Greetings!
It's been a little spell, but I have returned from attending this year's Region I / Region II convention that was hosted in Hartford, Ct. This was a remarkable undertaking by the regional AGO chapter and I tip my hat to them for a successful event! Bravo! Keep in mind that this is Austin Organ territory, but there were a few nice surprises along the way, as far as instruments are concerned. While I cannot comment on every aspect of the convention, I will hit some of the highlights that I enjoyed during the week.
After making the drive up Sunday (6/30) and settling in my room for the week, it was off to hear Isabelle Demers. She presented a thrilling recital at St. John's Episcopal Church, West Hartford, CT. Indeed, she is a remarkable talent and presented a varied program for the audience. While this was an Austin, the voicing was very French in nature and glorious to listen to during the evening. I came away with some future ideas for my instrument at my church that we should certainly look into incorporating.
Monday (7/1) we listened to the winners of the Region I and Region II Quimby winners. They presented a solid program, considering that these two events were in the morning--not to be accomplished unless you have not had your morning coffee. Personally, I think the highlight of the remainder of the day was the afternoon recital by Anne Kirk Laver at Immanuel Congregational Church, West Hartford, CT. We will keep an eye on this young lady's career. She played a commanding set of pieces while using the full tonal resources of their Austin Organ.
The two recitals that thrilled me the most were at Trinity College Chapel (7/2), Hartford featuring Christopher Houlihan on their new Austin console and Todd Wilson (7/3) at Asylum Hill Congregational Church on their well maintained Aeolian-Skinner (surprise-not every organ in CT happens to be an Austin). Nathan Laube closed out the convention with his recital at Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford with an impressive host of fantasy works from the Baroque to 20th century for organ.
I know this is not even touch on all of the well-designed workshops. What I have mentioned is just the tip of the iceberg. Regionals are a great time to recharge, share ideas, meet and reconnect with colleagues, hear powerful new commissioned compositions, and enjoy the favorite places to eat that the city offers. I will certainly be attending the 2015 regional that will be hosted in New Haven, CT.
There will be a site devoted to candid shots during the convention. When that link is available, I'll share it with you. Enjoy the summer and here's to great music.
