude et danse fugee [sic] by Gaston Litaize (1909-1991 Casavant Organ, First Congregational Church, Iowa City, IA

Episode No. 70 Saturday, October 12, 2019 Stephen Tharp, Concert Organist

“Stephen Tharp is the best organist in America.”  The Diapason 

 This fantastic episode is with the most active concert organist in the world, Stephen Tharp.
Having played more than 1600 concerts across over 53 tours worldwide, Stephen has built one of the most well-respected international careers in the world, earning him the reputation as the most traveled concert organist of his generation.  He has been given the 2011 International Performer of the Year Award by the New York City chapter of the American Guild of Organists. In May 2015, he was given the Paul Creston Award which recognizes artistic excellence by a significant figure in church music and the performing arts. 
His list of performances since 1987 includes such distinguished venues as St. Bavo, Haarlem; Notre-Dame de Paris, St. Eustache, Paris; Notre Dame de Chartres; The Hong Kong Cultural Centre; the Town Halls of Sydney and Adelaide, Australia; Tchaikovsky Hall, Moscow; the Duomo, Milano, Italy; the cathedrals in Berlin, Köln, The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas; Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles; The Kimmel Center, Philadelphia; The Riverside Church, New York City; Rice University, Houston; and Spivey Hall, Atlanta.
Stephen Tharp remains an important champion of new organ music, and continues to commission and premiere numerous compositions for the instrument. The first such piece was Jean Guillou’s symphonic poem Instants, Op. 57, which Tharp premiered at King’s College, Cambridge, England in February 1998.  Works dedicated to him include composers George Baker, David Briggs, Samuel Adler Thierry Escaich and Anthony Newman.  Himself a composer, Tharp was commissioned by Cologne Cathedral, Germany to compose for Easter Sunday, 2006 his Easter Fanfares for the inauguration of the organ’s new en chamade Tuba stops, as well Disney’s Trumpets, composed in February 2011 for the organ at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, where it was premiered by the composer the following month.
In April 2008, Stephen Tharp was named the Official Organist for the NY visit of Pope Benedict XVI, playing for three major events attended by more than 60,000 people that were broadcast live worldwide 
His 15 solo organ recordings can be found on the labels Acis Productions, JAV Recordings, Aeolus, Naxos, Organum and Ethereal, and are available from the Organ Historical Society (www.ohscatalog.org), JAV Recordings (www.pipeorgancds.com) and Amazon (www.amazon.com).  
Stephen Tharp earned his BA degree, magna cum laude, from Illinois College, Jacksonville, IL and his MM from Northwestern University, Chicago, where he studied with Rudolf Zuiderveld and Wolfgang Rübsam, respectively.  He has also worked privately with Jean Guillou in Paris.
Music all performed by Stephen Tharp and is available on i-tunes. http://www.stephentharp.com
 “I vow to Thee, my country”. (Thaxted) Album: Great Church Hymns Traditional and New. 
Fugue in D Major, BWV 532 Johann S. Bach Album: Stephen Tharp Plays the Organ at St. Bavo, Haarlem.  
 Station IV Jesus meets His Mother   Album: Marcel Dupré: The Stations of the Cross, Op. 29  
Danse Diabolique  George Baker Album: Stephen Tharp: The St. James' Recital.  

Episode No. 69 Saturday, September 28 2019  Wesley Martin, Artistic Director for the All-American Boys Chorus, conductor, arranger, educator. 

Enjoy a great visit with Wes Martin, who was born and raised in Australia but has been living in Southern California since 2002 when he became the Artistic Director for the All-American Boys Chorus.  After graduating from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Wesley Martin was awarded the prized Hungarian State Scholarship and went on to study at the esteemed Kodály Interzet, Hungary.  This unique experience impressed upon him the beauty and joy of choral singing and its potential to transform the lives of both performer and audience.  Classically trained as a singer and music educator, Wes’ diverse musical interests cover many different styles and genres, his principal interest being popular music styles.  With expertise in building choral tone and a special interest in developing choral ensemble with the child’s voice and over twenty years’ experience with many different choral ensembles, Wes believes in the life enriching experiences that can be had through music and especially choral singing. Under Wes’ musical direction the All-American Boys Chorus has been delighting audiences with its engaging, fun performances and has emerged as a favorite of event organizers and concert presenters regionally and nationally, as well as becoming one of America’s premier boys’ choirs.  Under his leadership, the All-American Boys Chorus received the coveted Outstanding Arts Organization Award for 2011.  Over the years, along with the AABC, Wes’ collaborations have included; John Williams, Josh Groban, The Vienna Boys Choir, The Disney Company, Jerry Lewis, Cartoon Network, The Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Opera Pacific, The Canadian Brass, The Philadelphia Boys Choir, The Masters of Harmony and the Tournament of Roses.  He has led the AABC in numerous TV appearances including; CHRISTMAS IN L.A., CARTOON NETWORK, JERRY’S KID’S and SCRUBS, as well as being recognized for his work with GOOD NEWS FOR KID’S, one of the region’s major charitable events.  Wes has led numerous acclaimed international tours and performances in world-class venues such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, London; Carnegie Hall, New York and The Sydney Opera House. This Fall they will participate in the Mark Thallander Foundation’s Fall Festival of Faith here at Christ Cathedral on Saturday, October 26, 2019, 2 PM. 
How do I join the All-American Boys Chorus? https://www.taabc.org/join/

Music from the All-American Boys Chorus, Santa Ana, CA
SONG FOR THE MIRA  Words and music by Allister MacGillivray  Arr. Stuart Calvert
CALIFORNIA DREAMING  John Phillips and Michelle Phillips   Arr. Wes Martin
WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLDBy George David Weiss and Bob Thiele.  Arr. Mark A. Brymer
THE MOON REPRESENTS MY HEART  Lyrics by Sun Yi and music by Weng Ching-his  Arr. Wes Martin

Episode No. 68 Saturday, September 14, 2019 Craig S. Williams, Organist/Choirmaster of the West Point Cadet Chapel

Craig Williams is the Organist/Choirmaster at West Point Cadet Chapel, Craig enjoys the distinction of playing one of the world’s largest church pipe organ. some 23, 511 pipes in all (Hazel has just over 17,000) He is the fourth organist to hold the position of Organist/Choirmaster at West Point, where he has given numerous VIP demonstrations for royalty, cabinet members, generals, members of Congress, and other international government and military figures.  He holds degrees from Westminster Choir College, The Juilliard School, and the University of Southern California. A native of Souther California, Craig has had extensive experience as a concert performer at major venues throughout the United States, including the Crystal Cathedral and the Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts.

Mr. Williams earned a Master of Music in organ performance from Westminster Choir College of Rider University; Church Music Certificate with honors, Westminster Conservatory; M.M., piano, The Juilliard School; B.M., cum laude, piano, University of Southern California. Organ studies with Eugene Roan, conducting studies with Allan Crowell and Andrew Megill. First recipient of the Currin Scholarship (full graduate) in organ performance. Since August 2000 he has served as Organist and Director of Music, Cadet Chapel, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY; He is also adjunct professor of organ, Nyack College. Conservatory faculty since 1999.

Enjoy a fascinating visit with this very busy professional musician serving at this most prestigious post. All of the organ pieces on todays show are performed by Craig. West Point Cadet Chapel Organ Recitals https://westpoint.edu/about/chaplain/chapels/cadet-chapel

MUSIC: Sonata No. 1 IV. Allegro assai Vivace Felix Mendelssohn (recorded on the Segerstrom Fisk Organ)
MUSIC: Christ Lag in Todes Banden Johann Sebastian Bach
MUSIC: Symphony No. 3 IV. Adagio Louis Vierne (recorded at West Point Chapel)
MUSIC: Symphony No. 6 V. Finale Charles Marie Widor (recorded at West Point Chapel)
MUSIC: Festal Flourish composed and performed by Craig Williams (recorded at West Point Chapel)

Episode No. 67 Saturday, September 7, 2019 Libera Boy Choir with Robert Prizeman, their founder, conductor, composer and arranger and three of their wonderful singers: Cassius Collard, Tadhg Fitzgerald and Daniel White.

This year’s Libera visit to Christ Cathedral of course brought us an absolute sonic performance and luckily also brought us another wonderful radio program. Each year we find out a bit more about this spectacular group from its founding to its future CD’s and tours. Hear from Robert as well as three of the choristers about their tours, their vocal work, how they differ from other boy choirs, and even their philosophy for choosing the music they perform. You can hear in the boys just how much their membership in Libera means to them and just what it has done for these young men’s lives. Another astonishing example of how the gift of music can not only touch their audiences by the thousands all over the world, but also touches the hearts of these 40 wonderful young choristers.

Music today is from their two CD’s “HOPE” and “BEYOND”. available everywhere. https://libera.org.uk
They are also featured in one piece on the Christ Cathedral Dedication CD which can be purchased on our website: http://christcathedralmusic.org/commemorative-dedication-cd

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd0Y5kNcb6DKSDyAkQXtMpg LIBERA YouTube channel

MUSIC: In Paradisum Ben Robbins (Beyond)
MUSIC: Angel Robert Prizeman (Hope)
MUSIC: Mother of God Sir John Tavener (Beyond)
MUSIC: Voca Me Robert Prizeman (Beyond)
MUSIC: Benedictus Deus (Extended song from “The Greatest Miracle”) Mark McKenzie (Beyond)

Episode No. 66 Saturday, August 24, 2019 Dr. Steven Ball, Concert Organist, Church Musician, Carillonnuer, Director of Sacred Music at the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, St. Louis, Missouri.

Steven Ball has recently been named as Director of Sacred Music at The Oratory of St. Francis de Sales in St. Louis, Missouri. The Oratory is famous for a unique and varied choral repertoire spanning several centuries and performed by numerous ensembles. The liturgies are conducted exclusively in Latin using the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, the universal form of the Roman Catholic Liturgy before the changes which followed the Second Vatican Council. As such it provides a unique cultural and musical setting in which the music of some of the greatest composers for sacred choral and organ music can be heard in their original context.
A native of Michigan originally, Dr. Ball studied at the University of Michigan where he later went on to teach, serve as University Carillonneur, and the Director of the famous Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments. He received his DMA in 2007 as a student of Marilyn Mason.   A former Fulbright Scholar to the Netherlands, Steven Ball is also well known for his work in the world of campanology (the study of bells), improvisation, as an organ consultant, for silent film accompaniment and as a theater organist. He has traveled and performed extensively in both the United States and abroad including concerts in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Portugal, Ireland, England, Switzerland and Italy. He was inducted as a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (a Papal Knighthood) in 2017. 

He comes to this position from New Jersey where he last served as Organist and Director of Outreach (now Emeritus) for the world's largest pipe organ located in Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. His time there also included a position at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, PA.  While serving on the faculty of the Organ Department at the University of Michigan, he also served as Cathedral Organist at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Detroit and Senior Staff Organist at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. 

St. Francis de Sales Oratory is one of the largest and most important examples of gothic revival architecture in the nation. Tied for 6th tallest church tower in the United States, it is located on historic Route 66 and is open daily for visitors. Named America's most beautiful church in a recent nationwide contest, the church is served by priests from the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest.

Today’s show is all about his work at the Oratory and the music for the Extraordinary Form of the Mass (The Latin Mass).

https://www.facebook.com/DrStevenBall/ StevenBall.com http://www.institute-christ-king.org/stlouis-home

MUSIC: Asperges Me Chant; Introit: Dignus est Agnus; Kyrie (Schubert); Gloria (Mass V); Gradual: Dominabitur; Credo (Mass III); Sanctus and Benedictus (Schubert); Agnus Dei (Lott); Communion: Sedebit; March Gothique by Becker. Steven Ball Organist.

Episode No. 65 Saturday August 10, 2019 Composers Normand Gouin and Rev. James Chepponis

Hear from these two enormously talented men who both composed music for the Dedication of Christ Cathedral. Each of these composers have served the church as parish musicians in several capacities. Normand in Philadelphia at St. Joseph Parish, as a college teacher and musician at Holy Cross College in Worcester MA, and now continues as composer and parish musician in New York City. Fr. Chepponis is the Diocesan Director of Music for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, a pastor and parish priest and still has time to be an organist and composer as well. These two incredibly busy men both readily accepted a commission to write music for cathedral’s dedication. Neither are strangers to receiving commissions from John Romeri. As long time friends, they have written numerous pieces for John from Papal Visits to the US to trips to Rome; from Bishop’s Ordinations and Installations to Chrism Mass antiphons. Enjoy a great hour with these two men who have dedication so much of their lives to writing music for the church. Hear how they go about composing music and just what inspires them. All of the music on today’s show is from the CD produced by Christ Cathedral Choirs. Their new CD is beautifully produced on the Gothic label. Purchase your own copy at: http://christcathedralmusic.org/commemorative-dedication-cd

MUSIC: Entrance Antiphon (Ps 122) Let Us Go Rejoicing Peter Latona
MUSIC: Gloria from the Mass of the Transfiguration Normand Gouin (based upon Mass VIII)
MUSIC: Psalm 19 James Chepponis
MUSIC: I was Glad H.H. Parry
MUSIC: Agnus Dei from the Mass of the Transfiguration Normand Gouin (based upon Mass XVIII)
MUSIC: To Jesus Christ Our Sovereign King arr. James Chepponis

Episode No. 64. Saturday, July 6, 2019. Maestro Carl St. Clair of the Pacific Symphony and All Things Beethoven!

Get ready for a spectacular concert with Maestro St. Clair, The Pacific Symphony and The Pacific Chorale in the sonic splendor of the newly renovated Christ Cathedral. This will be the first of many for this new partnership between Carl St Clair and Christ Cathedral. As well approach the 250th Anniversary of the first of the genius, Ludwig von Beethoven, there will be many concerts honoring this great composer. The pacific Symphony is performing Symphony 7 and 8, all of the Piano Concerti, and even an Overture….BUT Carl saved the Beethoven’s 9th Symphony (Choral) for the opening of Christ Cathedral. Don’t miss this concert, Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 7:30 PM. Tickets Available: ChristCathedralMusic.org

All of the music on Today’s show is from the 9th Symphony of Beethoven, recorded by Carl St. Clair conducting the Pacific Symphony and the Pacific Chorale.

Movement I. Allegro ma non troppo; un poco maestoso Beginning - m. 35. m. 74 - m. 107
Movement II. Molto vivace Beginning - Letter B (m. 77). m. 396 - m. 491 (First Ending)
Movement III. Andanto molto e cantabile Beginning - m. 18. Upbeat to m. 25 (3/4 Andante moderato) - m. 42 (fermata)
Movement IV Finale m. 92 ( Allegro assai) - m. 115. m. 216 - m. 236 (Baritone Entrance). m. 541 - m. 594 (Chorus). m. 851 - End

Episode No 63 Saturday, June 22, 2019 Special Christ Cathedral Concert Preview Show for 2019 – 2020. Your hosts John A. Romeri, Christ Cathedral Director of Music and David L. Ball, Cathedral Assistant Director of Music and Organist.

Hear John and David describe the amazing artists and  music coming to Christ Cathedral in our 4th season of concerts.

Christ Cathedral Concerts 2019 – 2020

Sunday, July 21, 2019  3 PM  Christ Cathedral Schola Cantorum of the London Oratory School Charles Cole, Conductor
MUSIC:   Haec Dies, John Sheppard
  MUSIC:   Salvator Mundi, Thomas Tallis

 Thursday, August 1, 2019  7:30 PM Christ Cathedral Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale performs Beethoven 9th Symphony Carl St. Clair, Conductor
MUSIC:  Symphony No 9  4th Movement  Ludwig van Beethoven
    MUSIC:  Symphony No 9  4th Movement finale  Ludwig van Beethoven

 Tuesday, August 6, 2019  7:30 PM Christ Cathedral Arboretum Libera Boy Choir of London Robert Prizeman, Conductor
MUSIC:  Libera   Robert Prizeman
             MUSIC:  Sanctus   Johann Pachebel/Robert Prizeman

 Saturday, October 24, 2019  2 PM  Christ Cathedral Mark Thallander Foundation Festival of Faith Dr. Mack Wilberg, Conductor

 Wednesday, November 20, 2019  7:30 PM   Christ Cathedral Tenebrae Choir of London  Nigel Short, Conductor
MUSIC: Ubi Caritas   Paul Mealor
   MUSIC:  Path of Miracles  “Leon”  Joby Talbot

 Friday, December 13, 2019   Christ Cathedral Christmas at the Cathedral Christ Cathedral Choirs
MUSIC:  The Snow Lay on the Ground  arr. Julian Wachner

 Saturday, January 18, 2020  8:00 PM   Christ Cathedral Westminster Choir from Westminster Choir College Dr. Joe Miller, Conductor
MUSIC:  Haec Dies   William Byrd
MUSIC:  The Lord Bless You and Keep You   Peter Lutkin

 Friday, April 24, 2020  7:30 PM  Christ Cathedral Cathedral Choir from Notre Dame, Paris Henri Chalet, Conductor   Yves Castagnet, Organist
MUSIC:  Messe Salve Regina  Yves Castagnet

 Friday, May 15, 2020  8:00 PM  Christ Cathedral Hazel Wright Organ Rededication Hazelisback.org
MUSIC:  Cantata No. 29  Johann S. Bach   Paul Jacobs, Organist

Episode No. 62 Saturday, May 25, 2019 Roger W. Sherman, Musician, Radio Host, Organist, Producer and Publisher.

