North Shore Chapter of the American Guild of Organists

North Shore Chapter AGO Annual Epiphany Party
2024-01-07 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | IL
Sunday, January 7, 2024 – 6:00pm
At the home of Andrea and David Handley
516 Greenwood Street – Evanston
An Epiphany Holiday Evening of:
Friendships, Drinks, Appetizers, Dinner, Dessert
and Holiday Musical Entertainment
by the Wood-Burning Fireplaces
Members, Spouses, Partners, Significant Others & Guests Welcome!
Donation $15.00
Please sign up soon and let us know how many will be coming!

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Bach Organ Marathon
2023-11-19 12:00 - 18:00 | St. Giles Episcopal Church, 3025 Walters Avenue, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States
BACH ORGAN MARATHON
Commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Hellmuth Wolff organ
A Benefit for Hunger Resource Network and the Music Program at St. Giles
Johann Sebastian Bach is, of course, the most important composer for The King of Instruments, and an afternoon of his music to commemorate the fine organ by Hellmuth Wolff will be truly enriching. Twelve organists from the Chicago area will perform beginning on the half-hour from 12:00-6:00. There will be short breaks between performances for you to enjoy a quick refreshment in the narthex with thanks to Hunger Resource Network. A suggested donation of $10 per performance is encouraged, but any amount is welcome. Come for one or two performances or stay all afternoon – it’s up to you. Detailed information on the organists and Bach repertoire will be forthcoming.

Choir Concert
2023-11-17 19:30 - 20:30 | IL
On Friday, November 17th, the Festival Choir and Orchestra of First United Methodist Church of Evanston presents a concert of cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach and Healey Willan. Healey Willan is considered the dean of Canadian composers. His cantata, The Mystery of Bethlehem, was written in 1923 and sets ancient responsories for Advent and Christmas in English. One of the best-known works of Bach is Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring which is from Cantata No. 147. The choir will present the complete cantata which received its premiere 300 years ago in 1723 during the first year of Bach’s tenure in Leipzig. The 7:30pm concert is free and open to the public.

Organ Recital
2023-11-12 15:00 - 17:00 | St. Chrysostom’s Church, 1424 N. Dearborn Parkway, Chicago, IL, 60610, United States
Daryl Robinson – Organist
Daryl plays music by Jeanne Demmessieux, Gaston Litaize,
Louis Vierne, Melchior Schildt, J. S. Bach, Jason Roberts, and Rachel Laurin.
Organ by C. B. Fisk, Opus 123

Morgan Simmons Memorial Concert
2023-11-10 19:30 - 20:30 | Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut, Chicago, 60611, United States
Friday, November 10 | 7:30 p.m.
Fourth Presbyterian Church
The Fourth Church Choral Society is doing a concert on Friday, November 10 at 7:30pm to honor Morgan Simmons. Morgan was Organist and Choirmaster at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago from 1968-1996 and a former dean of the North Shore AGO chapter. This free concert will feature music composed by Morgan for both choir, organ and other instruments. The church is located at the corner of Delaware and Michigan Ave across from the Hancock Building and parking is available in the back of the 900 Michigan Ave building. A reception honoring Morgan will follow the concert.

Organ Concert
2023-11-05 14:00 - 15:00 | St. Mary’s Lutheran Church, 2001 80th St., Kenosha, WI, 53143, United States
Kenosha organist Brian Schoettler presents an hour of organ music in the sanctuary of St. Mary’s Lutheran Church on Sunday, November 5 at 2:00pm. Selections include Bach’s epic “Passacaglia and Fugue,” a transcription of the first movement of Beethoven’s serene “Pastoral Symphony,” and other works by Dupré, Harris, Marchand, Mendelssohn, and Schoettler. The concert is free and open to the public.

