MUSIC SERIES ARCHIVE PAGE

Here you will find descriptions of concerts presented by the Saint Mark's Music Series in previous seasons.


2022–23 MUSIC SERIES

THE COMPLETE ORGAN WORKS OF CÉSAR FRANCK

ADAM PAJAN & JOSEPH ARNDT, ORGANISTS

PART 1: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 7:30 P.M.
PART 2: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 7:30 P.M.

WORKSHOPS: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 9 A.M.–12 P.M.

presented in conjunction with the Seattle Chapter of the American Guild of Organists

View the program here.

In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of César Franck (1822–1890), organists Adam Pajan and Joseph Arndt will offer his complete works for organ over the course of two consecutive evenings. Rich in soaring melodies and soul-satisfying harmonies, Franck’s organ works are as important in the history and development of organ literature as those by Bach and Messiaen. Adam Pajan and Joseph Arndt are two of the world’s leading young organists. In addition to Seattle, their “Franck Bicentennial Tour” will take them to Houston, Dallas, New York City, Denver, and Tulsa.

On Saturday, October 22, from 9 a.m. to noon, Pajan and Arndt will offer two workshops (with a coffee & pastry break in between). The first workshop, on “Franck’s Life and Times,” is offered 9 to 10:15 a.m. The second workshop, which runs from 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m., will address adapting Franck’s published choices of organ stops (intended for 19th-century French organs) to organs in 20th-century American churches. All are welcome. One ticket gives you admission to both concerts and the workshops.

JAMES FALZONE'S SIGHS TOO DEEP FOR WORDS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2023, 7:30 P.M.

View the program here.

Join acclaimed clarinetist, penny whistle player, composer and improvisor (and Saint Mark’s parishioner) James Falzone for a night of original music composed specifically for the distinct acoustical environment of Saint Mark’s Cathedral. Joining James will be vocalist and sound artist Johnaye Kendrick; pianist, vocalist, and sound artist Kaley Lane Eaton; and Palestinian/American oud player and vocalist Ronnie Malley.

BIBER'S MYSTERY SONATAS IN THOMSEN CHAPEL

TEKLA CUNNINGHAM, BAROQUE VIOLIN

SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2023, 7:30 P.M.
& SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2023, 2:30 P.M.
(two identical performances)

View the program here.

The Mystery Sonatas (also known as Rosary Sonatas) by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644–1704) are incredibly virtuosic meditations for violin on Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. They comprise three sets: The “Joyful,” “Sorrowful,” and “Glorious” Mysteries. Baroque violinist Tekla Cunningham will perform the whole cycle in various area venues this season, offering Set Two—the intensely expressive “Sorrowful Mysteries”—in the intimacy of Saint Mark’s Thomsen Chapel during the season of Lent. Joining her are Henry Lebedinsky on organ and harpsichord, and David Morris on viola da gamba and lirone.

All-Bach on the Flentrop Organ

NATHAN LAUBE, ORGAN

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2023, 7:30 P.M.

View the program here.

Nathan Laube is a leading performer and pedagogue who is beloved around the world. He is Associate Professor of Organ at the Eastman School of Music, as well as International Consultant in Organ Studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in the United Kingdom. Known for his brilliant playing, gracious demeanor, and creative programming, Mr. Laube has earned high praise from critics and peers alike. Saint Mark’s is delighted to welcome him for 2023’s annual all-Bach concert on the Flentrop.


2021–22 MUSIC SERIES

Tapestry presents "Starry Night"

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021, 4:30 P.M.

View the program here.

Tapestry, a Boston-based ensemble of women’s voices, programs a unique blend of medieval traditions and contemporary idioms. Starry Night –  a program that resonates deeply in the season of advent - weaves together meditations on the star-lit sky and human longing into a rich tapestry of poetry and music.  Originally commissioned by the Da Camera Society in Los Angeles and performed at the Wilson Observatory, the program will ring beautifully in Saint Mark’s ‘holy box’ high atop Capitol Hill. Local clarinetist and frequent collaborator James Falzone joins Tapestry as a guest artist for this performance.