We were able to catch up with one of the busiest men on the planet, Roger Sherman. He was right here on our campus for four days recording our very first CD for Loft Recordings (Gothic). Our choirs enjoyed having him work with us for our premiere recording of the all of the pieces used for our Cathedral Dedication. He has given so much to all of us in the musical world. As Artistic Director, Emeritus. Orcas Choral Society, a 50-voice community chorus, for 6 years he programmed a wide variety of repertoire, including the newly published 1733 version of Bach’s B minor mass, first performances of new works by Dave Brubeck and Andre Thomas (among others). As the Host of “The Organ Loft”, an hour-long weekly radio program about choral and organ music, broadcast throughout Washington and Oregon (25 years), his program is currently KING-FM’s highest-rated program on Sundays in Seattle.  After more than 30 years of service, he was named the Associate Organist, Emeritus, Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Seattle. Since, 1988, he has been a Publisher/Producer for Loft Recordings, LLC (dba The Gothic Catalog), which publishes audiophile-quality recordings of choral and organ music. He is the Executive Producer of over 300 choral and organ recordings; recording engineer/editor/mastering for dozens of recordings for Loft, Clarion, Gothic and reZound. Loft has become an international leader in its field and has been awarded with several Grammy nominations. (www.gothic-catalog.com) and numerous other awards.  In addition to being an amazing musician, Roger has worked for Microsoft, serving as Quality Assurance Manager creating many of the Microsoft program we all use each day. We are thrilled and honored to have had him work with us here at Christ Cathedral to produce our first CD. You will enjoy a fascinating hour with this extraordinary musician who came to visit us in the tower.

MUSIC: La de Belombre Jacques Duphly Roger Sherman, harpsichord
MUSIC: O Beauty Ever Ancient James Buonemani, St. James Choir, Los Angeles
MUSIC: No One Sparrow is Forgotten arr. William Hawley Chorale Arts NW Robert Bode, Conductor
MUSIC: Sure on this Shining Night Morten Lauridsen
MUSIC La Romanensca Antonio Valente Live performance at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral Seattle Roger Sherman, Organist
MUSIC: The Altar Roland Martin All Saints Episcopal, Beverly Hills, CA Dale Adelmann, Conductor

Episode No. 61 Saturday, May 4, 2019 Pedro Rubalcava, Composer, Performer, Clinician

Pedro Rubalcava is a nationally known bilingual/bicultural clinician, composer and performer with expertise in various musical styles. Pedro is dedicated to searching for and creating prayerful experiences of the Divine through music, liturgy, the arts and beyond. He has been directing liturgical music groups for more than 40 years. He has been working in professional pastoral ministry in various areas, including liturgy and music, evangelization, youth and young adult ministry, catechetical ministry and RCIA for the past 33 years.  Pedro received national recognition in 1990 when Amanecer, his bilingual music collection, was nominated for a Grammy award in the Best Mexican/American Performance category. 
Currently, Pedro is the Director of Music Development and Outreach OCP, where he has worked the past fifteen years. He also serves on the executive boards of the Instituto Nacional Hispano de Liturgia (INHL), the National Council for Hispanic Ministry (NCCHM) and the Northwest Regional Office for Hispanic Affairs (NWROHA).  He resides in Damascus, Oregon, with his wife, Kristin. Here at Christ Cathedral his compositions are a favorite of our Spanish Community, especially his Magnificat and his Missa del Sagrado Corazon. His music can be found at OCP.org or https://www.ocp.org/en-us/artists/1698/pedro-rubalcava
MUSIC: Deo Gracias Pedro Rubalcava
MUSIC: Amanecer Pedro Rubalcava
MUSIC: Magnificat Pedro Rubalcava
MUSIC: Gloria from Missa del Sagrado Corazon Pedro Rubalcava
MUSIC: Ardía Nuestro Corazón (Our Hearts burn within us) Pedro Rubalcava

Episode No. 60 Saturday April 27, 2019 Dr. Tony Alonso, Professor and Composer

Tony Alonso is a theologian and composer whose work is animated by the diverse needs of the contemporary church. A Cuban-American Roman Catholic, Tony's compositions embrace multicultural musical expressions and reflect a commitment to strong ritual song. His music appears in compilations and hymnals across Christian denominations throughout the world. In 2015, this work was recognized with an invitation to compose the responsorial psalm for the first Mass Pope Francis celebrated in the United States. Tony's scholarly work lies at the intersection of liturgical theology, ecclesiology, and cultural studies. He has presented at scholarly and pastoral conferences and events across North America and Europe. He has also authored several essays and articles in journals such as Modern Theology, Worship, and Liturgy. Tony holds a Bachelor of Music in choral conducting from Northwestern University, a Master of Arts in theology from Loyola Marymount University, and a PhD in religion from Emory University.  Tony is Assistant Professor of Theology and Culture at Candler School of Theology at Emory University where he also serves as Director of Catholic Studies. 

MUSIC: From the many, Make Us One Tony Alonso GIA Publication G-8898
MUSIC: Jerusalem, My Happy Home Tony Alonso GIA Publication
MUSIC: O Weary Couple Tony Alonso GIA Publication
MUSIC: Litany of Mary Tony Alonso GIA Publication G-7245
MUSIC: I will Lift Up My Eyes Tony Alonso GIA Publication G-8675
All of Dr. Alonso’s music may be found at https://www.giamusic.com/store/search?elSearchTerm=Alonso

Episode No. 59 Saturday, April 6, 2019 GIA Music staff and composers: Kate Williams, Senior Managing Editor, Peter Kolar, Editor for Spanish and Bilingual Music, Dr. Tony Alonso, Professor and Composer

Hear a fascinating discussion of the Catholic Publishing world and the process a composer might go through to get a piece published by one of the leading Catholic Music Publishers. This great company, over 75 years old, whose name is the Gregorian Institute of America (GIA) began in Pittsburgh PA and now is based Chicago. It is responsible for much of the great music sung in the church today. This episode’s guests have a unique role as parish musicians and as senior editors and composers to shape the scope of music sung in the liturgies of this ever changing church. Listen as they give their insight into the service music, choral music, and ethic music needed for the church.

MUSIC: Sanctus (Community Mass) Richard Proulx
MUSIC: Ubi Caritas Ola Gjello
MUSIC: El Cielo Canta alegria (Heaven is Singing for Joy) Pablo Soso
MUSIC: The Greater Glory of God Tony Alonso

Episode No. 58 Saturday, March 30, 2019 Allan Palacios Chan, Tenor, Opera Singer, Cantor, Parish Musician

Delight in a wonderful Episode with the amazing young tenor, Allan Palacios Chan. This Philippine-born American tenor has earned a reputation for performing a wide range of repertoire with absolute commitment to communication and artistry. He holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Music with a Minor in Theater (magna cum laude) from George Mason University and a Masters in Music in Vocal Performance at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.  Mr. Chan has been a Corbett Foundation Young Artist with Cincinnati Opera for four consecutive seasons and was a voice fellow at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, California for two consecutive seasons where he sang the role of Jake in the West Coast premiere of Matthew Aucoin’s opera entitled Second Nature. He was recently a scholarship fellow at the Berlin Opera Academy. His musical interests span beyond opera, performing Kundiman (Filipino Art song) and various anthems for official events of the Philippine Embassy of Washington D.C.  He recently sang the Philippine National Anthem for Manny Pacquiao’s last fight in Las Vegas with Timothy Bradley, Jr. Yet in addition to his busy performing schedule he makes time to be a parish musician and cantor in the Diocese of Arlington, VA. He often sings at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More. You will love his beautiful voice.
MUSIC: Nigrasum (1610 Vespers) Claudio Monteverdi Allan Palacios Chan, tenor
MUSIC: Love Sounds the Alarm (Acis and Galateo) George F. Handel Allan Palacios Chan, tenor
MUSIC: Song of the Indian Guest (Sadko) Nikolai Rimsky-Korsokov Allan Palacios Chan, tenor
MUSIC: Priez Pour Paix Francis Poulenc Allan Palacios Chan, tenor

Episode No. 57 Saturday, March 23, 2019 Mark Thallander, former Organist of the Crystal Cathedral and President of the Mark Thallander Foundation, and Julian Revie, Composer, Church Musician, and Honorary Board Member of the Mark Thallander Foundation.

Hear all about the FALL FESTIVAL OF FAITH to be held on Christ Cathedral Campus this coming October 26, 2019. This all-day Choral Festival will feature guest conductor, Mack Wilberg, conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He will work with hundreds of singers, adult and children, brass, and organ through the day. This Ecumenical Event is sponsored by the Mark Thallander Foundation and Christ Cathedral Music Ministry. This is the 36th Festival sponsored by the Foundation. Singers from around the area and from many faith communities participate. Over the years choir members have sung with great conductors from around the globe, including John Rutter. Mark and Julian give their own insights into the importance of such gatherings. One of Julian’s compositions, To Follow The Star will be featured in this year’s festival.
On this Episode of the Music from the Tower, you will hear the details about the Choral Festival, how you or your choir might participate, hear some of the music which will be performed and even how you might attend the Festival itself at 2 PM that day. For further information, contact MarkThallander@aol.com or MarkThallanderFoundation.org or call 626-487-0224.
MUSIC: Come Christians, Join and Sing arr. Mark Thallander and Bruce Wilkin Eric Dale Knapp, Conductor; Frederick Swann, Organist
MUSIC: To Follow The Star Julian Revie Diocesan Children’s Choir, John Romeri Conductor
MUSIC: Love Divine All Love’s Excelling arr. Mack Wilberg Mack Wilberg, Conductor, Frederick Swann, Organist
MUSIC: All Things Bright and Beautiful arr. Mack Wilberg Luke McEndarfer, Conductor, Peter Green and Jan Sanburn, pianists
MUSIC: I Was Glad C. Hubert H. Parry Paul Salamunovich, Conductor Frederick Swann, Organist

Episode No 56 Saturday, February 16, 2019 Rev. Benjamin Straley, Episcopal Priest, Organist, Composer, extraordinary Improviser at the Organ, Cathedral Musician.

Today’s episode is with one of America’s finest organists and musicians. Benjamin Straley was Organist and Associate Director of Music at Washington National Cathedral following his appointment as Assistant Organist in 2012. Prior to this appointment, he was Organ Scholar at Trinity Church (Episcopal), New Haven as well as Director of Music for the Episcopal Church at Yale.

Upon the completion of his undergraduate studies with Marilyn Keiser at Indiana University, he entered the Yale Institute of Sacred Music in 2008, where he studied with Martin Jean and Jeffrey Brillhart. In 2010, he became one of the few Americans in the history of the Haarlem Organ Festival to compete in its world-renowned improvisation contest. He was featured in the May 2015 issue of The Diapason as one of the “Top 20 under 30” young organists in the country. He holds both Masters in Music and Divinity from Yale, as well as a Certificate in Anglican Studies from Berkeley Divinity School.

The Rev. Benjamin Straley was ordained to the Priesthood in the Diocese of Connecticut and has recently left Washington National Cathedral to become the Assistant Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Essex, CT. You will hear first hand what it was like being the organist in the Nation’s Cathedral and his transition from Musician to Priest. His is a wonderful and fascinating story. Benjamin is a true talent, a spectacular Musician, an amazing person and is going to be a marvelous priest of the church. We were thrilled to have him on the campus and on our program.

MUSIC: We Know That Christ is Raised and Dies No More Washington National Cathedral, Benjamin Straley, Organist
MUSIC: Christmas Day 2016 Improvisation, Washington National Cathedral, Benjamin Straley, Organist
MUSIC: Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service, January 21, 2017 Improvisation, Washington National Cathedral, Benjamin Straley, Organist
MUSIC: Psalm 31 for Good Friday. Benjamin Straley, composer and conductor. Washington National Cathedral Choir.
MUSIC: Requiem “Libera Me” Maurice Duruflé Washington National Cathedral, Benjamin Straley, Organist
MUSIC: My Country Tis of Thee Washington National Cathedral, Benjamin Straley, Organist

Episode No. 55 Saturday, February 9, 2019 Mark T. Purcell, Pastoral Associate for Liturgy and Music, SS Simon and Jude Parish, Huntington Beach

Enjoy a great visit with one of the best parish musicians in the Diocese of Orange, Mark Purcell. Mark has served his present parish as a full-time musician since 1997, and just this past year celebrated 50 years as a church organist!! A native of Pennsylvania, Mark grew up in Scranton, playing the organ since grade school. He studied at St. Pius X Seminary and University of Scranton. Inspired by the Hour of Power TV show and organist Richard Unfried, he moved to California to study with Richard. He became his student and earned degrees from Chapman University and later Notre Dame University. It is a fascinating story of this wonderful musician, who continues to make great music Sunday after Sunday in one of our finest parishes here in Southern California. Hear Mark as he talked about his ministry and even a bit about the important role music plays in today’s Liturgy and how he has seen it grow and change over the years. You will even enjoy one of Mark’s celebrated compositions, “Gloria” from the Mass for St. Junipero Serra, a favorite here in the Diocese of Orange and here at Christ Cathedral.

MUSIC: Prelude and Fugue in F Major Dietrich Buxtehude Mark Purcell, Organist
MUSIC: Fanfare for Organ Richard Proulx Mark Purcell, Organist
MUSIC: Salut Dame Sainte Francis Poulenc SS Simon and Jude Men’s Choir John Romeri, Conductor
MUSIC: Gloria from the Mass for St Junipero Serra Mark Purcell
MUSIC: Let Everything That Hath Breath Mark Hayes The Choir and Handbell Choir of SS Simon and Jude Parish

Episode No. 54 Saturday, December 15, 2018 Scott Kennebeck, Principal Cantor and Section Leader, Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, Archdiocese of St. Louis, Missouri, and John Powell Walsh, Organist at the St. Louis Abbey

Episode 54 features two of St. Louis Missouri’s finest musicians.  Both have been long-time friends of our host, John Romeri, from his days at St. Louis Cathedral.  In recent years they have formed a partnership that is unbeatable and through that collaboration have produced concerts and CD recordings that are top-notch!!
Scott is a native St. Louisan and has been singing since the age of 8, beginning his singing career in the Cathedral of St. Louis Pontifical Boys Choir. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Fine and Performing Arts/Music and Theatre from St. Louis University, and has studied voice with Christine Armistead at Washington University. He currently serves as Principal Tenor for the American Kantorei in Concordia Seminary's Bach at the SemConcert Series. Scott is the Executive Director of St. Louis Cathedral Concerts. ​Since 1993 Scott has served as the Tenor section leader for the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis Choir and Archdiocesan Choir of St. Louis. He also serves as cantor for the Cathedral Parish, as well as at major Archdiocesan events. He was a cantor/soloist for 100,000+ in attendance and a worldwide television broadcast audience for the Papal Mass in St. Louis, Missouri in 1999. He has toured as soloist throughout the United States, Italy, England, Germany, and Austria. His performances have included Verdi’s Requiem in Rome, Italy; Hector Berlioz’s Te Deum in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, and numerous performances of Handel’s Messiah. He has also performed with Union Avenue Opera and the St. Louis Muny.

​John Powell Walsh began piano and organ lessons in elementary school and has had a love affair with music ever since.  Continuing his education through graduate school and even the Haarlem International Academy for Organists in the Netherlands.  John is one of the most prominent church musicians in St. Louis.  He was one of the Papal Organists for the Visit of John Paul II to St. Louis.  He is featured with numerous musical organizations in St. Louis from the Bach Society to the Ronald Arnatt Chorale.  He was the founder of The Archangel Players, The St. Cecilia Consort and the St. Louis Hills Arts Council.  He is presently the Organist for the St. Louis Abbey and Priory School.
Enjoy these two amazing musicians as they tell of their extraordinary lives as church musicians.  Listen to music from their two latest CD’s.

