Lois-Eve Anderson
The organ has been part of my life since childhood, when my mother took me with her to Concordia Lutheran Church, for her practice as organist for Sunday afternoon Swedish Services, back in the 1930s. I was allowed to climb aboard, and to explore this marvelous trio of Moller keyboards: at age eight, hart to reach. But oh! The Sound! … and the choices of color, that gave expression in ways that my piano could never do. I was hooked!
While appreciating that other instruments have found a place in worship more recently, the organ nonetheless provides a depth and breadth of expression that can elevates one’s spirit like no other, be its use as solo, or in combination with singing and instrumental ensemble. It offers the persons fortunate enough to play the organ a palette of shades and dynamics unmatched by anything else, and a joyful arena for creating and improvisation.
AGO provides a framework for the sharing of these riches. Programs, workshops, publications and conventions are designed to reach all ages with not only the musical treasures from the centuries until now, but with help in fostering the skills that keep these treasures alive and growing. It’s never too early to invite these curious youngsters to join us at the console, to explore and discover what this King of Instruments can bring to them!
Lois-Eve Anderson