Learn more about Tapestry here.

Flentrop Organ Concert

MICHAEL KLEINSCHMIDT AND JOHN STUNTEBECK, ORGANISTS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022, 7:30 P.M.

View the program here.

Cathedral organists, John Stuntebeck and Michael Kleinschmidt, will share the playing in this program of organ compositions inspired by two great songs of praise: the Magnificat (the Song of Mary) and the Te Deum laudamus (“We praise you, O God.”) The program will include works by Dieterich Buxtehude, Nicolas de Grigny, Rachel Laurin, David Hurd, and the world premiere of a newly commissioned work by Oklahoma-based composer, Rebecca Groom Te Velde.

Organ Plus in Thomsen Chapel

UNA HWANG, ORGAN; SVEND RØNNING, VIOLIN

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2022, 4:30 P.M.

View the concert program here

February’s “Organ Plus” invites strings to accompany the Fritts Organ in Thomsen Chapel for an intimate performance. Local Pacific Northwestern musicians Una Hwang, organ, and Svend Rønning, violin, play a continental mix of Italian, French, and German music – a Vitali chaconne for violin, “Mélodie” from Gluck’s Orfeo, Bruhns’ Preludium in e minor, and chorale preludes for organ by J.S. Bach and French organist Jeanne Demessieux. The program will begin with “Winter” from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

Northwest Art Song, "Heaven and Earth"

FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2022, 7:30 P.M.

View the concert program here.

Northwest Art Song presents a program of music by Arwen Myers, soprano, and Susan McDaniel, piano, on secular themes by Herbert Howells & Ralph Vaughan Williams, both giants in the Anglican church music repertoire, and music on sacred themes by the secular composers Louis Vierne, Florence Price, Harriet Cohen, and Leonard Bernstein—culminating in Samuel Barber's transcendent Hermit Songs. Complete program is below. Pandemic-related circumstances necessitated the change from the originally planned program—music by Pacific NW composers Emerson Eads and William White, among others—to this new program. Saint Mark’s Music Series hopes to offer the formerly planned program in a future season.

All-Bach on the Flentrop Organ

ALEXANDER WEIMANN, ORGANIST

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022, 7:30 P.M.

View the concert program here

co-sponsored by Early Music Seattle and the Seattle Chapter of the American Guild of Organists

Alexander Weimann, Music Director of the Seattle Baroque Orchestra, will finally journey from his home in Canada to play the mighty Flentrop organ in a much-awaited performance delayed twice by the pandemic. The German-born musician will perform much-beloved works from the vast repertoire of Bach’s compositions for organ, and will also offer brief improvisations much like Bach himself.

National Lutheran Choir and Orchestra,
“The Earth Sings Beauty” 

EARTH DAY, FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022, 7:30 P.M.

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022, 2 P.M. PST

The National Lutheran Choir's performances in Seattle and Tacoma of "The Earth Sings Beauty," scheduled for April of 2022, have been canceled. Instead, the program featuring the world premiere of Lament of the Earth by composer Steven Heitzeg and poet Susan Palo Cherwien will be live-streamed on Sunday May 1, at 4:00 p.m. central time at www.nlca.com.
Organizers in Washington and Minnesota expressed regret that ongoing waves of Covid activity have prevented the development of a strong foundation for a successful tour. Although the public health environment may be greatly improved by spring, the decision was made to put the safety of audiences and performers first given the severity of today's conditions and uncertainty about the future.