To purchase these or any of their CD’s      https://www.scottkennebeck.com/buy-cd

 MUSIC: The Bells of St. Mary’s   A. Emmett Adams   CD: Angels Bending Near The Earth
MUSIC: Still Still Still   German Carol arr. Philip Ledge  CD: Angels Bending Near The Earth
MUSIC:  Birthday of a King  William H. Neidlinger  CD: Angels Bending Near The Earth
MUSIC: Little Boy Blue  Reginald de Koven  CD: Words to Music: Songs of Eugene Field
MUSIC:  Virgin Slumber Song   Max Reger  CD: Angels Bending Near The Earth

Episode No. 53 Saturday, December 1, 201. Music from the Tower… “ON THE ROAD” with the Bishops of the Diocese of Orange and members of the Diocesan Choir and Christ Cathedral Choirs.

This special edition of MUSIC FROM THE TOWER is beautiful choral music and commentary from this year’s Diocese of Orange Bishops Pilgrimage and Cruise.  During these 12 days we visited three countries, Italy, Spain, and France, and some of the world’s most beautiful cathedrals, monasteries and churches.  Our pilgrimage began at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome with a wonderful Mass in Italian with our Bishop Kevin Vann and Bishop Timothy Freyer concelebrating. Along with our Bishops we had about 25 choir members from Christ Cathedral and our Diocesan Choir, with over 100 pilgrims.  In Rome we also sang at Rome’s Cathedral Church, St. John in Lateran, and San Lorenzo in Lucina.  From Rome se headed to our cruise ship, the Symphony of the Seas, the world’s newest and largest cruise ship.  We set sail for Naples where we toured and sang in the Naples Cathedral of the Assumption. Traveling by bus we went down to the Amalfi coast to Sorrento where we had Mass in the Cathedral of Saints Philip and James.

Our next day was at sea where we had a lovely Mass on board our ship to honor Bishop William Johnson, the first bishop of Orange.  We next landed in Barcelona Spain with Sunday morning Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.  Back on our ship we headed to Palma Majorca to visit the shrines of St. Junipero Serra. We had a spectacular mass at the Basilica and Cloisters of St. Francis, where St. Serra lived from age 16 until he was 34 when he left for Mexico and California. We traveled on to Avignon, France where we celebrated a Mass at the Cathedral of Notre Dame.  Our final Mass was back in Italy at Santa Trinita in Florence. We were joined by St. Patrick Cathedral’s (New York) organist, Michael Hey and violinist Christiana Liberis (They were on Episode No 47 of MFTT).  It was an astonishing trip of prayer, music, fellowship and fun.

MUSIC:  I Was Glad  Thomas Matthews  (Sung in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome)
MUSIC:  Cantate Domino  Giuseppe Pitoni (Sung at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Naples)
MUSIC:  Draw Us In the Spirit’s Tether Harold Friedell (Sung in the Cathedral of SS Philip and James, Sorrento)
MUSIC:  Nos Autem Gloriari  Felice Anerio (Sung at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Barcelona) 
MUSIC:  Faithful Cross Leo Nestor (Sung at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Barcelona) 
MUSIC:  Go to the World  Sine Nomine  (Sung in the Basilica of St. Francis, Majorca)
MUSIC:  Psalm 34 Taste and See  James Chepponis.  Cantor Lauren McCaul (Sung in the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Avignon, France)
MUSIC: O Taste and See  Richard DeLong  (Sung in the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Avignon, France)
MUSIC: Ave Verum William Byrd (Sung in the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Avignon, France)
MUSIC: Pavane  Gabriel Fauré Christiana Liberis, violin, Michael Hey, organist (Performed in the Church of the Holy Trinity, Florence, Italy)
MUSIC: O Holy Spirit  Christopher Tye  (Sung in the Church of the Holy Trinity, Florence, Italy)
MUSIC:  Psalm 119  James Chepponis  Robert DeCarlo and Lauren McCaul, cantors  (Sung in the Church of the Holy Trinity, Florence, Italy)
MUSIC:  Lux Beatissima   Howard Helvey  (Sung in the Church of the Holy Trinity, Florence, Italy)
MUSIC:  Panis Angelicus  César Franck (Sung in the Church of the Holy Trinity, Florence, Italy)
MUSIC:  Praeludium and Allegro Fritz Kreisler   Christiana Liberis, violin, Michael Hey, organist (Performed in the Church of the Holy Trinity, Florence, Italy)

Episode No 52 Saturday, November 17, 2018 Scott Melvin, Music Educator, Conductor, Executive Director of Performing Arts at Mater Dei High School, Church Musician

One of the finest and busiest Music Educators in the country is Mr. Scott Melvin.  With award winning choirs who have traveled extensively, he is now the Executive Director of Performing Arts at Mater Dei High School.  Hear first-hand from this extraordinary musician and educator all about his passion for what he does and where he get the motivation to keep it all going.  

Mr. Melvin is a graduate of the Chapman University School of Music and is pursuing his MALA (Masters of Arts Administration and Leadership at Colorado State University. As a graduate student at CSULB, Mr. Melvin directed the Men’s Chorale as well as teaching beginning theory. As a faculty member at Chapman University, Mr. Melvin has directed the University Chorale and Men’s Chorale.

In addition, Mr. Melvin is the Director of Music at Christ Our Savior Catholic Parish in Santa Ana, the Choir Director for Sts Simon and Jude Parish in Huntington Beach, CA, and is a frequent clinician throughout the Southern California area. Mr. Melvin is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, International Federation of Choral Music, Music Educators National Conference, California Music Educators Association, Chorus America, and the National Association of Church Music. He lives in Southern California with his wife, Debbie, and their three daughters, Emmerly, Nola and Aveline.
MUSIC: Hosanna Brent Pierce Mater Dei Chamber Singers Scott Melvin, Conductor
MUSIC: Sing Me To Heaven Daniel Gawthrop Mater Dei Chamber Singers Scott Melvin, Conductor
MUSIC: Daniel Servant of the Lord Stacey Gibbs Mater Dei Chamber Singers Scott Melvin, Conductor
MUSIC: Mata Del Anima Sola Antonio Estévez Mater Dei Chamber Singers Scott Melvin, Conductor Andrea Estrada, soloist
MUSIC: Praise his Holy Name Kieth Hampton Mater Dei Chamber Singers and Women’s Ensemble Scott Melvin, Conduct

Episode No. 51 Saturday, November 3, 2018 Paul Gibson, Composer, Church Musician, Organist

Listen to a fascinating visit with a composer who has written music for Popes, Dioceses, Cathedrals, famous Choirs, Colleges, and Concert Halls. Paul Gibson was born in Sacramento, California. A few years later, his family moved to the small village of Chitray, France, near the airbase at Châteauroux where his father worked for the U.S. Air Force. Gibson experienced his first liturgical music – Latin hymns and chants – in the local parish church.

He received degrees in composition from Mount St. Mary’s University (Los Angeles) and California State University, Northridge. He studied with Matt Doran, Frank Campo, Aurelio de la Vega, Ian Krouse, and John Harbison.

Gibson was commissioned to arrange hymns for the visit of Pope John Paul II to L.A. Publisher G.I.A. released A Mass of Life, a critically acclaimed CD of his sacred music. He took part in the first Composers Symposium at the Oregon Bach Festival, where three of his works were performed.For its 15th anniversary, the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus commissioned Suite: Alice Through a Looking-Glass. Commissioned by Loyola Marymount University for the Golden Jubilee of the choral program founded by the late Paul Salamunovich, Gibson’s Te Deum for chorus and orchestra was premiered at LMU under Dr. Mary Breden. The following year saw his music in first performances at Carnegie Hall and St. Olaf College.

This award-winning composer’s music has been broadcast on hundreds of radio stations and received performances by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, three Grammy-winning choruses: Los Angeles Chamber Singers, the Kansas City Chorale, and the Phoenix Chorale, and many others. He is published by Alliance, ECS, Fatrock Ink, G.I.A., Morningstar, and OCP.

http://paulgibsonmusic.com

MUSIC: Salve Regina Paul Gibson recorded by Zephyr
MUSIC: May God Bless Us Paul Gibson recorded by Chorus Angelorum, Dominic MacAller, conductor
MUSIC: Dona Nobis Pacem Paul Gibson LA Children’s Chorus, Anne Tomlinson, conductor
MUSIC: The Love of Our Creator Paul Gibson recorded in Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Portland, OR for OCP
Commissioned by the Diocese of Orange for the installation of Bishop Tod David Brown. Premiered by Matt Gray at Holy Family Cathedral
MUSIC: Te Deum: 7. Alleluia. Amen. Paul Gibson Loyola Marymount University Choruses and Orchestra, Mary Breden, conductor

Episode No. 50 Saturday, October 27, 2018 Dr. Robert Istad, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Pacific Chorale, Director of Choral Studies, Cal State Fullerton.

Now just one year after taking the reins of the Pacific Chorale, Rob Istad returns to MUSIC FROM THE TOWER to tell us of the adventures of his first year as Artistic Director and Conductor, especially the excitement of performing with our Pacific Symphony at Carnegie Hall in New York City.  Dr. Istad fills us in on the exciting season about to begin.  This year, preparing 6 concerts with the Pacific Chorale, Rob has an amazing season planned. It is one of the biggest ever, and that does not even count the 5 concerts they also perform with the Pacific Symphony.  They are even combining with the LA Master Chorale for an unbelievable performance of the Mahler Symphony No. 8.   They open with the epic Oratorio, “The Creation” by Franz Joseph Haydn.  Hear several excerpts on today’s program as Rob takes us inside the wonderful work.   Marvel at this superb musician as you hear just how hard he works to ensure that Orange County and all of Southern California enjoy great music in live performance.  It is not too late to get season tickets.  Check out all of the details at https://www.pacificchorale.org

All of the Music today is from THE CREATION by Franz Joseph Haydn Handel and Haydn Society, Harry Christophers, Conductor. It is available on I-Tunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/haydn-the-creation/1033661433
MUSIC: Part 1 No. 2. In the Beginning
MUSIC: Part 1 No. 14. The Heavens are Telling of the Glory of God
MUSIC: Part 2 No. 2. Strait Opening her Fertile Womb
MUSIC: Part 1 No. 9 With Verdure Clad the Fields
MUSIC: Part 3 No. 13 Praise the Lord, Ye Voices All!

Episode No. 49. Saturday, October 20, 2018 Lukas Hasler, Organist, Composer, Conductor from Graz Austria

Enjoy a delightful conversation with this young Organ Superstar, Lukas Hasler.  Born in 1996, he is certainly one of the youngest touring concert artists in the pipe organ world. He is still currently studying organ at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, Austria and cultural management at the University of Hamburg, Germany. In addition to his participation in the opening ceremony of the Salzburg Festival, he has already performed at the Tyrolean Festival Erl as well as at the International Organ Festival in Düsseldorf. Lukas has won the “Prima la musica” competition for organ twice. The second time, he also won the “Bärenreiter-Special” prize for his interpretation of a work by J. S. Bach. A year later, “Jugend komponiert”, a competition for young composers, named Lukas as a finalist for his piano and violin suites. The 22-year-old organist, composer and choral conductor has attended master classes with Jean Guillou, Ton Koopman, Ludger Lohmann and Skip Sempé.  Lukas is gaining recognition for his colourful and passionate musicality. He has performed many organ recitals in Austria, as well as internationally in Germany, France, Israel, the United Kingdom and the United States. For this year alone, his plans include performances in Los Angeles, Paris and Moscow.  We caught up with him on his latest tour in Los Angeles. You will love hearing his fascinating story as well as his artistry on the organ. www.LukasHasler.com

MUSIC: Prelude and Fugue on BACH. Franz Liszt
MUSIC:  Fugue in d minor  Felix Mendelssohn
MUSIC:  Sonata No. III movement II.  Felix Mendelssohn
MUSIC:  Prelude and Fugue in F major.   Dietrich Buxtehude
MUSIC:  Introduction and Passacaglia  Max Reger

Episode No. 48  Saturday, October 13, 2018  Libera!  Robert Prizeman, Founder, Conductor, Arranger and three of their amazing Choristers, Leo Barron, Alex Gula, David White.

The fantastic Boy Choir, LIBERA, makes another return to Christ Cathedral and on this visit they made another appearance on MUSIC FROM THE TOWER.  It is a fascinating look at this world-wide phenomenon through the eyes of their founder and conductor Robert Prizeman.  The distinctive sound of Libera has travelled the world in the last few years. The group’s albums have topped both mainstream and classical charts in many countries, and their recordings hold their place in top-tens alongside major artists like Bocelli.  They speak a lot about their latest CD, BEYOND.  All of this episode’s music is from BEYOND.

The boys who make up the vocal band Libera have been described as “normal” and “ordinary”. However, as their recordings and performances demonstrate, the music they produce is truly extraordinary. With shimmering, mystical chords and ecstatic harmonies, they are unlike any other group you have ever heard. These are truly sounds to lift the soul. Celestial sounds for a new time.

The singers of Libera who are aged seven to sixteen attend many different local schools in South London and come from a variety of backgrounds. Although they are boys and they sing, they do not think of themselves as choirboys, but rather as an alternative kind of boy band.

While the unique sound of Libera may be impossible to pigeonhole, its universal appeal has endeared the group to fans all over the world, particularly in the US, the UK, the Philippines, South Korea and Japan, where their CDs top the mainstream and classical charts and where they pack concert halls appearing in their trademark flowing white robes on imaginatively lit stages.

www.libera.org.uk  for complete information about Libera, their tours and the CD’s including BEYOND

MUSIC:  Ave Maria   Giulio Caccini       Libera from their new CD, BEYOND
MUSIC:  Lacrymosa  (Based upon Saint-Saens “Aquarium”)  Leo Barron. (high “ah’s”), Alex Gula, soloist
MUSIC:  The Prayer  Céline Dion.        Libera from their new CD, BEYOND. Daniel White, soloist 
MUSIC:  Ave Maria    Robert Prizeman
MUSIC:  Sanctus based on the Canon   Johann Pachelbel  arr. Robert Prizeman

Episode No. 47. Saturday, October 6, 2018 Michael Hey, Concert Organist and Associate Director of Music and Organist, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City and Concert Violinist Christiana Liberis

This episode of Music From The Tower features brilliant young organist, Michael Hey. He is often described as “scintillating” and “tremendously virtuosic” (The Straits Times, Singapore, 2016). This fantastic concert organist Michael Hey has been increasingly visible on U.S. and international concert stages.

In September 2017, Michael received first prize in the First Shanghai Conservatory of Music International Organ Competition, held at the Shanghai Oriental Arts Theater. Released in October 2017, Michael’s premiere solo CD recording Michael T. C. Hey plays the Great Organ of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York is available for purchase by the JAV recording label.

In 2016 and 2017, Michael appeared with the San Francisco Symphony and conductor Michael Tilson Thomas in Lou Harrison’s Concerto for Organ with Percussion Orchestra. In 2014 he was the featured organ soloist for the New York City Ballet’s newly commissioned work Acheron. Set to the music of Francis Poulenc’s Organ Concerto, his performance at its premiere was "vividly played" (The New York Times). Michael has also performed at notable venues such as Lincoln Center (New York), Carnegie Hall (New York), Madison Square Garden (New York), the Kimmel Center (Philadelphia), the Kennedy Center (Washington D.C.), the Esplanade (Singapore), and the New World Symphony (Miami).

Not exclusively a solo organist, Michael enjoys a varied career that includes collaborations with other musicians, solo piano recitals, improvising, and transcribing works. He has performed with renowned soloists including soprano Renée Fleming, tenor Matthew Polenzani, and mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard. In 2016 he recorded an anthology with baritone Tim Krol entitled Robert Franz: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Songs.

Also featured on this program is virtuoso violinist Christiana Liberis. Michael has been performing duos for organ or piano with Christiana. You will enjoy a few on this program. You will hear all about Christiana’s amazing career with performances from Carnegie Hall to television, to concert tours with Earth Wind and Fire!! Together they are a spectacular Duo!!

In 2015 Michael was appointed Associate Director of Music and Organist of the famed Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, where one of his first major tasks was to perform for the first U.S. visit of Pope Francis. Michael plays at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral for services throughout the week, which can be heard on Sirius XM radio, television, and online. 