Stephen Buzard in concert at Winnetka Congregational
2023-11-03 19:00 - 20:30 | IL
Stephen Buzard will be playing the Pasi at Winnetka Congregational on Friday evening, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. His varied program will feature works by Bach, Byrd, Jongen, Muhly and Alain. This is the inaugural concert in a 3 – year concert series set up by the church to share their wonderful organ and wonderful space. This is a free concert and a reception will follow. Please come.

Evensong
2023-10-29 16:00 - 17:00 | St. Giles Episcopal Church, 3025 Walters Avenue, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States
The Choir of St. Giles will lead Evensong (sung Evening Prayer) on Sunday afternoon, October 29 at 4:00. This service of prayers, scripture lessons, hymns, and canticles is a time of serenity and beauty. Lasting 45 minutes or less, it is perfect solace for a late Sunday afternoon. You are encouraged to come and bring friends and neighbors.
The choir will offer the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis in B-Flat by the Anglo-Irish composer Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924). Psalm 103 will be sung to two different Anglican chants. The Preces and Responses will be a new setting by Käthe Wright Kaufman, a very talented young musician who is making her place in the world. Now based in Atlanta, she was head chorister at St. Luke’s in Evanston, studied organ with me in high school, graduated with two degrees in organ from Eastman, and served as organ scholar at Peterborough and Truro Cathedrals in England. The anthem is “Evening Hymn” by H. Balfour Gardiner (1877-1950), one of the standard cathedral anthems for Evensong. The dark and mysterious middle section is a prelude to Halloween – Banish the dreams that terrify, and night’s fantastic company: keep us from Satan’s tyranny: defend us from unchastity. The organ prelude – Prelude in e-flat minor (Suite, Op. 5) by Maurice Duruflé – and postlude – Toccata (Suite Gothique) by Léon Boëllmann – also evoke the upcoming night of ghouls and goblins.

Holy Name Cathedral Concert Series
2023-10-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Holy Name Cathedral, 730 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
Join us for an extraordinary evening of musical entertainment as we host the artistic talents of Johann Vexo, Choir Organist of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. Born in France, Johann’s musical talents have been influenced by the rich musical and cultural heritage of his upbringing. He is considered by some as one of the greatest French organists of our time. He will be performing on the Flentrop organ for the opening concert of the Holy Name Cathedral Concert Series for 2023-2024, playing the works of Bach, Bruhns, Rheinberger and French Romantic composers.

Webinar: The Weekend Organist: Tips and Tricks for Part-Time Church Musicians
2023-10-23 19:00 - 20:30 | IL
J.W. Arnold, author of “The Weekend Organist” column in The American Organist magazine and the AGO’s communications and marketing specialist, will lead this discussion about music, resources, and other “tricks of the trade” for part-time church musicians. https://www.agohq.org/webinars/

Brass & Organ Concert
2023-10-20 19:30 | First United Methodist Church Evanston, 516 Church Street, Evanston, IL, 60201, United States
On Friday, October 20th, the Music Ministry of First United Methodist Church of Evanston presents a concert of music for brass and organ featuring the Gaudete Brass Quintet and Minister of Music & Organist Dr. Brian Schoettler. The program includes classics by J. S. Bach and Marcel Dupré alongside works by living composers including John Cheetham, Adolphus Hailstork, Jessica Hunt, Carlyle Sharpe, and local composers Ephraim Champion and Brian Schoettler. Founded in 2004, the Gaudete Brass has recorded four albums and presents concerts and educational programs throughout the United States. First Church’s sanctuary is home to a four-manual, Austin organ (Op. 319) which has nearly 5,000 pipes across six divisions making it one of the largest instruments on Chicago’s North Shore. The 7:30pm concert is free and open to the public.

