Saturday, November 19, 2022
Members of NorthShore Chapter AGO and The Chicago-Midwest chapter of the Organ Historical Society enjoyed visiting four churches in Glencoe and Winnetka on a cold recent Saturday. We were warmly welcomed by Organists at each church who played for us and then turned the instrument over to us for our exploration.
At St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church, Glencoe, IL, Derek Nickels played for us on the 1965 Möller, Op. 10012. Having previously been Organist here, he knows the organ well, demonstrating several different styles from three American composers. At Glencoe Union Church, Glencoe, Organist Hyea Young Cho played Bach and Travis on the 1980 Casavant, Op. 3465.
After a nice lunch at various local restaurants we convened at North Shore United Methodist Church, Glencoe, where Tomoko Shibuya played Bach for us on the Buzard, Op. 24, organ installed in 2001. She appreciated our playing the organ so she could hear the sound/balance out in the pews. Our tour concluded at Winnetka’s Divine Mercy Parish at Sacred Heart Catholic church. Organist Ron Vanasdlen demonstrated the Wicks, Op. 3958, of 1959, and then several of us had a turn as well.
This co-sponsored event was informative, interesting, fun, and relevatoy. Many of us had never been to these churches. Some of us made connections with mutual friends, and we all enjoyed learning about each unique instrument. We are truly grateful to these Organists for opening their churches to us and preparing their presentations.
A tour of this nature is quite a different experience from hearing a concert or attending a social AGO event. Why not put it on your calendar next time? You’ll be glad you did.
Sharon R. Peterson
Member, NorthShore Chapter AGO
Organist, Village Presbyterian Church, Northbrook, IL