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Michael graduated from the accelerated five-year degree program at The Juilliard School where he received both his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in organ performance under Paul Jacobs. He is represented in North America exclusively by Phillip Truckenbrod Concert Artists, LLC. http://www.christianaliberis.com www.michaelhey.com

MUSIC: The Dancing Pipes Jonathan Dove. Michael Hey, organist
MUSIC: Allemande from D minor Violin Partita No 2 Johann Sebastian Bach. Christiana Liberis, violinist
MUSIC. Capriccio for violin and organ Naji Hakim Christiana Liberis, violinist, Michael Hey, Organist
MUSIC: Pavane pour une infante defunte Maurice Ravel. Christiana Liberis, violinist, Michael Hey, Organist
MUSIC: Praeludium and Allegro Fritz Kreisler Christiana Liberis, violinist, Michael Hey, Organist

Episode No. 46. Saturday, September 29, 2018. Normand Gouin, Pastoral Musician, Composer, Educator.

Normand Gouin has served the Church as a pastoral musician and liturgist for over 25 years.  An active and accomplished composer, he has been commissioned to write works for cathedrals, churches, and religious communities throughout the country. In 2015, his hymn “Sound the Bell of Holy Freedom” written in collaboration with Rev. Andrew Ciferni, O. Praem, was selected as the official hymn of the World Meeting of Families, an event that marked Pope Francis’s first official visit to the United States.  The Conference of Roman Catholic Cathedral Musicians selected his two works “Canticle of Jesus Christ, Our Redeemer” and “I Will Sing, Forever of Your Mercies, O Lord” in 2016 as the winning entries of their annual propers composition contest. Gouin’s publishers include GIA Publications and MorningStar Music Publishers. He has been a contributing writer for the liturgy and music journal, the GIA Quarterly, as well as a workshop presenter for the National Pastoral Musicians Association. He has served on several diocesan liturgical commissions and has led workshops on liturgy and pastoral music throughout the country.  He holds degrees from The Catholic University of America and the University of Notre Dame. On today’s show we hear how this brilliant musician/composer came to his career and enjoy some of his beautiful music written for the Church. Norm’s music can be purchased at Morningstar Music
MUSIC: Christ Has Become our Paschal Sacrifice. (Communion Antiphon for Easter Sunday). Normand Gouin Morningstar Music
MUSIC: May Light Eternal. (Communion Antiphon for Funerals). Normand Gouin Morningstar Music
MUSIC: Canticle of Jesus Christ. (Entrance Antiphon for Chrism Mass). Normand Gouin Morningstar Music
MUSIC: I Will Sing Forever of Your Mercies. (Communion Antiphon for Chrism Mass). Normand Gouin Morningstar Music
MUSIC: Up to the Hills. Ps 122. Normand Gouin Morningstar Music
MUSIC: Sound the Bell of Holy Freedom. Official Hymn of the World Meetings of Families. Normand Gouin Morningstar Music

Episode No. 45.  Saturday, September 8, 2018.    Michael Silhavy, Musician and Senior Editor at GIA Publications, does a Tribute show to the Cathedral Musician and Composer, Richard Thomas Proulx.

Richard Thomas Proulx was one of the most important composers of liturgical music in the twentieth century. Modern Liturgy Magazine called him the "most significant liturgical composer of the last twenty years." Originally from Saint Paul, Proulx was born on April 3rd, 1937 to Raymond and Helen Proulx. He began piano studies at the age of six followed soon after by composition lessons in middle school. Both outside sources and Proulx himself recognized the benefits of the outstanding musical education offered at St. Patrick’s Parochial School located in St. Paul, MN. Proulx later studied at McPhail College in Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota receiving a degree in organ performance. Following graduate studies, he received honorary doctorates from the University of St. Thomas in 1989 and the General Theological Seminary in 1994.

Proulx began his professional career at Church of the Holy Childhood in Saint Paul, MN where he worked and directed for 15 years. Following his time in St. Paul, he directed and played for ten years at Saint Thomas Church in Seattle (1970-1980) before moving to the Cathedral of the Holy Name in Chicago where he played the organ and directed music for twenty years. Beyond his compositional pursuits, Proulx worked hard as an educator and clinician, teaching abroad in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, The Netherlands, Switzerland , and throughout the United States.

Proulx was prolific, writing more than 300 works in five plus decades as a professional musician and composer. His compositional abilities were broad, spanning the realms of instrumental, choral, and mixed ensemble works. He is well-known for many of his substantial works including his church opera, The Pilgrim, his Concerto for Organ and Strings, and The Child's Book of Beasts. He also composed pieces and hymns familiar to many congregations, such as I Received the Living God (tune composed by the French Benedictine, Dom Clément Jacob (1906-1977), harmonization that appear in hymnals published by GIA Publications (Chicago) composed by Richard), and a Community Mass. Beyond his compositional endeavors, Proulx also consulted and contributed to Hymnal 1982 and The New Yale Hymnal among many others.

Proulx is also known for his founding of The Cathedral Singers in 1991. He directed the independent recording ensemble and spurred the release of more than twenty recordings of sacred music. The Cathedral singers have performed both in the US and abroad.

Proulx's talents also reached into the secular world. He composed an orchestral score for documentary film The Golden Door, and his organ arrangement of Veni Creator was featured in the 1997 film The Devil's Own. Work from The Cathedral Singers, made two television debuts on NBC's hit show ER. Aside from appearances in television and film, Proulx put his composing talents to work in jingle writing and advertisement, composing the theme song for Union Pacific Railroad in 1971.

Proulx passed away on Thursday Feb 18th, 2010 in Chicago, but his spirit lives on in the works and music he left to the world. With the generosity of Richard and the Proulx family, St. John's Alcuin Library is committed to the preservation of his work and legacy.

On this episode of MFTT, Michael Silhavy helps us remember the great life of this exceptional Church Musician and Composer.  Michael helps us explore Richard's life in Minneapolis, Seattle, and of course in Chicago.  The amazing influence of this great musician, conductor, and educator is really beyond calculation.  Mr. Silhavy examines the life of Richard Proulx from the prospective of publisher, catholic musician, and personal friend.  Michael has just completed an exhaustive inventory of the works and life of Richard Proulx.  MFTT is grateful for helping us all remember this giant of sacred music.  All of the music is by Richard Proulx and is recorded by the Cathedral Singers, conducted by the composer.  It is available from GIA Publications.  

MUSIC:  Jesu, the Very Thought of Thee
MUSIC:  Happy are Those
MUSIC: He is the Way
MUSIC:  O Lord, Support Us
MUSIC:  Crown Him With Many Crowns. A Concertato setting by Richard Proulx

Episode No. 44  Saturday, August 18, 2018. Charles Cole, Assistant Director of Music at the London Oratory, Director of the Schola Cantorum Boys Choir at the London Oratory School

This is a great Episode of MFTT as we learn about the London (Brompton) Oratory and their music program.  Charles Cole began his musical training as a chorister at Westminster Cathedral. We will enjoy hearing what it was like as a young chorister at Westminster Cathedral and how Mr. Cole tries to give his choristers that same kind of experience at the Oratory School. He went on to win a major music scholarship to Ampleforth and organ scholarships at Exeter College, Oxford, and Westminster Cathedral.  Charles is Assistant Director of Music here at the London Oratory where he directs the London Oratory Junior Choir. He is Director of Music and Director of the Schola at St Philip’s School. He was appointed Director of the Schola Cantorum at the London Oratory School in 2012.   The Schola Cantorum of The London Oratory School sings at the London Oratory every Saturday evening in term time and on major feast days for School Mass throughout the year. Founded in 1996, the choir gives Catholic boys the opportunity of a choral education within the state education system from age 7 to 18. 
In July 2019 it is their hope to tour in Southern California and perhaps even be the first visiting choir in the new Christ Cathedral.  All of today's music is from their new CD,  Sacred Treasures of England, London Oratory Schola Cantorum Boys Choir, Charles Cole, Director (available on iTunes )
MUSIC:  Haec Dies John Sheppard
MUSIC:  Agnus Dei  from Missa Euge bone  Christopher Tye
MUSIC:  O Nata Lux  Thomas Tallis
MUSIC: Ave Verum  William Byrd
MUSIC: Salvator Mundi  Thomas Tallis

The Schola Feature video.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSUveWIVrpw
The Schola Feature video SPANISH version.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzOw1O7xBj8 
The Schola website.  https://www.londonoratoryschola.com
The Chorister and the Racing Car.  https://shop.musicasacra.com/product/the-chorister-and-the-racing-car/

Episode No. 43 Maria Cristina (Kit) Navarro, Soprano soloist, Soprano Section Leader, Teacher, Performer

Superstar Soprano Maria Cristina ("Kit") Navarro is in high demand everywhere!  Not only is she a busy staff soprano and cantor at Christ Cathedral, but is a frequent soloist at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, with Pacific Chorale and the one-time Pacific Opera.  She performs in her native Philippines, in Europe, and all-over Southern California!  She is at home on the opera stage as well as singing sacred oratorios, singing in choirs and serving as a cantor at church.  On the show, she describes the differences between opera and oratorio, and even speaks of her favorite roles!  She is a teacher of music and fitness.   She has several upcoming performances:   Cristine will again be the featured soloist with Pacific Chorale's annual Choral Festival, August 12, 2018, under the baton of Dr. Robert Istad.  This year's Choral Festival concert is all Mozart and Ms. Navarro will have solos in the Mozart Vespers, and sing the famous Alleluia from "Exsultate Jubilate".   For free tickets to this performance:  https://www.scfta.org/events/2018/pacific-chorales-choral-festival.   
She will be performing with the Philippine Chamber Singers this coming August 17, 2018 at the Disney Concert Hall.  You can also hear Kit almost any Sunday here at Christ Cathedral at the 930 AM Mass and she will be featured in the "Gloria" by Antonio Vivaldi in this year's Christmas at the Cathedral, December 14, 2018 at 7:30 PM.  For tickets and information: ChristCathedralMusic.org

MUSIC:  Requiem.(movement 5)  Johannes Brahms.   Soprano Cristine Navarro
MUSIC:  Opera, Magic Flute. (Der Holle Rache). Wolfgang Mozart. Soprano Cristine Navarro
MUSIC:  La Capinera. Italian Art Song.  Soprano Cristine Navarro
MUSIC:  La Boheme. (Quando m'en vo) Puccini  Soprano Cristine Navarro
MUSIC:  Carmina Burana. (#17 In Trutina - Tempis Est Locumdum) Carl Orf  Pacific Choral Choral Festival Choir 2017,  Soprano Cristine Navarro

Episode No. 42  Saturday, July 21, 2018  Daniel Ficarri, Organist, Composer, Juilliard student, Organ Scholar at St. Paul the Apostle in NYC, Founder of “Sacred sounds at St. Paul’s”; David L. Ball. Assistant Director of Music and Organist, Christ Cathedral

Daniel is another of the many success stories of the great Juilliard teacher, Dr. Paul Jacobs.  However, unlike the incredible organists who have filled America’s greatest churches and have come from this great institution and this amazing teacher, Daniel is not just another super-star organist.  Daniel is an already famed composer;  a commissioned composer at that!  You will hear from this spectacular young musician, as he talks about his latest commission, this time, a piece for the dedication of the new Dobson pipe organ at the famed St. Thomas Church in New York.  This piece was commissioned by the British music journal, Choir and Organ, for this very special occasion.  Daniel was featured in the latest issue of this magazine with a great article and even the possibility of downloading his latest piece.  On the radio, he is joined by our very own organist and Juilliard graduate, David L. Ball.  It is David who actually commissioned Daniel to write two other organ pieces. Enjoy these two wonderful young organists as they talk about commissioning music, composing it and performing it.  One of our best shows yet.  You will no doubt hear lots more about both of these astonishing talents!

http://www.danielficarri.com  http://www.davidballorgan.com

Article from Choir and Organ Magazine
MUSIC: Carillon de Westminster Louis Vierne   Daniel Ficarri, Organist  recorded at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City
MUSIC: Prelude in D Major  Daniel Ficarri, Composer and Organist  recorded at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church, Scarsdale, NY   Commissioned by David L. Ball
MUSIC: Suite for Organ No. 1  Adagio   Daniel Ficarri, Composer and Organist recorded at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City    Commissioned by David L. Ball
MUSIC: Suite for Organ No. 1  Toccata   Daniel Ficarri, Composer and Organist  recorded at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City    Commissioned by David L. Ball
MUSIC:  Exsultation  Daniel Ficarri, Composer and Organist  recorded at St. Vincent Ferrer, New York City    Commissioned by Choir and Organ Magazine   Exsultation

Episode No. 41  Saturday, July 14, 2018 Brian Sawyers, Organ Curator of the great Hazel Wright Organ, Musician, Composer.   

Enjoy a wonderful discussion with one of the busiest organ men in the world. Brian takes care of the Hazel Wright Organ, 6th largest organ in the world, and the Fred Swann Organ in the Arboretum. And if Hazel and Fred were not enough, he cares for several other huge organs here in Southern California and elsewhere. They include First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, Covenant Church in Long Beach, Segerstrom Center for the Arts and several others. Brian has a long history with the Crystal Cathedral hearing the organs of the cathedral with Richard Unfried and Fred Swann. Brian took his first organ lesson with Cathedral Organist, Mark Thallander. His first tuning experiencewas holding keys for Richard Unfried on the 116 rank Ruffatti (now a large part of Hazel), when it was in our Arboretum. He later worked under John Wilson and Guy Henderson with the Henderson Wilson Organ Company.  Most of all, Brain talks about just what it will take to put Hazel back in Christ Cathedral.  He will no doubt be a frequent guest as we get closer to Hazel's great re-dedication. Brian began piano as a 6 year old, organ at 13 due in part to his constant fascination with switches and buttons!!  He is the PERFECT person to care for Hazel.  Some of todays music was even composed by Brian!! 
MUSIC: Symphony No 6, finale (movement V) Charles Marie Widor Peter Baicchi, organist CD: Music Under Glass, recorded on "Hazel"
MUSIC: Toccata on "Amazing Grace" Christopher Pardini, composer and performer CD: Chris Pardini and Friends, recorded on “The Fred Swann Organ” in the Arboretum.
MUSIC: Clazz  a Jazz composition by Brian Sawyers, with Brian at the piano!
MUSIC: Symphony No. 6, cantible  (movement IV) Charles Marie Widor Peter Baicchi, organist (you will hear some of the birds who lived in the Crystal Cathedral on the recording. CD: Music Under Glass
MUSIC: Rising Sun Brian Sawyers, composer Peter Baicchi, organist CD: Music Under Glass

Episode No. 40  Saturday June 23, 2018 Dr. Christoph Bull, Organist-in-Residence at First Congregational Church, Los Angeles, Composer, Musician Extraordinaire. 

Enjoy a fascinating hour with one of Los Angeles' most interesting and versatile musicians!!  Born in Mannheim, Germany, Christoph Bull has performed and recorded around the world, including France, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Northern Ireland, Russia, India, Taiwan and El Salvador, at national and regional conventions of the American Guild of Organists and at venues such as Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Lincoln Center in New York City, Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, the Cathedrals of Moscow, Saint-Denis and Salzburg as well as rock clubs like The Viper Room, The Roxy and The Whisky in Los Angeles.

Hear how a musician of this caliber comes to be a musician. Christoph improvised his first melodies on the piano at the age of five and gave his first organ recitals and rock concerts with a band at the age of twelve. He’s collaborated with leading orchestras, conductors, choirs and ensembles including the Los Angeles Master Chorale, James Conlon, Carl St.Clair, Pacific Chorale, Pacific Symphony and Grammy-winning Southwest Chamber Music.

His organ teachers were Cherry Rhodes, Hermann Schäffer, Ludwig Dörr, Samuel Swartz, Christoph Schöner and Paul Jordan. He also participated in master courses with Marie-Claire Alain, Guy Bovet, Craig Cramer and Rudi Lutz.

Christoph Bull is the creator of the genre-crossing, collaborative multi-media series organica, combining traditional and contemporary music. His collaborators include DJs, video artists, live painter, instrumentalists and singers. He has also contributed to projects by Steven Spielberg, Robin Williams, Harry Connick Jr., George Clinton and Bootsy Collins (Parliament Funkadelic), Cindy Lauper, Lili Haydn and Nishat Khan and opened the organ series at Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa and Villa Aurora in the Pacific Palisades.

His solo album First & Grand, the world premiere recording of the Walt Disney Concert Hall Organ, was celebrated by the international trade press and showcases the stylistic versatility and expressiveness of his playing. His original song “Peace” was featured on the benefit album 2 Unite All together with songs by Peter Gabriel, Stewart Copeland and others. His song “Ali” was featured on the website for the collector’s book about Muhammad Ali by Taschen.

Christoph Bull is based in Los Angeles. In addition to his activities as a concert organist, composer, singer-songwriter, speaker, university organist and organ professor at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), he is organist-in-residence at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, playing one of the largest pipe organs in the world.