The National Lutheran Choir celebrates spring in the Pacific Northwest with “The Earth Sings Beauty,” their season’s culminating concert. Anchoring the program is the world premiere of Lament of the Earth, their commissioned work by Emmy Award-winning composer Steve Heitzeg and celebrated poet Susan Palo Cherwien. The multi-movement Lament is rooted in the premise that people of many different faiths share a common reverence for creation. Cherwien drew inspiration for the work’s texts from Christian, Jewish, and Native American sources, and Heitzeg designed the music with multi-generational impact in mind, including not just adult vocalists and instrumentalists, but children’s choirs as well. “The Earth Sings Beauty” will also include other renowned choral works such as Ērik Ešenvalds’ “Stars” and Eric Whitacre’s “i thank you God for most this amazing day,” transforming this world premiere event into a remarkable celebration of the earth. For more information, visit the National Lutheran Choir's website.


2020–21 MUSIC SERIES

Concert on the Flentrop: Michael Kleinschmidt, organist

Friday, October 23, 2020

Charles-Marie Widor, best known for the famous Toccata from his Fifth Symphony for organ, composed ten symphonies for solo organ. Michael Kleinschmidt will perform the last of these, Widor’s Symphonie Romane. Michael will offer a brief talk to orient the listener in the cultural context of 1899 Paris, the time and place in which Widor composed Symphonie Romane. Members of The Compline Choir will chant the Gregorian themes on which the symphony is based. Watch a video of the complete recital here.

Native American Flute Songs: Gary Stroutsos, World Flute Artist

Friday, November 20, 2020

Gary Stroutsos’ live performances have captivated audiences around the world. His meditative flute music evokes the lands and cultures that he has studied over the course of his 36-year career. Gary’s mission is to carry the music forward to future generations and to promote stewardship of diverse cultures and the natural environment. The sound of Native American flutes played by Gary in the acoustical environment of Saint Mark’s Cathedral is breathtaking. This concert is offered with special appreciation for Native American Heritage Month. Watch a video of the complete concert here.

Fritts Organ Concert: John Stuntebeck, organist

Friday, January 29, 2021

Here is a rare opportunity to hear a richly diverse collection of pieces played on the organ built for Thomsen Chapel in 2013 by Paul Fritts, a world-renowned organ builder based in Tacoma. As principal organist of the Sunday 8 a.m. worship service in the chapel, John Stuntebeck expertly highlights all the beauty of this marvelous instrument. His program will include works of three living North American composers: Rebecca Groom Te Velde, Calvin Fuller, and Denis Bédard; and works of Percy Whitlock, J. S. Bach, and W. A. Mozart. Watch a video of the complete concert here.

 

Concert à 3: Jillon Dupree, harpsichord; Rebekah Gilmore, soprano; Page Smith, cello

Friday, March 5, 2021

Three towering talents in the Puget Sound Region – who also happen to be members of the Cathedral Choir – join forces to offer a varied program of music for voice with bowed and plucked strings. Composers featured include Hildegard, Picchi, Purcell, Peri, Gabrielli, Monteverdi, Fux, and Bach. Watch a video of the complete concert here.

Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time

Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021

Olivier Messiaen composed his sublime Quatour pour la fin du Temps in 1941 while captive in a Nazi prisoner of war camp. Considered to be one of the masterpieces of the 20th century, it is a deeply spiritual work contemplating the power of faith, hope and love to transcend time itself. Rose Bellini, cello; Luke Fitzpatrick, violin; Jesse Myers, piano; Rachel Yoder, clarinet. Watch a video of the complete concert here.

All-Bach on the Flentrop Organ: Hannah Byun, Wyatt Smith, and Susanna Valleau, organists

Friday, May 14, 2020

This year, three of Seattle’s finest young organists will take turns performing in this annual concert of appreciation for Capellmeister Bach. For the final concert of the 2020-21 Music Series -- and the second All-Bach Concert of the pandemic -- join Hannah, Wyatt, Susanna, and Johann Sebastian for a livestreamed concert of organ favorites from the mighty Flentrop organ of Saint Mark’s Cathedral. Watch a video of the complete concert here.

Presented in collaboration with the Seattle Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.