Webinar: Navigating Tomorrow: Young Organists Expectations for AGO Chapters
2023-10-16 19:00 - 20:30 | IL
Monday, October 16, 2023 | 07:00 PM

AGO’s Committee for Young Organists presents a panel discussion addressing young organists expectations for the Guild today. https://www.agohq.org/webinars/

Webinar: Being Yourself in the Face of Public Ministry
2023-10-02 19:00 - 20:30 | IL
Monday, October 2 | 7pm
Speaker: Sarah Bereza
As congregational leaders, we live our professional lives within the spotlight of ministry. While aiming to be the fullest, truest versions of ourselves, we can struggle to do so with integrity given the constraints of our jobs. If you have ever felt like you’re working under a microscope or that you’ve been put on a pedestal you don’t want or deserve, then you are not alone. This workshop considers the foundational aspects of our jobs, including how to evaluate potential employers, and the intersection of personal values with workplace dynamics. https://www.agohq.org/webinars/

Gift of Music
2023-09-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Elliott Chapel, 3131 Simpson Street, Evanston, IL, 60201, United States
Gift of Organ Music in Elliott Chapel
David Schrader will be presenting about 45 minutes recital in Elliott Chapel.

Gift of Organ Music at Elliott Chapel in Evanston.
2023-09-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Elliott Chapel, 3131 Simpson Street, Evanston, IL, 60201, United States
We are hosing “Gift of Music’ at Elliott Chapel, Presbyterian Homes in Evanston.
Our Guest organist is David Schrader.

Phillip Kloeckner Workshop: Techniques for AGO Certification
2023-09-24 15:00 - 17:00 | St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 205 N. Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge, IL, 60068, United States
Save the date for our September event!
Date: Sunday, September 24
Time: 3:00pm
Location: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
205 N. Prospect Ave.
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Details: Phillip Kloeckner of the Chicago International Organ Academy will present a workshop on Techniques for AGO certification. The focus will be split between hymn introduction improvisation and hymn transposition.

Following the workshop we will have a reception in the church’s atrium to welcome new
members to our chapter. Hope to see you all there as we kick off our 2023/2024 season!

Learn more about Phillip: http://www.phillipkloeckner.net/

130th Anniversary Organ Concert with Douglas Cleveland
2023-09-19 19:00 - 21:00 | First Congregational Church – Elgin, 256 E Chicago St, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
When: Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 7:00 p.m.
Where: First Congregational Church, 256 E Chicago St, Elgin
FCC Elgin is celebrating the 130th anniversary of its organ’s installation and dedication. The 3-manual 48-rank organ was first built by Lancashire-Marshall in 1893 and underwent several modifications by other builders in the 1930s, 1950s, 1970s. The most recent rebuild was undertaken by Berghaus in 1997.
Douglas Cleveland will be recreating the dedication concert played by Clarence Eddy on September 19, 1893.
https://www.douglascleveland.com/
$15 General Admission; $10 AGO members

Cathedral Music Series @ Holy Name Cathedral
2023-05-28 19:00 | Holy Name Cathedral, 730 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
David C. Jonies, Organ
Thomas Aláan , Countertenor
Concert to include organ and vocal works including “Five Mystical Songs” by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
This concert is open to all. A free will offering will be collected.
There is validated parking available in the garage across the street from the cathedral.

End of Season Banquet 2023
2023-05-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Coarse Italian at Glenview Golf Club, 800 Shermer Road, Glenview, IL, 60025
Come join your NSAGO colleagues for an evening of cocktails and an elegant buffet style dinner with something for everyone.
Date: Sunday, May 21, 2023
Time: Cocktails @ 5pm, Dinner @ 6pm
Place: Coarse Italian @ Glenview Golf Club800 Shermer Rd., Glenview, IL 60025
Cost: $35 per person + cash bar
RSVP: By May 19 (including payment)
Bring a spouse/significant other or even a colleague who isn’t a member of our chapter (yet)!

RSVP & Pre-pay ONLINE
*Please submit this form individually to RSVP and pay for each guest.

RSVP & Pay AT DOOR

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Choir Concert: Robert Ray's "Gospel Mass"
2023-05-19 19:30 | First United Methodist Church Evanston, 516 Church Street, Evanston, IL, 60201, United States
On Friday, May 19th at 7:30pm the Festival Choir of First United Methodist Church of Evanston presents Robert Ray’s “Gospel Mass” under the direction of Dr. Brian Schoettler, Minister of Music & Organist.
Admission is free, donations are welcome.