Outside of music, Christoph is interested in politics, theology, cinema and sports. He’s read the whole Bible, Koran, Bhagavad Gita and Tao Te Ching, watched every Seinfeld episode and all Star Wars movies in a row in the chronological order of the storyline. He’s run the L.A. Marathon several times and won the National German Youth Championship in Baseball with his team BC Tornados Mannheim.    
CD Baby: https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/ChristophBull   YouTube: www.youtube.com/orgue99    Facebook: www.facebook.com/christoph.bull

Information & Contact: www.christophbull.com

MUSIC:  Prelude in G Major  BWV 541  Johann Sebastian Bach. recorded on Bach's 333rd birthday!!  Christoph Bull, organist.  First Congregation Church organ.
MUSIC:  Jupiter Symphony Wolfgang Mozart  transcribed and performed by Christoph Bull performed at Royce Hall, UCLA. 
MUSIC:  Nothing Compares to Prince  arranged and performed by Christoph Bull on the First Congregational church organ.
MUSIC:  Victimae Paschali Laudes  Gregorian chant improvised by Christoph Bull at Hollywood United Methodist Church
MUSIC:  Psalm 69   Christoph Bull, composer and performed on a Hammond B3. 

Episode 39   June 9, 2018   All things Chant!!  with our chant experts, Matthew Gray and David Koch from the Mission Basilica San Juan

 Enjoy an entire episode of MUSIC FROM THE TOWER devoted to Chant with two chant experts, Matthew Gray, Director of Music, and David Koch, Chant Master, both from the Mission Basilica of San Juan Capistrano.  They shared excepts from their new chant CD: “Chant, Communion Chants from the Liturgical Year”.   Since the first centuries of the church, chant was the primary music sung in Catholic Liturgies.  With the Second Vatican Council and the use of vernacular languages, came the music of many countries and traditions.  In recent years cathedral and parishes around the country have rediscovered the beauty and the awe which chant can provide in the Mass.  Today’s guests bring a wonderful insight into how this is being done Sunday after Sunday at the Mission and can be (and should be) done in every parish.  Learn about the different types of chant, the church modes, the Propers and the Ordinary of the Mass from these two men who have studied it and performed it.  It is a fascinating look at this great treasury of music of the Catholic Church.

CD: Chant, Communion Chants from the Liturgical Year, performed by the Men of the Basilica Mixed Ensemble. Matthew Gray, Director of Music Ministries and David Koch, Chant Master.   http://www.missionparish.org/groups-ministries/music-ministry

MUSIC: Jerusalem surge   communion chant for the Second Sunday of Advent
MUSIC: Pater, si non potest    communion chant for Palm Sunday
MUSIC:  Pascha nostrum    communion chant for Easter Sunday
MUSIC:  Factus est repente   communion chant for Pentecost
MUSIC: Comedite pinguia     communion chant for Ordinary Time

Episode 38   May 26, 2018  Manuel J. Rosales, Organ Builder

Manuel J. Rosales is the President and Tonal Director of Rosales Pipe organ Company, Inc.  He was born in New York City, but raised in Los Angeles.  On his 14th birthday Manuel's father took him to see the movie Fantasiaand he became enthralled with the music of J. S. Bach.  An opportunity to work with his church's organ tuner led to an immediate realization that pipe organ building was going to be his life's work. He served his apprenticeship with the Schlicker Organ Company of Buffalo, New York, from 1968 until 1973.

In 1973, Manuel Rosales returned to Los Angeles to serve as the area service representative for the Schlicker Company and established his own firm, Rosales Pipe Organ Service. In 1980, Rosales Organ Builders, Inc., was formed during the construction of his Opus 9, the firm's largest instrument to that time, for the First Presbyterian Church in Granada Hills, California.  The success of this two-manual 32-stop instrument led to several other contracts including his now-famous Opus 11, a 52-stop instrument for Trinity Episcopal Cathedral of Portland, Oregon.

Hear about Manuel's many collaborations with some of the world’s most famous pipe organ builders.  He has studied organs from Europe to Mexico and has built some outstanding instruments throughout the United States.  Of course, his most famous instrument is the grand organ in the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.  Enjoy a fascinating visit with this genius of the art of pipe organ building and hear music by some of the great organists who have performed on his amazing instruments.

MUSIC:  Fantasia on a Theme of Gustav Holst  Aaron David Miller (2016)  Daryl Robinson, Organist   Disney Concert Hall   American Fantasia
MUSIC:  Grand Chorus with Thunder  Michel Corette   David Britton, Organist  Trinity Episcopal Church, Portland   Rosales Organ, Op11
MUSIC:  Allegro  José Lidon  Guy Bovet, Organist  Mission San José, Fremont, CA   Rosales Organ, Op 14
MUSIC:  Finale from Symphony No. 3  Louis Vierne   George Baker, Organist  Trinity Episcopal Church, Portland   Rosales Organ, Op11

Episode 37  May 19, 2018  César Sanchez, Tenor, Opera Star, Educator, and Chef!!!

Explore the career of this wonderful young singer from his early days in Tijuana to the opera stages of the world.  From his very humble beginnings in his parish choir, continued education in high school at the school for liturgical music, to his time at the famous Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, this singer has given everything to his art.  He went from being inspired by a recording of Placido Domingo, which he played over and over as a child, to actually being able to work with him as a professional; he fulfilled one of his life’s dream!  From winning the Darclee International Vocal Competition in Romania to coaching at the Academy for Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, César has proven his voice is something special indeed.  Deeply rooted in his Catholic faith, he believes that is voice and his many spectacular opportunities have been indeed a gift from God.   Whether singing in Mexico City for a crowd of over 14,000 or more recently in lead roles for the Tampa Opera, César's voice continues to amaze all who hear it.  We have been privileged to have had Cesar perform three times for Christ Cathedral Concerts, with more performances coming as we prepare for the festivities of the dedication of Christ Cathedral.  In addition to his busy concert schedule, César's other passion, from his parents and grandparents, is cooking!!  
MUSIC: La Donna e mobile   Rigoletto   Giuseppe Verdi   César Sanchez, tenor
MUSIC: Granada   Agustin Lara   César Sanchez, tenor
MUSIC:  Recondita Armonia  Tosca   Giacomo Puccini   César Sanchez, tenor
MUSIC:  Nessum Dorma  Turandot   Giacomo Puccini   César Sanchez, tenor

Episode 36  April 28, 2018  Paul M. French, Organist, Conductor, Church Musician, Composer, Arranger, and Pueri Cantores Board President

Conductor Paul French was in Southern California to conduct two Children's Choir Festivals for Pueri Cantores.  While in town, we were lucky enough to have him as a guest on MUSIC FROM THE TOWER.  Hear from Chicagoan Paul French, the Music Director at Chicago's Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where he leads a thriving choral program for both children and adults. Mr. French recently stepped down after twelve seasons as the music director of the William Ferris Chorale, a 24-voice Chicago based professional choir specializing in accessible compositions of the twentieth century, and whose cutting-edge arts programming regularly garnered excellent reviews.

Mr. French has studied composition, chant, conducting and organ at St. John’s University (Collegeville, MN), Northwestern University and the Pontificio Instituto di Musica Sacra in Rome. A composer of more than 200 instrumental and choral works including pieces for adult and children’s choirs, voice, organ, brass and orchestra, he serves on the music advisory staff of the Archdiocese of Chicago and has been a faculty member of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians Choir Director Institutes for over 10 years. Additionally, he serves as Director of Choral Recordings for World Library Publications and is Editor of the Pueri Cantores Choral Series of distinguished choral literature for youth choirs. He is presently the president of board of directors for the American Federation of Pueri Cantores, the official Children’s Choir organization for the Catholic Church.  The organization has over 60,000 children members world-wide and hundreds of member-choirs in the United States. 

MUSIC:  Psalm 122 I Lift My Eyes   Paul French (Paraclete Press)  The Choir of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Chicago  Paul French, Conductor
MUSIC:  A Prayer of St. Patrick  Paul French (Morningstar Music)  Morningstar Demo Choir
MUSIC:  Ave Verum   Paul French (Morningstar Music) William Ferris Chorale, Chicago, Paul French, Conductor
MUSIC:  Where you There?  Leo Nestor  William Ferris Chorale, Chicago  Paul French, Conductor
MUSIC:  Te Deum   Michael Bedford  American Federation Pueri Cantores Choir of 1000 Voices, Paul French, Conductor  
                                  Spring 2012  Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago

Episode 35  April 21, 2018  Dr. Alison Luedecke, Organist, Harpsichordist, Ensemble Musician and Co-Founder of the Millennia Consort, and the San Diego Baroque Soloists

Enjoy hearing from one of San Diego's finest musicians. Dr. Alison Luedecke.  This busy performer is the organist at St. James-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in La Jolla and co-founder of the Millennia Consort.  She hails from Galveston, Texas and is active across the US as a solo concert organist and has played in France, Canada, Mexico and Germany.  She has been heard numerous times on the nationally syndicated radio show Pipedreams.  As an ensemble musician she has performed with the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra, Symphony Silicon Valley, and other chamber ensembles and symphonies.  She earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Eastman School of Music as a student of David Craighead.  Checkout www.sdbaroque.com for the newest ensemble of which Alison is a co-founder, harpsichordist & organist- the San Diego Baroque Soloists.  

MUSIC:  Prelude in D Major   Johann S. Bach    Dr. Alison Luedecke, organist, recorded at St. Paul's Cathedral, Pittsburgh
MUSIC:  Sonata in A Major  Felix Mendelssohn  Dr. Alison Luedecke, organist, recorded at St. Paul's Cathedral, Pittsburgh
MUSIC:  Pictures at an Exhibition  "The Hut on Fowl's Legs"  Modest Mussorgsky  arr. Scott Sutherland   Millennia Consortwith Alison Luedecke, Organist
MUSIC:  Hornpipe Humoresque  Noel Rawsthorne  Dr. Alison Luedecke, organist, recorded at St. Paul's Cathedral, Pittsburgh
MUSIC:  Banish Misfortune  John Karl Hirton  Millennia Consort with Alison Luedecke, Organist

Episode 34  April 14, 2018   Matthew Gray, Founder and Director of DeAngelis Vocal Ensemble, Director of Music at the Mission Basilica of San Juan Capistrano, Assistant Director of the Diocesan Choir of Orange. He tells us all about the coming deAngelis Vocal Ensemble Program SACRA FRANCE!!  Ooh La La!!

Enjoy a visit with Matthew Gray, one of Southern California's busiest Music Directors.  Hear especially about his profession ensemble, DeAngelis Vocal Ensemble, as they conclude their 13th Season of creating beauty through Choral Music!  Hear from Matthew all about the program SACRA FRANCE, a wonderful choral concert featuring the sacred music of France.  This great choral ensemble will transport you to the glories of France.  Matt presents works by Duruflé, Villette, Desenclos, and the music of Francis Poulenc, including the stunningly beautiful Mass in G. Major.  Sacré France is part of their annual partnership with Christ Cathedral Concerts.    Complete details and to obtain tickets:  www.christcathedralmusic.org    Enjoy their latest CD:  

MUSIC:  The Scribe  Herbert Howells    The DeAngelis Vocal Ensemble   Mathew Gray, Conductor
MUSIC:  Salve Regina  Francis Poulenc   Harry Christophers 16
MUSIC:  Sanctus  (Mass in G)  Francis Poulenc   Winchester Cathedral and Kings College, London  Martin Neary, Conductor
MUSIC:  Salve Regina   Alfred Desenclos   Choir of Kings College, London   Martin Neary, Conductor
MUSIC:  O Salutaris Hostia  Pierre Villette  Worchester Cathedral   Donald Hunt, Conductor

Episode 33   March 31, 2018  Christ Cathedral Musicians, Dr. John Romeri, Director of Music, and David L. Ball, Assistant Director and Organist, present a special MUSIC FROM THE TOWER with the great music of Easter Sunday

MUSIC:  Hymn:  Jesus Christ is Risen Today   arr. Paul Sjouland    All Saints Choir, Beverly Hills   Craig Phillips, Conductor
MUSIC:  Haec Dies   William Byrd    Psalm 118  "This is the Day the Lord Has Made"   St. Thomas Choir, New York City   John Scott, Conductor
MUSIC:  This Joyful Eastertide   18th Dutch Carol  arr. Charles Wood   Bath Abby Choir, Peter King, Conductor
MUSIC:  My Hope Is Arisen  Peter Latona   from the album "Easter Triumph, Easter Joy"  National Shrine Choir, Peter Latona, Conductor
MUSIC:  5 Mystical Songs   1. Easter   Ralph Vaughan Williams   Northern Sinfonia of England  Richard Hickox  Stephen Roberts, Baritone
MUSIC:  Hymn:  The Strife is O'er  arr. Bruce Neswick  All Saints Choir, Beverly Hills   Craig Phillips, Conductor
MUSIC:  Surrexit Christus Hodie   Samuel Scheidt  arr. John Rutter   St. Thomas Choir, New York City   John Scott, Conductor
MUSIC:  Sing Ye to the Lord  Edward Bairstow  arr. Gerre Hancock   St. Thomas Choir, New York City   John Scott, Conductor
MUSIC:  Hymn: At the Lamb's High Feast  arr. Peter Latona from the album "Easter Triumph, Easter Joy"  National Shrine Choir, Peter Latona, Conductor
MUSIC:  On This Bright Easter Morn  Craig Phillips All Saints Choir, Beverly Hills   Craig Phillips, Conductor
MUSIC:  Chant:  Victimae Paschali Laudes   Claire College, Cambridge  
MUSIC:  Improvisation on "Victimae Paschali Laudes"  Charles Tournemire  transcribed by Maurice Duruflé  performed Mme Marie-Madeline Duruflé
               at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Episode 32   March 24,  2018  Christ Cathedral Musicians, Dr. John Romeri, Director of Music, and David L. Ball, Assistant Director and Organist, present a special MUSIC FROM THE TOWER with the great music for Palm Sunday and Holy Week.

MUSIC:  Hosanna filio David  Opening Gregorian Chant for Palm Sunday    "Hosanna to the Son of David" 
MUSIC:  Christus Factus Est   Gregorian Chant based upon the second reading of Palm Sunday Philippians 2: 8 - 9
MUSIC:  Christus Factus Est   choral settings by Felice Anerio and Anton Bruckner    "Christ became obedient for us, even unto death"
MUSIC:  Mandatum  by Peter Latona   a musical setting for the washing of feet  "Faith, Hope and Love, the greatest of these is Love"
MUSIC:  Ubi Caritas   the Offertory Antiphon for Holy Thursday  choral settings by Maurice Duruflé, Paul Mealor and Ola Gjeilo
                       "Where charity and love prevail, God is there"
MUSIC:  Ave Verum  by William Byrd    a communion motet for Holy Thursday   "Hail the ture body, born of the Virgin Mary"
MUSIC:  Pange Lingua   Gregorian Chant for the transfer of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday evening  "Sing my Tongu, the Savior's glory"
MUSIC:  In Monte Oliveti  Anton Bruckner   Motet for the stripping of the altar on Holy Thursday   "On the Mount of Olives, he prayed to the Father"
MUSIC:  Miserere Mei  Gregorio Allegri   The final psalm (Ps 51) of Tenebrae on Holy Thursday    "Have mercy upon me, O God"
MUSIC:  Popule Meus  by Tomas Luis de Vittoria   For the veneration of the Holy Cross on Good Friday  "Oh my people, what have I done to you"
MUSIC:  Faithful Cross  by Leo Nestor  For the veneration of the Holy Cross on Good Friday  
MUSIC:  Salvator Mundi  by Thomas Tallis  "O Savior of the World, save us all"
MUSIC:   Vinea mea electa  by Francis Poulenc    "O vineyard, my chosen one!  I planted you: how are you changed from sweet to bitter, to have crucified me
                       and released Barrabas?"
MUSIC:  O Sacred Head   by Johannes Brahms   Karl Richter, organist

Episode 31  March 3, 2018   Stephen Petrunak, the President of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) in Washington, DC, Christopher Reilly, the President of the DMMD Division of NPM and Roy Spicer, the Vice-President of the DMMD Division of NPM.

