Gateway Confluence Chapter of the American Guild of Organists

06/29/2022

Not to be missed.

06/26/2022

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: Mary Weber .

Some of Mary's upcoming performances include:

1.
St. Louis Philharmonic Brass “Classical Night” at the Ball Park with the St. Louis Cardinals
Double brass quintet + percussion to play a 45’ minute concert at Busch Stadium!
June 29th
5:15 - 6:00 pm Busch Stadium, 4th floor

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2.
Clarion Brass - Notes@9 “Patriotic Concert”
First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood
100 East Adams
Kirkwood, MO 63130

July 3, Sunday
9:00 - 9:30 am “Patriotic Concert”
This is also repeated at Ladue Chapel, 9450 Clayton Road, 11:30 - 12:00 pm

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3.
Mid America Band - Scott Air Force Base
“Patriotic Concerts”
July 3 Alton, IL Liberty Bank Amphitheater, riverfront 8:00 pm
July 4 Granite City, IL 3231 Nameoki Road 7:45 pm (before the fireworks)

06/17/2022

Saying "Hello" to new things, but also kind acknowledgement to Ben Blasingame! We look forward to meeting Andrew Kreigh

06/01/2022

Check it out!
Marie-Louise Langlais

The music of César Franck is revered by musicians the world over. For organists, he holds a particularly important place in history as one of the founding fathers of the French Romantic organ tradition, a school of organ composition that would be carried forward into the twentieth century by Charles-Marie Widor, Louis Vierne and others. Franck’s unmistakable style showcases colourful polyphony and subtle mastery of form. In artistic terms, he was the first to see and realise the potential of the symphonic organ in France.

Published during this bicentennial year of his birth, Franck’s journey from unsettled pianist to master craftsman at the organ is presented in a new light. The objective of this chronologically ordered edition spanning the three different periods of his life, combines as many elements as possible from the study of available autograph manuscripts, first editions and letters, in the hope of contributing to a more holistic evaluation, in practical terms, of his output for organ.

Editor Richard Brasier enjoys a busy and far-reaching international career as a soloist, teacher, editor and recording artist. As a concert organist, Richard has performed widely in recital series and major international festivals on historic and modern instruments. He also regularly performs as a soloist with orchestras and instrumental ensembles. Richard has a wide-ranging repertoire covering all periods from the Middle Ages to Contemporary, with particularly firm interests in the music of J. S. and C. P. E. Bach, César Franck and representatives of the German Romantic period.

Richard is active as a teacher for the Royal College of Organists, for which he leads masterclasses and study trips for students at home and abroad. He also regularly teaches on residential courses for organists of all ages and abilities. Elsewhere he has been invited to sit as a competition jury member and external examiner. Richard has published articles and videos on matters relating to the organ on various platforms, and has edited several editions of organ repertoire. Richard is organist of St Mary with St George’s German Lutheran Church in London, where he plays and maintains the historic 1886/1937 instrument by E. F. Walcker. He is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London, and the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz, Köln.

A new authoritative edition of César Franck's complete organ music by editor Richard Brasier to mark the composer's bicentennial year.

05/31/2022

Check out the June 2022 TAO, just now arriving by mail. It is PACKED with information!

05/28/2022

Looks like they're brewing a party!

Kennedy Holmes, Keyon Harrold, Brian Owens, Shedrick Mitchell and the SLSO are among artists who will perform as part of Enjoy Illinois 300 events.

05/26/2022

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: Mary Weber

Professor Weber provides a Trumpet masterclass during the annual Bi-State Honor Band Festival (end of April/beginning of May 2022).

05/05/2022

Members of the St. Clare Parish Choir are teaming up with the Bach Society of St. Louis and 250 other singers of all ages from the metro area for this community sing featuring Handel’s iconic “Messiah.” Listeners are also invited to experience this FREE event!

04/30/2022

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: Robert Raymond

We have dedicated, incredible faculty at SIUe!

Robert Raymond, M.M. received his Graduate Degree in Organ and Piano performance and Chamber Music accompaniment from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. It is here where he has taught organ since 1997, and piano in the Keyboard Development Program since 1989. Robert studied with organist Kathleen Thomerson, FAGO, a student of Jean Langlias and Flor Peeters; and with pianist Ruth Slenczynska, a student of Josef Hofmann and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Robert’s chamber studies were under the tutelage of Dr. Linda Perry, a student of John Wustman. Robert’s other organ instructors include William Partridge, Nancy Ypma and John Near. Robert has taught piano at Principia College, served as staff accompanist at McKendree University and has taught music history at Southwestern Illinois College.

Robert Raymond has given SIUE faculty organ recitals, participated in master classes and workshops, accompanied university, church and community choirs, performed with organists in group recitals at McKendree University, Lewis and Clark Community College and with the American Guild of Organist chapters in Illinois and St. Louis.

Robert served as Dean of the AGO Gateway East Illinois Chapter from 1994-1997 and has also served on the Board of the St. Louis AGO chapter. Robert also earned a Permanent Professional Certificate in Organ and Piano Teaching from the Music Teachers National Association.

It is at First Presbyterian Church, Edwardsville where Mr. Raymond has served as organist and pianist for over 28 years, performing all weekly services, accompanying the adult and youth choirs, as well as guest musicians. Robert manages an annual church recital series for area guest musicians. It is through this series that he also performs with and accompanies musicians. He recently helped oversee the installation of the churches enlarged and refurbished 48 rank Bosch pipe organ in 2018 installed by Murphy Music Service.

Robert has taught music in the Bethalto School District Unit #8 for the last twenty-five years and serves as the district accompanist for the Middle and High School choirs.

Robert is also active in promoting excellence in young artists by sponsoring and managing annual vocal and instrumental competitions through the Southern Illinois Young Artists Organization. He founded it in 2003 to provide a competitive venue for young musicians around the world to excel in their field of study.

04/24/2022

John Walsh accompanying Kellie Frohnert - "A Journey Through Motherhood in Song". Delightful songs!