Wednesdays at Noon
2023-05-03 12:10 - 12:45 | First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights, IL, 60004, United States
Christopher Urban, organ
John Eckhardt, violin
Music for Violin and Organ

Spring Choral Concert
2023-04-23 16:00 - 17:00 | First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights, IL, 60004, United States
Join Chancel Choir, Men’s Chorus and orchestra for a light and colorful celebration of music. Music from The Sound of Music, Candide, and other classic, American musicals will be offered as featured works. It will be a fun afternoon of music you won’t want to miss!

Wednesdays at Noon
2023-04-05 12:10 - 12:45 | First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights, IL, 60004, United States
Christopher Urban, organ
Music of Holy Week

Lenten Music and Meditaitons
2023-03-30 11:00 - 11:30 | St. David’s Episcopal Church, 2410 Glenview Road, Glenview, IL, 60025, United States
Lenten Organ Recital Series: Lenten Music and Meditations
Richard Spantikow, Organist
St. David’s Episcopal Church
Come enjoy calming half-hour organ recital with meditations on scripture and poetry each Thursday morning at 11am.
Varying musical periods and composers will be featured.
Recitals take place each Thursday during lent from February 23rd through March 30th.

Members Recital, Lenten Favorites
2023-03-26 15:00 - 17:00 | St. David’s Episcopal Church, 2410 Glenview Road, Glenview, IL, 60025, United States
Sunday March 26, 2023 @ 3:00pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church
2410 Glenview Road
Glenview, IL 60025

Lenten Music and Meditations
2023-03-23 11:00 - 11:30, 2023-03-16 11:00 - 11:30 | St. David’s Episcopal Church, 2410 Glenview Road, Glenview, IL, 60025, United States

First Presbyterian Talent Show
2023-03-19 16:00 | First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights, IL, 60004, United States
Come and clap your hands for many of the talented members of First Presbyterian Church and the broader community. There will be four categories of performers: K-5th grade, 6th-12th grade, adults (non-retired), and adults (retired). Contact Adam Hendrickson to sign up adamhendrickson@firstpresah.org.

Historic Organ Recital
2023-03-19 14:00 | First Presbyterian Church of Waunakee, 5763 Co Rd Q, Waunakee, WI, 53597, United States
First Presbyterian will host an organ recital on Sunday,
March 19, 2023 at 2 pm featuring highly regarded organist
Dr. Andrew Schaeffer, Director of Music at the Luther
Memorial Church in Madison, WI. The recital will be
dedicated to the life and service of Pat Ronspiez who
served as organist at FPC for 37 years.
Our historic 1873 Schuelke organ built in Milwaukee, WI and
rebuilt by Wahl Organ Builders of Appleton, WI in 1992.
Dr. Andrew Schaeffer is the Director of Music at Luther
Memorial Church, Madison, Wisconsin. A Chicago native,
Schaeffer holds degrees from St. Olaf College, Yale
University and a doctoral degree from the University of
Oklahoma. Andrew’s responsibilities include playing organ
for Sunday services, directing the children, youth and adult
choirs, various instrumental ensembles and overseeing the
general music ministry of the congregation. He has been at
Luther Memorial Church since 2018. Schaeffer is also
editor-at-large of The Diapason, a nationally published
organ and church music magazine.
There will be a free will offering with 90% going to the
Waunakee High School Music Department for the purchase
of a new grand piano and 10% towards church mission
projects

Organ Day Concert: Dr. Brian Schoettler
2023-03-19 13:00 | First United Methodist Church Evanston, 516 Church Street, Evanston, IL, 60201, United States
Organ concert featuring works by Bach, Baker, Beethoven, Brahms, Harris, Muffat, Schoettler, & Swann.
Admission is free, donations are welcome.