Hear all about the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM), a national organization of church musicians serving primarily the Roman Catholic Church in America.  This 6000-member organization is made up of Parish Music Directors, choir directors, organists, instrumentalists, cantors, and music educators.  Stephen Petrunak is only the 4th President/CEO of the organization in its 41-year history.  Stephen comes to NPM from both the business world and being a Parish Music Director.   You will enjoy hearing his vision for the organization and for the future of Church Music!!  He is joined later in the program by the leaders of the DMMD Division of the association.  This division serves those who work full-time for the church as music ministers; those responsible for music in America's parishes.  Christopher Reilly, is the Music Director at the Maryknoll Headquarters in New York, and Roy Spicer, is the Music Director at Old Mission Santa Barbara.  These two leaders in pastoral music along with Stephen give a fascinating look into the world of those who make music for our church, a church with both  strengths and  challenges.  We are a church of many musical styles, many languages and a long rich history of sacred music.  Find out what this national organization is doing to help those who help all of us worship each week.   

MUSIC: My Lord Will Come  Will Todd   Northwestern University Chorale
MUSIC: Building Up The Kingdom  Roger Holland
MUSIC:  Nada te Turbe  DMMD Taize Prayer     Olfary Gutierrez, soloist   
MUSIC:  Agnus Dei  from Messe Salve Regina, Yves Castagnet
MUSIC:  Sanctus from Messe Salve Regina, Yves Castagnet

Episode 30   February 17, 2018   Bob Gallagher serves as Minister of Music at the  River Road Church in Richmond Virginia.  He is the former organist at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, DC and was a student of Crystal Cathedral's own Fred Swann.

Dr. Bob Gallagher came to River Road Church as Minister of Music in August of 2011. He oversees the vibrant Music Ministry for children, youth, and adults.  A native of Brooklyn, New York, Bob received a Bachelor of Music in Organ at the age of 20 from Manhattan School of Music, Master of Music in Organ from The Juilliard School, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from Catholic University of America.  He also holds diplomas and prizes in Organ, Harpsichord, and Improvisation from the Conservatoire National de Region de Rueil-Malmaison. His teachers include Arnold Ostlund, Jr., Fred Swann, Gerre Hancock, and Peter Marshall. During his year in France, he studied with Marie-Claire Alain (organ), Huguette Dreyfus (harpsichord), and Jacqued Taddei (improvisation).

Bob served as Associate Director of Music at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne, Pennsylvania for 10 years and as Minister of Music at Wayne United Methodist Church for 5 years. In Washington, D.C. he served for 8 years as Organist at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle and also taught in the departments of Organ, Conducting, and Liturgical Music at The Catholic University of America. He served as Assistant Organist of St. Paul's Chapel at Columbia University during his student years in New York.

Enjoy a great conversation between two long-time friends and colleagues.  They talk about growing up Catholic and how just a few years around the time of the Vatican Council made a huge difference the influence of Sacred Music and the pipe organ.  Tune in as another spectacular church musician comes to visit the Christ Cathedral Campus.

MUSIC:  Fantasy on "Divinum Mysterium"  Gerre Hancock    Dr. Bob Gallagher, Organis
MUSIC: Haec Dies - Sortie    Pierre Cocherau      Dr. Bob Gallagher, Organist
MUSIC: The House of Faith Has Many Rooms   Craig Phillips     River Road Church,  Dr. Bob Gallagher, Organist-Choirmaster
MUSIC: Les Rameaux (The Palms)  jean Langlais   Dr. Bob Gallagher, Organist

Episode 29   February 10, 2018     Joe Bazyouros, New Director of Music for the Los Angeles Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angeles.  

Meet the brand-new Director of Music for the Los Angeles Catholic Cathedral.  Mr. Bazyouros comes from the USC Caruso Catholic Center, following two other parish positions.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Loyola Marymount University and a Master’s in Music in Vocal Performance.  Joe served on the Music Advisory Board and the Diocesan Liturgical Commission for the Diocese of Orange and presently serves on the Liturgical Commission for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  He brings a wealth of knowledge and musical skill to his new position.  Hear Joe describe the LA cathedral as well as his hopes and dreams for the future direction of the music program.  You will enjoy hearing both of these two cathedral musicians (including host John Romeri from Christ Cathedral) talk about the role of the Cathedral, and an explanation of the role and responsibilities of a cathedral church in a diocese.  It is a fascinating visit with this new cathedral musician.    

MUSIC:  We have seen His Star   John Carter   Choir from the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Frank Brownstead, Conductor
MUSIC:  Sicut Cervus  Giovanni Palestrina  Choir from the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Frank Brownstead, Conductor
MUSIC: There is a Balm in Gilead  Choir from the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Frank Brownstead, Conductor
MUSIC: Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether  Harold Friedel   Choir from the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Frank Brownstead, Conductor

Episode 28   February 3, 2018     Dr. Christopher Gravis, Director of Choral Activities, Cal State LA, and Canon for Music Ministry and Cathedral Arts at St. John's Episcopal Cathedral, Los Angeles.  Andrea Zomorodian, Soprano with LA Master Chorale, Pacific Chorale, Bach Collegium San Diego, Golden Bridge Consort, The Choir of St. James, and many more ensembles.  

A great interview with Southern California's primo musical couple.  Christopher and Andrea are far from the normal musical couple as they are part of almost every aspect of classical music in the Los Angeles area. A Cathedral Music Director and University Professor married to certainly one of the finest (and busiest) sopranos anywhere.  These two extraordinary musicians speak about their very exciting lives, and all of the many projects in which they are involved.  Even a bit about how they met and their spectacular wedding at St. James in the City, which just happened to include a surprise wedding gift!  Tune in for a fascinating look into the lives of this sensational couple who make splendid music for all of us who live in Southern California.  

MUSIC:  Magnificat    "Quia Respexit"  Johann S. Bach   Andrea Zomorodian, Soprano, Phil Popham, Oboe, David Clemensen, Piano  
MUSIC:  Responses   Christopher Gravis, Composer, The Clarion Singers, Stephen W. Salts, Conductor
MUSIC:  B Minor Mass  "Domine Deus"   Johann S. Bach    Andrea Zomorodian, Soprano, Jason Francisco, Tenor, Musica Angelica, John Alexander, Conductor
MUSIC:  O Salutaris Hostia  Eriks Esenvalds   Andrea Zomorodian, Soprano/Top Voice, Paulina Francisco, Soprano/Lower Voice, St. James in the City Choir, Jim Buonemani, Conductor
MUSIC:  Jesus Christ the Apple Tree  Elizabeth Poston  St. Wilfrid's Choir, Christopher Gravis, Conductor  from "Christmas at St. Wilfrid's"
MUSIC:  What Sweeter Music   John Rutter  St. Wilfrid's Choir, Christopher Gravis, Conductor   from "Christmas at St. Wilfrid's"

Episode 27   January 27, 2018     Dr. Isabele Demers, Organ Professor and Head of the Organ Program at Baylor University in Texas, Concert Organist and performer extraordinaire.

Enjoy a fascinating visit with one of America's most sought-after organ performers, Dr. Isabele Demers. With both a Masters and Doctorate from the famed Julliard School, and a student of Paul Jacobs, Isabelle has performed concerts around the world, at one National Convention of Organists after the other. This Canadian-born superstar came to the organ as a way to pay for her piano lessons!! Hear about her start into music and her journey into being a master teacher and concert artist in her own right. It is a wonderful visit with one of America's great artists.

MUSIC:  Prelude and Fugue BWV 532   Johann S. Bach     Isabele Demers, Organist
MUSIC:  Hallelujah, Gott zu loben    Max Reger     Isabele Demers, Organist
MUSIC:  Romeo and Juliet Organ Suite: No. 5, Balcony Scene     Isabele Demers, Organist
MUSIC:  Symphony No. 1  (IV. Toccata)   Rachel Laurin     Isabele Demers, Organist

Episode 26   January 13, 2018     The two legends of the Crystal Cathedral, Dr. Frederick Swann and Mr. Richard Unfried.  These two men presided ov er the great Hazel Wright Organ for many years.

Hear fascinating stories of the days when "Hazel" was being created. Find out just who was the actual Hazel Wright and about her role in bringing about this great instrument.  Hear all about how they acquired the Aeolian-Skinner organ from Philharmonic Hall in New York and even about a special “Hour of Power” which was held in Philharmonic Hall to celebrate receiving this great pipe organ.  This episode is filled with lots of memories of the putting together of the Arboretum’s large Ruffatti pipe organ, combining it with the Philharmonic organ and even some pipes from USC.  It is wonderful to hear all of this history from the two that made it all happen. It is getting exciting to know that “Hazel” will be back playing in under two years. 

MUSIC:  Concerto in A Minor  (I. Allegro)  Vivaldi/Bach     Richard Unfried, organist
MUSIC:  All Creatures of Our God and King   arr. Richard Unfried         Richard Unfried, organist  
MUSIC:  Trumpet Tune   Fred Swann     Fred Swann, organist
MUSIC:  Heraldings   Robert Hebble    Fred Swann, organist

Episode 25   December 23, 2017     Christ Cathedral Musicians, Dr. John Romeri, Director of Music, and David L. Ball, Assistant Director and Organist, present a special MUSIC FROM THE TOWER with the festive music of the blessed season of Christmas.

MUSIC: O Come All Ye Faithful  English Carol  arr. David Willcocks  The Choir of Kings College  CD: "Noel - Christmas at Kings College"
MUSIC:  God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen  English Carol  arr. David Willcocks  The Choir of Kings College  CD: "Noel - Christmas at Kings College"
MUSIC:  Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella  French Carol  arr. Keith Chapman   Organist Peter Richard Conte  CD: "Christmas in the Grad Tradition"
MUSIC:  Shepherd's Pipe Carol  John Rutter  Cambride Singers, City of London Sinfonia, John Rutter conducting.  CD: "John Rutter Collection"
MUSIC:  See Amid the Winter's Snow  John Goss  Choirs of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, John Romeri, conducting CD: "See Amid the Wonter's Snow"
MUSIC:  I Saw Three Ships  English Carol  arr. Mack Wilberg  Choirs and orchestra of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, John Romeri, conducting
MUSIC:  A Christmas Blessing  Philip Stopford  The Ecclesium Choir, Philip Stopford, conducting.  CD "A Christmas Blessing"
MUSIC:  The Snow Lay On The Groud  English Carol  arr. Julian Wachner  The Choir of Trinity Wall Street from the CD "The Snow Lay on the Ground"
MUSIC:  Candlelight Carol  John Rutter  Cambride Singers, City of London Sinfonia, John Rutter conducting.  CD "Christmas Night"
MUSIC:  To Folllow the Star  Julian Darius Revie   World Premiere recording, Diocesan Children's Choir of Orange, John Romeri, conducting, David Ball, organist
MUSIC:  Joy to the World  George Handel  arr. Joseph Jenkins, The Choirs and Handbell Choir of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, Missouri

Episode 24   December 16, 2017     Christ Cathedral Musicians, Dr. John Romeri, Director of Music, and David L. Ball, Assistant Director and Organist, present a special MUSIC FROM THE TOWER with the great music of the season of Advent.

MUSIC: O Come, O Come Emmanuel   Chant.  arr. Andrew Carter  Choir of St. Paul, London,  John Scott, conductor  CD: "Advent at St. Paul's"
MUSIC:  E'en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come    Paul Manz   Choir of National Cathedral  James Litton, conductor  CD: "Sing in Exultation"
MUSIC: Matin Responsory  (I Look from afar)  Giovanni Palestrina The Choir of Kings College  Philip Ledger, conductor  CD:  "Best Beloved Christmas Carols"
MUSIC:  Sleepers Awake  (Cantata No. 140) Johann S. Bach  Organist David L. Ball  from a live performance at St. Thomas Church, New York.
MUSIC:  Lo, He comes with Clouds decending  arr. John Rutter Cambride Singers, City of London Sinfonia, John Rutter conducting.  CD: "Sing, Ye Heavens"
MUSIC:  Toccata on Veni Emmanuel  Andrew Carter  Organist John Scott  CD: "Advent at St. Paul's"
MUSIC:  On Jordan's Bank  Hymn setting "Winchester New"  the Choir of Kings College Sir David Willcocks, conductor  CD: Christmas-time Carols
MUSIC:  On Jordan's Bank   Ambrosian Chant Cathedral Singers, Richard Proulx, Conductor  CD: More Sublime Chant
MUSIC: Rejoice in the Lord alway  annon.   The Choir of Westminster Abby  CD: "Slendour and Tranquility"
MUSIC:  A Great and Mighty Wonder  (Lo, How A Rose) Michael Praetorius arr. James Whitbourn  the Choir of Kings College Sir David Willcocks, conductor CD: "Essential Carols"
MUSIC: Magnificat (I. Magnificat anima mea)  John Rutter  Cambride Singers, City of London Sinfonia, John Rutter conducting  CD: "Magnificat, The Falcon"

Episode 23   December 9, 2017     Canon James Buonemani, Organist-Choirmaster, and Dr. Tom Mueller, Associate Organist, are the musicians at St. James Episcopal Church, Los Angeles.  Both are brilliant organists, composers and arrangers.  Dr. Mueller is also the Assistant Professor of Church Music and the University Organist at Concordia University, Irvine.

Meet two of the finest musicians in Southern California.  Hear how music came into their lives and how music has led them to two of the most prominent positions in Church Music anywhere in the country.  We will explore the rich musical program at St. James and how it has developed over the last 20 years under the director of Canon Buonemani.  You will hear a wide variety of music recorded live by the St James Choir and special organ arrangements written by both Canon Bounemani and Dr. Mueller, performed on the historic organ at St. James.  It is certainly the continuation of the rebirth of the great English choral tradition and proof that tradition is alive and well in Southern California at the hands of this spectacular musicians.  St. James in the City website:  http://stjla.org/

MUSIC: Bransle de Bourgogne from Suite francaise   Francis Poulenc  arranged and performed by Dr. Tom Mueller at St. James Episcopal
MUSIC: Fanfare for the Common Man Aaron Copland  arranged and performed by James Buonemani at St. James Episcopal
MUSIC: Bransle de Champagne from Suite francaise  Francis Poulenc  arranged and performed by Dr. Tom Mueller at St. James Episcopal
MUSIC:  Trois danses pour orgue- No. 1   Jean Alain  performed by Dr. Tom Mueller at St. James Episcopal
MUSIC:  Magnificat - -Collegium Regale- - Herbert Howells  performed by St. James Choir, James Buonemani, Conductor, Dr. Tom Mueller, organist
MUSIC:  I wonder as I wander- - trad. arr. J. Aaron McDermid (b. 1974)  performed by St. James Choir, James Buonemani, Conductor
MUSIC:  Motet- Sancta Maria, Regina caeli - -Second Eve- Ola Gjeilo  performed by St. James Choir, James Buonemani, Conductor

Episode 22   December 2, 2017     Patrick Flahive, noted Children's Choir Director, Director of Music, Sacred Heart Church, Covina, Past President of The American Federaltion of Pueri Cantores, and the Conductor and Founder of Pueri Cantores San Gabriel Valley.

Hear from one of the country’s finest Children's Choir Directors and Music Educators about the importance of children singing and learning music. Patrick Flahive is one of the most experienced musicians teaching children in the United States.  As an educator and church musician, he knows first-hand that great adult choirs and singing congregations of adults flourish in parishes where there are children's choirs.  Enjoy exploring Patrick's own musical story which led him to be the National President of the American Federation of Pueri Cantores, the official Roman Catholic international organization for Children's Choirs.  Hear about his 19 years as president and the many festivals and tours which he took with his own choir, Pueri Cantores of San Gabriel Valley.  Patrick works with us here at Christ Cathedral and will be directing our Preparatory Choir for the Diocesan Children's Choir of Orange, he works as the Children’s Chorus Master for the annual Cathedral Opera Production mounted by LA Opera at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels’, and has numerous choirs at his parish in Covina.

Pueri Cantores San Gabriel Valley:  http://puericantoressgv.org
Their Christmas Concert is Sunday, December 17 at Sacred Heart Church in Covina.  7:30 PM
The next One-Act Opera at the LA Cathedral, “Jonah and the Whale” will be March 16-17, 2018  

MUSIC:  Welcome Yole  (Ceremony of Carols) Benjamin Britten   PCSGV Choir, Patrick Flahive, Conductor
MUSIS:  Deo Gracias  (Ceremony of Carols) Benjamin Britten   PCSGV Choir, Patrick Flahive, Conductor
MUSIC:  Deck The Halls  English Carol  PCSGV Choir, Patrick Flahive, Conductor
MUSIC:  This Little Babe  (Ceremony of Carols) Benjamin Britten   PCSGV Choir, Patrick Flahive, Conductor
MUSIC:  Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree  Elizabeth Poston  PCSGV Choir, Patrick Flahive, Conductor
MUSIC: Jingles Bells    James Lord Pierpont  PCSGV Choir, Patrick Flahive, Conductor

Episode 21   November 18, 2017     Mark Thallander, Concert Organist, long-time Organist at Crystal Cathedral (1976-1993), President of the Mark Thallander Foundation.

