Dean’s Column | June 2024

Recent Event Review: Annual Members Banquet

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North Shore AGO Annual Members Banquet
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Michigan Shores Club, Wilmette

On Sunday, May 19, North Shore AGO members and their guests gathered in the Canterbury Room of the historic Michigan Shores Club for the annual members banquet.  The elegantly appointed second-floor room offered us views of the lake through leaded glass windows, a working fireplace, and a Jacobean-style ceiling.  Members socialized over cocktails at 5:00 pm, while savoring several appetizers which included bacon-wrapped shrimp, spring rolls and crab cakes.  Dinner was served at 6:00 pm.  Grace was said by the Rev. Dr. David Handley, who quoted the inspirational words of Fred Pratt Green that are often paired with Stanford’s hymn tune Engelberg. (“When in our music God is glorified.”)    

The festive meal began with an eclectic salad of greens and fruit, followed by stuffed breast of chicken with pepper sauce accompanied by julienned vegetables and duchess potatoes. Dinner was rounded off with a light dessert of cookies and coffee.        

Dean Robert Woodworth offered congratulations and thanks to the convention committee for their hard work on the well-received regional convention.  He also introduced the newly-elected board members and officers. Overall it was an extremely enjoyable evening of fellowship and collegiality.  A special congratulations to board member Matthew Doran, who performed a recital at Loyola’s Madonna della Strada Chapel prior to attending the banquet.   

Submitted by
James Janossy
Secretary

Someone You Should Know: Sharon Peterson

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Sharon R. Peterson has been pianist for the Chicago Symphony Chorus since 1978 and has accompanied the North Shore Choral Society since 1979. She serves as North Park University’s Theological Seminary Organist and Interim University Organist (Chicago) and holds a Staff Accompanist position at Northwestern University (Evanston). At Lyric Opera of Chicago, Sharon has worked as Chorus Accompanist, Music Director of their ​“Opera in the Neighborhood”, Ballet Accompanist, and Swedish Language Coach for the Ryan Opera Center.

During seven years in Sweden and Norway, Sharon developed a specialty in Scandinavian Piano and Organ Repertoire and worked as Staff Accompanist at the Royal Academy of Music in Oslo, Norway. Having studied at Northwestern University and North Park College, Sharon has pursued a career as Collaborative Pianist with singers and instrumentalists, (especially classical saxophone). She coaches Swedish and Norwegian languages as well and is currently teaching a Master Class in Nordic Art Songs at North Park University.

Sharon is Organist at Village Presbyterian Church, Northbrook, and has served on the North Shore Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (formerly Sub-Dean); is former Organist of North Park Covenant Church, and Guest Organist at St. James Cathedral and The Chicago Temple, (Chicago), as well as Trinity United Methodist, (Wilmette.)

Past Overtones…

Dean’s Column | May 2024

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Welcome to the Merry Month of May! Of course there are actually a few religions with a very significant allegiance to the Virgin Mary! Obviously this is the season of so many events that include graduations including high schools, colleges and universities, closing...