Music and Fine Arts Lenten Programs

Tuesday Noon Recitals in the Chapel

This Lent, following on the heels of last year’s successful Tuesday noon recital series, we will again offer weekly 30-minute organ recitals on the Chapel’s magnificent Petty Madden Organ. This organ, constructed in 1995, was fully refurbished last year and is one of the loveliest chapel pipe organs in America.

In contrast to the fiery Rieger organ in the Sanctuary, the Chapel organ is filled with quiet, lyrical sounds –beautiful flutes, clarinets, lush strings, gentle trumpets and oboes – yet manages to pack a punch with its replica of a famous high-pressure tuba stop built by Henry Willis in 1891 for the Blenheim Palace, UK organ.

We are pleased to welcome Parker Kitterman, Tyrone Whiting, and Curtis Institute students Isabella Isza Wu and Emily Dawn Amos, along with our own Edward Landin Senn and Jeffrey Brillhart to the bench.

Concerts with a Cause

On Sunday, March 12 at 2:00 p.m., world renowned organist Olivier Latry will return to BMPC for his fifth appearance since his appointment in 1985 as one of three “titular organists” at Notre Dame Cathedral. At the time of Latry’s appointment at age 23, he became one of the youngest organists in Notre Dame’s nearly 900-yearold history. Serving as lead consultant for the building of our Rieger organ, Latry’s brilliant insights and keen ears helped to make our organ one of the finest in the world.

Latry will play a stellar program of Wagner, Vierne, Dupré and Widor. Of special interest to the listener, he also will improvise on submitted themes. An offering to benefit the rebuilding of Notre Dame Cathedral will be received at this concert.

Good Friday Evening Service

BMPC’s Good Friday evening service is a tradition that dates back to 1989, when the Bryn Mawr Chamber Singers was formed. This small ensemble, drawn from members of the Sanctuary Choir and community, has performed in numerous Good Friday services, Services of Evensong, and has been honored by the American Choral Director’s Association for its excellence.

This Good Friday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary, the choir will present Anthony Mosakowski’s setting of the St. John Passion entitled The Passion for Good Friday. Mosakowski, a native Philadelphian, has composed in a wide variety of formats, but is especially interested in electroacoustic and choral music.

His choral music includes a setting of the Old English poem The Seafarer, a Latin mass for choir and Javanese gamelan, and the passion setting. This will be a deeply moving service, filled with rich liturgy, prayers, and congregational singing.

Celebrating 40 Years

On Sunday, January 8 we celebrated Jeffrey Brillhart’s 40th anniversary of serving BMPC as our Director of Music and Fine Arts. Jeff was hired by then senior pastor, the Rev. Dr. David Watermulder, and began here in January 1983. Over the years he has directed the Hosanna and Alleluia Choirs, the Youth Chorale, and the Sanctuary Choir; all the while serving as organist and orchestrating events, worship services, and global choir trips.

We honored his years of faithful service in worship that morning with a special litany of thanks. That was followed by a luncheon held in his honor in Congregational Hall, featuring previous staff singers, an organ fellow, and special music and reflections. An exhibit in the Atrium featured photos and clippings from concerts, choir trips, and special services during Jeff’s tenure. With deep gratitude and appreciation, we say,