This is an amazing story of a wonderful musician, who served the Crystal Cathedral for 18 years, 1976 - 1993, as Assistant Organist and assisting for the Hour of Power with scripting, service programming, and even arranging for the musical guests! As author, composer, and performer, his life drastically changed after a horrific car accident in 2003.  As a man of great faith, he went on to create the Mark Thallander Foundation, which he serves as president, and even continues to perform organ concerts around the country.  The Mark Thallander Foundation presents choral festivals inspiring thousands of church musicians, singers, clergy, and congregations, presenting great music of faith.  The foundation connects children and youth to sacred and classical music.  In addition, it fosters the education of organists through music scholarships.  You can find out more at markthallanderfoundation.org

MUSIC:  Improvisation On "O Store Gud"   Recorded “live” at The Crystal Cathedral for the Hour of Powerc   Mark Thallander, Organist   Peggy Lee Whiteaker and Jeremy Reinbolt, Percussionists
MUSIC:  Postlude On "Old Hundredth"   Recorded “live” at The Crystal Cathedral for the Hour of Powerc   Mark Thallander, Organist   Peggy Lee Whiteaker and Jeremy Reinbolt, Percussionists
MUSIC: Toccata on "Hymn to Joy"   Recorded “live” at The Crystal Cathedral    The Hazel Wright Organ 20th Anniversary    Mark Thallander, Organist
MUSIC:  Festival Fideles
MUSIC:  Organ Fantasy On "O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing"    Recorded “live” at The Crystal Cathedral for the Hour of Powerc   Mark Thallander, Organist   Peggy Lee Whiteaker and Jeremy Reinbolt, Percussionists
MUSIC:  Praise to the Lord, the Almighty  Michael Burkhardt   Recorded “live” at The Crystal Cathedral for the Hour of Power  Mark Thallander and Sean Groombridge, Organists
MUSIC:  Fanfare by Brian Sawyers  (written for Mark Thallander)   Recorded “live” at The Crystal Cathedral for the Hour of Power    Mark Thallander, Organist

Much of the music may be found at  TRIUMPHANT TUNES AND TOCCATAS  Tenth Anniversary Album 2013   Mark Thallander and Friends
available at  www.MarkThallander.com

Episode 20    November 11, 2017     Dr. Jung-A Lee, Concert Organist, Organist at St. Andrew Presbyterian, Organist for the Pacific Symphony, Artist-in-Residence for Pacific Chorale.

Find out about Southern California's busiest organist, Dr. Jung-A Lee.  She is a church organist, concert organist, symphony organist, accompanist/artist-in-residence for the Pacific Chorale, and college teacher.  Hear her fascinating journey from South Korea to Canada to the US as she studied organ at some of the finest and most prestigious universities.  Enjoy music from Harvard University Chapel to Disney Hall as Dr. Lee tells of her performances on organs literally all over the world. In 2009 she founded Music Mission International to promote the organ.  She is a brilliant young artist with a fascinating story.  Tune in!

MUSIC: "Thee, God"  Ned Rorem   Memorial Church, Harvard University.  Jung-A Lee, organist
MUSIC:  "For Mortal Flesh is as the Grass"  (Requiem) Johannes Brahms  Pacific Choral Festival Chorus, Jung-A Lee, organist
MUSIC:  Sinfonia from Cantata No. 29  Johann Sebastian Bach,  Jung-A Lee, organist   from her DVD "Beauty in the Wind"
MUSIC: "Amazing Grace/How Great Thou Art"  Jung-A Lee with David Washburn trumpet, recorded at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach on the CD Precious Lord.
MUSIC:  Final (Symphonie No. 1) Louis Vierne   Jung-A Lee, organist on the Rosales/Glatter-Goetz Organ in Disney Hall, Los Angeles, from her CD Amazing Grace.

Episode 19    November 4, 2017     Carl St. Clair, Conductor of the Pacific Symphony

Hear from one of America's longest tenured Symphony Conductors, Carl St. Clair.  He is a musical treasure of the entire Orange County arts community and far, far beyond that as a beloved guest conductor of almost every major symphony in the US and Europe.  Not only do we hear of his very earliest beginnings in music, but his working with the great Leonard Bernstein.  Enjoy great memories with the early days of the Pacific Symphony and how it has become one of the prominent symphony orchestras of our time under St. Clair during his 28 years as Conductor and Artistic Director.  He highlights two of this season's coming concerts, "Cathedrals of Sound" built around the deeply religious composer, Anton Bruckner, and his Symphony No 8 and then he speaks a bit about the symphony's historic trip to Carnegie Hall this year to celebrate the 80th birthday of Philip Glass with the piece commissioned for the opening of our own Segerstrom Concert Hall, The Passion of Ramakrishna.          https://www.pacificsymphony.org

MUSIC:   Greeting   Leonard Bernstein    
MUSIC:  There Will Be Rest   Frank Ticheli    Pacific Chorale, John Alexander, director
MUSIC:  The Passion of Ramakrishna  PROLOGUE   Philip Glass     Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale  Carl St. Clair, Conductor
MUSIC:  Symphony No. 8  II. Scherzo   Anton Bruckner  Vienna Philharmonic, Herbert von Karajan

Episode 18    October 20, 2017     Johann Vexo, Concert Organist, Choir Organist of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, and Titular Organist of Nancy Cathedral.

Enjoy hearing from this French concert artist, Johann Vexo, as he describes Sacred Music in France as well as the French system of Titular Organists and Choir Organists.  Johann will compare the church in France with the church in America, and even who owns the churches and organs in France! Hear him speak about his musical training, his church and university positions, and the many places around the world he has performed as a concert organist.  It is a fascinating look into the life of this amazing young artist and a captivating glimpse into the musical scene of another country.  
MUSIC:  Symphony No. 5  TOCCATA   Charles Marie Widor     Johann Vexo on the Grand Organ of the Cathedral of Nancy, France
MUSIC:  Trio Sonata No. 4   Johann Sebastian Bach      Johann Vexo on the Choir Organ of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France
MUSIC: Prelude and Fugue on the Name of ALAIN  Maurice Duruflé    Johann Vexo on the Organ of Our Lady of Refuge, Brooklyn NY
MUSIC:  24 Pieces de Fantasie:  FEUX FOLLETS   Louis Vierne   Johann Vexo on the Grand Organ of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
MUSIC:  Poémes pour Orgue: Vers L'espérance  Thierry Escaich   Johann Vexo on the Grand Organ of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/orgues.nancy/?ref=bookmarks
Youtube:   https://www.youtube.com/user/AROCNMEDIA
Website:  http://www.orgues-cathedrale-nancy.fr/fr/

Episode 17  October 7, 2017   Stephen Salts, Singer, Conductor, and the Creator of "HOWELLS 125"

 Stephen Salts is one of the busiest musicians in Southern California, singing in many choirs and ensembles, conducting choirs, and even running the Children's Choir program at St. Wilfrid Episcopal Church.  Yet this Fulbright Scholar in the Anglican Choral Tradition had time and the vision to create a year-long festival celebrating the English Composer, Herbert Howells' 125th birthday!!  Listen as Stephen talks about his background and education, his study in London, hear him sing on several recordings, learn about his involvement in "Golden Bridge" project, and especially find out all about the many performances of the great music of Herbert Howells which took place, all because of his foresight and drive to create this spectacular festival.  Enjoy this exciting episode of MUSIC FROM THE TOWER showcasing this superb musician, innovator, and scholar.

MUSIC:   "My love is fair"  Henry Leslie  Choir of Royal Holloway.  (Stephen is singing the bass solo on this recording) (Hyperion Records: 2016 English Romantic Madrigals)
MUSIC:   "Spiritus Mundi"  Dale Trumbore  recorded live at the 2016 Golden Bridge Concert
MUSIC:   "Coelos ascendit hodie"  Charles V. Stanford   Trinity College Choir recording of this piece by a teacher of Herbert Howells (Hyperion Records: 2017 Stanford Choral Works)
MUSIC:  "Behold, O God, our defender" Herbert Howells  Trinity College Choir  (Hyperion Records: Howells: Collegium Regale and other choral works)

Howells 125 upcoming performances

Episode 16  September 30, 2017   Richard Unfried, First official Organist of the Garden Grove Community Church, the Hour of Power and later the Crystal Cathedral.  

Hear from the very first organist, following Arvella Schuller, at what was to become the Crystal Cathedral.  Mr. Unfried recounts his early years, his training, seeing an ad in the Diapason Magazine,  meeting the Schullers, and his audition for the Garden Grove Community Church and its 23-rank Wicks Organ.  He then moves on to the beginning of the Hour of Power, the 1969 crusade with Dr. Billy Graham with Dr. Schuller, which may have actually named the "Hour of Power".  In these Pre-Ruffatti Organ years of the Hour of Power, he remembers what those early TV years were like, and even a bomb scare at the Offertory!  Next hear about choosing the Ruffatti organ for the Arboretum, the three years waiting for its installation, and the dedication by famed organist Virgil Fox.  Finally find out who named this organ "Big Buddha" and why.  It is an hour filled with memories of the early years of the Crystal Cathedral that you won't want to miss.

MUSIC:  Fugue and Prelude (1965) Rayner Brown (1912 - 1999)  Dedicated to Richard Unfried  Recorded on the 5 Manual 116-rank Ruffatti Organ on the album, Thou Art A Rock, recorded by Richard Unfried.
MUSIC:  The Church's One Foundation (Aurelia)  Recorded on the 5 Manual 116-rank Ruffatti Organ on the album, Hymns of Hope and Power, recorded by Richard Unfried.
MUSIC:  Toccata (Fifth Symphony) Charles Marie Widor  Recorded on the 5 Manual 116-rank Ruffatti Organ on the album, Thou Art A Rock, recorded by Richard Unfried.
MUSIC:  God of Our Fathers (National Hymn)  Recorded on the 5 Manual 116-rank Ruffatti Organ on the album, Hymns of Hope and Power, recorded by Richard Unfried.

Episode 15  September 23, 2017   Dr. Robert Istad, NEW Artistic Director and Conductor for Pacific Chorale, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies, California State University, Fullerton.

Hear all about Pacific Chorale from its new conductor, Dr. Robert Istad, as he takes over the Chorale just in time to celebrate their 50th Anniversary Season.  Dr. Istad talks about the group, its singers, and some of the highlights of the past seasons. He also spends a bit of time on his own musical journey and what lead him to Southern California to continue his musical education.  As a busy college professor, Dr. Tstad talks about his Cal State Fullerton choirs as well.  He is currently the president of the California Choral Directors Association.  Finally, Rob explains in detail about the great concerts in the Chorale's 50th Anniversary season and other concerts they will be singing with the Pacific Symphony, including one in Carnegie Hall!  For information on the Pacific Chorale, visit www.pacificchorale.org.   

MUSIC: A Celestial Map of the Sky  Tarik O'Regan  (Pacific Chorale's Composer in Residence)
MUSIC: Herr, unser Herrscher (St. John Passion)  Johann Sebastian Bach
MUSIC: Sanctus (Mass) Leonard Bernstein
MUSIC: III. Peace My Heart (Songs of Eternity for Chorus and Orchestra) James Hopkins
 

Episode 14  September 16, 2017   Matthew Gray, Founder and Director of DeAngelis Vocal Ensemble, Director of Music at the Mission Basilica of San Juan Capistrano, Assistant Director of the Diocesan Choir of Orange.

Enjoy a visit with Matthew Gray, one of Southern California's busiest Music Directors.  Hear especially about his profession ensemble, DeAngelis Vocal Ensemble, as they begin their 13th Season of creating beauty through Choral Music!  Hear from Matthew about the founded the organization, his own interesting musical history, and what lead him to create one of the finest musical groups in Southern California.  Learn about the amazing concerts coming this season, from a birthday celebration for composer Herbert Howells, their annual Christmas Concert, a festive concert celebrating St. Cecilia with the music of Handel and a partnership with the instrumental group Kontrapunktus, and finally Sacré France featuring the spectacular choral music of French composers.  All concerts, except for Sacré France are held in the historic Mission Basilica in San Juan.  Sacré France is part of their annual partnership with Christ Cathedral Concerts.    Complete details and to obtain tickets:  http://deangelisensemble.org      Enjoy their latest CD:  http://deangelisensemble.org/music/

MUSIC: Ave Maris Stella  Fredrik Sixten  (De Angelis Vocal Ensemble)
MUSIC: Ave Maria  Robert Parsons   (De Angelis Vocal Ensemble)
MUSIC: In Youth is Pleasure   Herbert Howells
MUSIC:  Salve Regina    Alfred Desenclos  
MUSIC:  O Salutais Hostia   Pierre Villette   

Episode 13   September 9, 2017   Fr. Christopher Smith, Pastor and Rector of Christ Cathedral; David Ball, Assistant Director and Organist, Christ Cathedral; and Lauren McCaul, Cathedral Music Administrator and Cathedral Cantor.

Hear first hand from the folks at Christ Cathedral about all of the exciting musical happenings.  Joining Dr. John Romeri, your host and Cathedral Director of Music Ministries, are the Pastor and Rector, and fellow Musicians in this enormous project of creating a new cathedral parish.  An explanation of the Cathedral Choirs, details of the 2nd Season of the Christ Cathedral Concert Series artists, and the many plans for the dedication of this world renowned building as it becomes a Roman Catholic Cathedral.   There are many ways for you to get involved at Christ Cathedral, either as a choir member or even just as an audience member enjoying artists from France, England and right here in Southern California.  Tune in and get all of the latest details.  

MUSIC:  Johann Vexo playing Johann Sebastian Bach's Trio Sonata No. 3, movement 3 on the Choir Organ at Notre Dame.  Mr. Vexo will perform at Christ Cathedral on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 7:30 PM.
MUSIC:  O Clap Your Hands sung by Stile Antico.  Early Music Ensemble, Stile Antico from London, will perform at Christ Cathedral, Friday, October 27, 2017 at 7:30 PM.
MUSIC:  Sanctus from the Mass in G, Francis Poulenc This Mass and many other French pieces will be performed by Southern California's DeAngelis Vocal Ensemble on Friday, April 20, 2018 at 8 PM at Christ Cathedral in a program entitled, SACRÉ FRANCE.    
MUSIC:  Magnificat, John Rutter will be performed at Christmas at the Cathedral, Friday, December 15, 2017 at 7:30 PM by all of the choirs of Christ Cathedral and orchestra.  
For information about the Music Ministry of Christ Cathedral or tickets to Christ Cathedral Concerts visit www.ChristCathedralMusic.org  or Christ Cathedral Music on Facebook.

Episode 12  September 2, 2017   Dr. Steven Ball, Organist Extraordinaire! Whether playing the largest organ in the world at Boardwalk Hall in New Jersey or the largest outdoor organ in the world in San Diego, there is no-one who knows municipal pipe organs like Dr. Ball.  Hear a fascinating program on pipe organs, especially municipal organs and lots of great music to go with it.

With degrees from the University of Michigan, Dr. Steven Ball is a Fulbright Scholar and one of America's leading organ performers in all types of music for the pipe organ.  From classical, to pop, to theatre organ, to accompanying silent films, Steven does it all like no one else!  Just having played two days of concerts at the Spreckles Organ in Balboa Park in San Diego, including being the featured performer in the 2017 International Summer Organ Festival Silent Movie Night, he play before thousands of adoring fans!  Steven was kind enough to come to Orange and record an episode of MUSIC FROM THE TOWER all about these great pipe organs of another era.   Dr. Ball is no stranger to the Christ Cathedral campus, as he is also a famous Carillonneur and is the consultant for the restoration of the Arvilla Schuller Carillon on our campus.  

MUSIC: Medley Of The Alfred Burt Carols  from the album "Fox Noel" recorded at the Atlanta Fox by Dr. Steven Ball
MUSIC: The Sea and Sinbad's Ship from Scheherazade, Op.35 (Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolay)  from the album "1001 Nights" recorded at the Atlanta Fox by Dr. Steven Ball.
MUSIC: The Sunken Cathedral (Claude Debussy) from the album "No Place Like OZ" recorded at Century II in Wichita, KS on the former NY Paramount Theatre Wurlitzer Organ by Dr. Steven Ball
MUSIC: March Gothique (René Becker) recorded in Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Detroit, MI from the album "Steven Ball presents the Music of René Becker"

All recordings are available at StevenBall.com

Episode 11  August 26, 2017   A Tribute show to PAUL SALAMUNOVICH, with guests James Drollinger, Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Charles Borromeo in North Hollywood and Dominic MacAller, Director of Music at Padre Serra Church in Camarillo.  Both Jim and Dom were lifelong friends and students of Paul.

1 - Paul Early Career:   Born in 1927. St James Catholic Church & School, Redondo Beach - a young priest, Father Louis Buechner, began a boy’s choir. They sang nothing but chant - which, by his own admission, influenced his music making throughout his entire conducting career.  Roger Wagner - gave a concert at St James. Paul was drawn to Roger - use to ride the streetcar to downtown LA at attend rehearsals. St Joseph Church, downtown LA  Richard Keyes Biggs, Blessed Sacrament Church - Family moved to Hollywood, when Paul was a young teen. Began attending Blessed Sacrament. He was allowed to join the men and boys choir. Biggs was Wagner’s organ teacher.  Los Angeles Concert Youth Chorus - conducted by Roger Wagner; joined in 1946. 2 years later it became the Roger Wagner Chorale. Paul became the Assistant Conductor.  Roger Wagner Chorale became the Los Angeles master Chorale in 1964. Paul continued as Assistant Conductor until 1977.

MUSIC - Panis Angelicus (Franck) - Paul Salamunovick, soloist

2 - St. Charles Borromeo Church - hired as music director in 1949. Retired in 2009. (60 Years!)   Adult Choir 100% Volunteer - avg. 50-75 voices   Children's/School Choir - the choir on the original Disney Small World LP     1949 - Roger needed to move on from St Charles. Told Paul to take the job - Paul didn't want it, but Roger said he did. Gave Paul 1 conducting lesson and taught him one hymn on organ (Msgr Harry Meade' favorite). Introduced Paul to Msgr Meade, told him Paul could play organ and conduct, and he was hired.    Rough going in the early years - singers were loyal to Roger. He eventually "fired" the entire soprano section and replaced them with the School Choir.

MUSIC - THE LAMB (Ken Neufeld; text William Blake)    St Charles Choir Christmas CD - PEACE ON EARTH   Available at:  PeaceOnEarthCD@StCharlesChoir.org

3 - Loyala Marymont University  - 27 Years as Director of Choral Activities & Professor of Music 1964-1991   Loyola University - Men's Glee - quickly changed to Men's Chorus;   Loyola Marymount University -  The Mount Singers was a combined effort of women from The Mount & men from Loyola. The sudden presence of women on campus led to the establishment of the LMU Women's Chorus and the inevitable birth of the LMU Consort Singers.

 Almost 900 clinics, festivals, and honor choirs in his career, all over the world.

MUSIC - Western Medley - LMU Men's Chorus, ACDA CONV 1987   Roger Wagner “Folk Songs of the Frontier” - available on Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/album/4a9dl2GwjxbLCCK1a2ZS63

4 - LA Master Chorale- Music Director 1991-2001. Had been assistant conductor for Roger Wagner.

 MUSIC:  Chant Puer Natus Est   LA Master Chorale
MUSIC:  Lux Aeterna, Lauridsen   I. Introitus   from Midwinter Songs from Lauridsen CD - 1998 - Lux Aeterna, O Magnum, Chansons de Rose,   https://www.amazon.com/Lauridsen-Lux-Aeterna-Morten/dp/B000006OF1

Episode 10  August 12, 2017   LIBERA , Robert Prizeman, Founder, Conductor, Composer, Arranger
and Three of the Singers from Libera: Peter Kiety, Alex Gula and Leo Barron 

Libera is a world renowned Boys Choir from South London, England.  Unlike of the English Boy Choirs, they are not based in a famous college or English Cathedral, but instead are from many churches in South London.  Their founder and conductor Robert Prizeman, has created a "Boy Band" of sorts and a world-wide phenomenon, now having performed in the US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, throughout Europe and the United Kingdom. Having sung for the Queen, Popes, on TV shows and TV Specials, and for millions of fans everywhere, their arrangements, many of which are written by Prizeman, help them achieve their unique sound and their lighting effects make their shows unforgettable experiences.  In addition to their "shows" and tours they usually sing two Masses per weekend.   They recently performed at Christ Cathedral and sang a Mass at the Cathedral at the close of the annual Diocesan Children's Choir Camp.  Hear from Robert Prizeman and three of the singers all about this amazing choir explain just how all this came to be and just what it is like being a part of this breathtaking choir.

Music: all performed by LIBERA

Sanctus  (based upon the Pachelbel Canon)
Angeli Dei   by Robert Prizeman  from their new album HOPE
Wayfaring Stranger    from their new album HOPE
Joyful Joyful we adore Thee   Beethoven/ Prizeman

Episode 9  July 22, 2017   Melissa Weidner, Carillonneur

Melissa is one of the principal performers on the Arvella Schuller Carillon on the Christ Cathedral Campus.  In this Episode, find out about the Carillon as an instrument, and what it takes to play one, especially at Christ Cathedral.  Enjoy exploring this unusual instrument, its history, the locations of the major carillons in the US, where they are cast, and even who composes for this instrument.  Christ Cathedral Carillon is very unusual….find out why!  Installed in 1990 its 52 bells weight from 13 pounds to 6,270 pounds.  All this and more on this weeks’ Music from the (Bell) Tower!

Music:  All performed by Melissa Weidner, Carillonneur

Prelude 8 by Matthias van den Gheyn
Prelude 7 by Joannes Franciscus Volckerick
Image No. 2 by Emilien Allard
“Toccata Festevole” from Suite No. 1 for Carillon by John Courter  

Episode 8:  Saturday, July 15, 2017  Anne Tomlinson, Artistic Director for the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus and Diana Landis, Director of the Apprentice Choir for the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus and Director of the Children’s Choir program for Our Lady Queen of Angels, Newport Beach, CA

Hear from Anne Tomlinson, the Artistic Director for 21 seasons of the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus.  Hear the history of this amazing LA institution which serves over 400 children from 50 communities across Southern California.  These young singers perform with LA Phil, LA Opera, on numerous TV shows, and more!  They have toured North and South America, Africa, China, Cuba, Australia, Japan and Europe!  Hear from Anne and Apprentice Choir Director, Diana Landis, about the choir and its many tours and special performances.
Enjoy a bit about how Diane and Anne come to their own musicianship and outstanding careers. 
Hear about the audition process and just how to become part of this spectacular program. Hear about WHY a Children’s Choir program is so important. Finally hear about special projects for the choirs and their directors as they enter the final year under Anne Tomlinson’s leadership.

Music:
Salve Regina             Josu Elberdin     LACC Concert Choir
Choral Hymns from Rig-Veda       Gustav Holst     LACC Concert Choir           
            III.   Hymn to the Waters
In these Delightful Pleasant Groves     Henry Purcell   Apprentice Choir
Yo Le Canto              Venezuelan Folk Song     LACC Concert Choir

Episode 7  Saturday, July 9, 2017  John Alexander, Conductor, Educator  

Artistic Director (of the Pacific Chorale) since 1972, John Alexander is one of America's most respected choral conductors. His inspired leadership both on the podium and as an advocate for the advancement of the choral art has generated international respect and acclaim.

Segment 1:  John’s early years, beginning music at age 6; Son of a Choir Director and grandson of a Methodist minister from the South. Undergraduate study at Oberlin and Doctoral studies at University of Illinois. Teaching days at Cal State Northridge and Fullerton.
Music: Chanson Éloignée by Morten Lauridsen from the album American Voices with the John Alexander Singers

Segment 2:  We talk about his 44 years with the Pacific Chorale, and their history before John AND after John!
Music:  The Shore by Frank Ticheli recorded by the Pacific Chorale.  The 3rd movement: The Black Gondola.

 Segment 3: Pacific Chorale Tours..the Highlights!
Music:  Motet No 3.  Therry Escaich   “Kyrie”   recorded live with the Pacific Chorale and the composer as the organist.

Segment 4:  Finally, John as College Educator, Master Conductor and Commissioner of new American Works for Choir.  Hear about what is next for this amazing musician.
Music:  There Shall Be Rest by Frank Ticheli recorded by the Pacific Chorale. 

Episode 6 Saturday, July 1, 2017  Frederick Swann, Organist   “Crown Prince of the King of Instruments!”

Segment 1:  Fred’s early years in Virginia; Son of a Methodist Bishop and became the church organist at 10 years old!  Study at Northwestern University and Union Theological Seminary in New York.  Substitute organist at Riverside, St. Bartholomew’s, and Brick Church.
Music Fugue on the Great Theme of the Carillon of Soissons Cathedral, Maurice Duruflé from the Album The Mystic Organ, recorded at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC   Fred Swann, Organist

Segment 2:  The Riverside Church Years, 1957 – 1982. 
Music:  Bells of Riverside, Seth Bingham.  From the album, Riverside Revisited.  Fred Swann, Organist.

Segment 3: The Crystal Cathedral Years, 1982 – 1998.
Music:  O Magnify the Lord written by Fred Swann in honor ofArvella Schuller’s 60th Birthday. From the Album, O Magnify the Lord, The Crystal Cathedral Choir.  Gothic G-49048

Segment 4:  First Congregational, Los Angeles, 1998 – 2001…and beyond. 
Music:  Fugue on “St. Denio” by John Weaver.  Written for Fred Swann’s retirement from Crystal Cathedral. From the Album, Great Organs of First Church, Vol. 1, Fred Swann, organist.Gothic, G - 49118

Episode 5: Saturday, June 24, 2017   Mary Wilson, Soprano  

"Shining soprano Mary Wilson, a gift from the gods if I ever heard one…her singing was exquisite.”San Francisco Classical Voice

 This amazing soprano super-star, recently sang here in Orange County with The Pacific Symphony and the Pacific Chorale.  What a great talent!  She is a long-time friend of MUSIC FROM THE TOWER host, John Romeri, and together that review the spectacular career of this outstand musician: her beginnings, her education, her years in St. Louis with the St. Louis Bach Society and Christ Episcopal Cathedral, and finally her work in Memphis.  Enjoy the insights into the life of this great American Soprano.

MUSIC
Quoniam from Handel Gloria   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GN8F4DQ/ref=dm_ws_tlw_trk19

I Know That My Redeemer Liveth from Handel Messiah    https://www.amazon.com/Handels-Messiah-Cathedral-Jeffrey-Thomas/dp/B01LWJ6HZ5/ref=sr_1_1?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1496872180&sr=8-1&keywords=handel+messiah+american+bach

Kyrie from Haydn Lord Nelson Mass   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G2KTKDU/ref=dm_ws_tlw_trk1

Alleluia from Handel Silete venti    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GN8EWMK/ref=dm_ws_tlw_trk5 

Episode Four:  Saturday, June 17, 2017   Peter Phillips, Founder and Conductor of the Tallis Scholars

Segment 1: Hear from a man who has founded and conducted the Tallis Scholars.....since 1973...over 2000 concerts, over 60 recordings! Hear how he founded the group and why! He will describe his training and what led him to the founding of this world-famous group.

Byrd Mass for 5 voices: Gloria      https://app.box.com/s/e8cizhu2zc3kdop3lcz6

Segment 2: TALLIS SCHOLARS since 1973. And why Tallis Scholars? Why not the Byrd Scholars? Tomkins Scholars? Was there an original intent to study and perform only the works of Tallis?  Hear from founder Peter Phillips.   Hear the first reaction from American audiences on their first American tour.

Pärt - Magnificat      https://app.box.com/s/uuz8swe28f2chjb9pw7i1fuqn8l28a34

Segment 3:   What is next for the Tallis Scholars? What is next for Peter Phillips? Find out on MUSIC FROM THE TOWER

Pärt - Nunc dimittis      https://app.box.com/s/xwdo6kywd87vt8se4s2iz6rowih521v3

Segment 4:   Hear more about the singers of Tallis Scholars.  Their selection process and maybe even a little singer horror story!! 

Palestrina - Sicut Lilium      https://app.box.com/s/ctq7sov23qkq7u0xmxbgfn5489vp1xrk

EPISODE THREE:  Saturday, June 10, 2017  Virgil Funk, Founder and first President of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) 

Segment 1: We speak about the founding of NPM and its influence on the music-making of the Roman Catholic Church. 

Segment 2:  We discuss a conference that Fr. Funk and Dr. Romeri both attended in Rome entitled “Music and Culture” with musicians from around the world, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Papal Document, Musicam Sacram.

Segment 3-4:  We speak of great musicians and educators in the field of Sacred Music, highlighting especially Dr. Paul Salamunivich and Fr. Lawrence Heiman, C.PP.S.

MUSIC:  All of the music for this episode is taken from a CD entitled Paul Salamunivich Conducting the NPM Convention Choir, recorded live at the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Segment 1:   Festival Hymn of Thanksgiving arr. Paul Sjolund

https://smile.amazon.com/Festival-Hymn-of-Thanksgiving/dp/B004IF43CY/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496946680&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Festival+Hymn+of+Thanksgiving%2C+Paul+Sjolund

(The same piece but from a different album)

Segment 2 :  Holy God, We Praise Thy Name.  arr. Ronald Arnatt

Segment 3:  Were You There   arr. Sue Wallace

Segment 4:  The conclusion of “Holy God”

EPISODE TWO:  Saturday June 3, 2017  CONCERT ORGANIST PAUL JACOBS
Guests: 
Dr. Paul Jacobs, Concert Organist and Organ Professor at The Juilliard School in New York,
David L. Ball, Organist and Assistant Director of Music, Christ Cathedral, Garden Grove, California
Michael T. C. Hey, Organist and Assistant Director of Music, St. Patrick Cathedral, New York City.

Hear from one of the finest organists in the world about his life, his early days becoming an organist, studying at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, his amazing career as both famous teacher and concert artist.  As a Grammy-winning artist, Dr. Jacobs tells of his grand projects, from the playing of the complete works of Bach at the age of 23, to commissioning works for and playing with the most famous orchestras around the country.  He will be joined by two of his students who now play for two of the largest churches in the country, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York and Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA.  This is a fascinating look these great musicians in both the concert world and the world of Sacred Music in the church.  As fierce champions for the Pipe Organ, and as performers on some of the largest and greatest organs in the country, hear their predictions for the future of the organ in the church and in concerts halls.

Music: 

Segment 1    Fugue in D Major, BWV 532    J. S. Bach   Recorded LIVE at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, NYC

http://a.co/hLiZyvY

Segment 2:  American Mavericks Album:  Lou Harrison: Concerto for Organ and Percussion Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Michael Tilson Thomas, Conductor, Paul Jacobs, Organist   Fourth Movement.

http://amzn.to/2s2IGk9

Segment 3: Livre du Saint Sacrement:  III. Le Dieu cache (The Hidden God), Olivier Messiaen, Paul Jacobs's GRAMMY-winning album

http://a.co/hPvFOPU

Segment 4:, Divine Redeemer Album:  Christine Brewer, Soprano, Paul Jacobs, Organ, 12 Pieces, Op. 59:  No 6Fugue in D Major, Max Reger

https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Redeemer-Paul-Jacobs/dp/B011QAHDL6

EPISODE ONE:  May 27, 2017    "The Music of Christ Cathedral"  
with Bishop Kevin Vann, Fr Christopher Smith and Dr. Patricia Lamb

GUESTS:  Bishop Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, Father Christopher Smith, Rector of Christ Cathedral, Dr. Patricia Lamb, Director of Music and Organist, Our Lady, Queen of Angels, and head of the Music Task Force, who created the vision for the Music Program of Christ Cathedral and the hiring of the first Music Director.

Enjoy Bishop Vann and Fr. Christopher talk about their beginning studies as a musician and just how their musical life led them to religious life.  They detail their musical hopes and dreams for the new Christ Cathedral.  Dr. Patricia Lamb joins them to explain the work of the Diocesan Music task Force which together with Bishop Vann and Fr. Christopher formed the vision for the musical life of this wonderful new cathedral.

MUSIC:
Support Christ Cathedral on Amazon SMILE and purchase the music you hear on the show!  https://smile.amazon.com

Chosen by Bishop Vann:
Hymn Prelude on Rhosymedre or "Lovely", Todd Wilson, In a Quiet Cathedral              http://a.co/2WY6LoM
Toccata from the Fifth Symphony, Virgil Fox, The Digital Fox, Volume II, http://a.co/hiQRt6T

Chosen by Fr. Christopher:
Fugue in g minor, BWV 578, "Little G Minor",  Ton Koopman.  Bach: Complete Organ Works       http://a.co/1t3yazt

Chose by Dr. Lamb:  Let all the world in every corner sing  Southwestern Seminary Oratorio Chorus & The Fort Worth Chamber Orchestra Masterworks Montage http://a.co/6G0I08B

Support Christ Cathedral on Amazon SMILE and purchase the music you hear on the show!!

https://smile.amazon.com