2019–20 MUSIC SERIES

Concert on the Flentrop: Christopher Houlihan, organist

Friday, October 18, 2019

Christopher Houlihan is widely acknowledged as one of the brightest stars in the new generation of organists, praised by the media as gifted (New York Times), dazzling (Wall Street Journal), and eloquent (Los Angeles Times). The first program on the 2019-20 Music Series includes Buxtehude's Praeludium in G minor, Schumann's Four Sketches, and selections from various Vierne symphonies.

Organ Plus: Zach Hemenway, organist; Danielle Sampson, soprano

Featuring the Fritts Organ in Thomsen Chapel

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Zach Hemenway is currently Director of Music of Epiphany Parish, Seattle; Danielle Sampson is an avid performer of Baroque music. Together these Seattle locals will perform a program of music by composers Hildegard von Bingen, Buxtehude, Rameau, Bach, and more.

Messiaen's La Nativité: Joseph Adam, Organist

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Here is a rare opportunity to hear this truly profound Christmas music! In 2018, Saint Mark’s presented Messiaen’s Christmas cycle for piano, Vingt Regards sur l’enfant Jesus. This year we present his Christmas cycle for organ, La Nativité du Seigneur. Joseph Adam is Director of Music and Organist of Saint James Cathedral, Seattle, and Resident Organist of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.

The Play Of Daniel: The Boston Camerata and the Saint Mark's Choir School

Saturday, January 18, 2020

The fiery prophecies of Daniel, young captive in corrupt Babylon, ring forth in this stunning production by Anne Azéma. Brought to you by a collaboration among Early Music Seattle, The Boston Camerata, and Saint Mark’s Cathedral, the greatest musical play from the French Middle Ages dramatically tells a story of justice and of truth spoken to power. The Boston Camerata is joined by the Saint Mark’s Choir School, directed by Rebekah Gilmore.

Vehicles for Variation: Beloved Chaconnes for String and Organ

Friday, February 21, 2020

Everyone loves a Chaconne! A Chaconne is a type of musical composition used as a vehicle for variation on a repeated short harmonic progression. Its appeal lies in the tension between hypnotic repetition and ever-evolving variation. This program will include a Chaconne for organ by Buxtehude, for string quartet by Britten, for violin and organ by Vitali, and J. S. Bach’s famous Chaconne in D minor for solo violin. Jennifer Caine Provine, violin; Emilie Choi, violin; Alex Grimes, viola; Page Smith, cello; and Michael Kleinschmidt, organ.

CANCELLED: Tchaikovsky’s Divine Liturgy: Cappella Roman with The Pacific Youth Choir

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Tchaikovsky’s singular artistic voice in his Liturgy broke open the floodgates of creativity in Russian Orthodox choral music, including music for young singers. Grand and majestic sections of the Divine Liturgy beautifully contrast with its intimate moments of devotion and awe. Cappella Romana is joined by over 100 singers from Pacific Youth Choir, basso profundo Glenn Miller, and guest conductor Benedict Sheehan.

This event was cancelled due to COVID-19. 

POSTPONED: Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Monthly Choral Evensong at Saint Mark’s will be extended to include Olivier Messiaen’s sublime Quatuor pour la fin du Temps. Composed in 1941 while captive in a Nazi prisoner of war camp, it considered to be one of the great masterpieces of the 20th century and a deeply spiritual work contemplating faith, time, and love. Luke Fitzpatrick, violin; Rose Bellini, cello; James Falzone, clarinet; Jesse Myers, piano.

This concert was postponed due to COVID-19, and will take place instead on March 28, 2021.

CANCELLED: The Cathedral Trio

Formed in 2007, this trio of Resident Artists performs a perfect balance of beloved traditional idioms and engaging new music. The program will feature Japanese Songs, by Ian Krouse; 16th Century Italian Lute Pieces, by Ferenc Molinaro; and Trios by Leo Smit and Seymour Barab, among others. Naomi Kato, harp; Brian Fairbanks, flute; and Joyce Ramee, viola.

This event was cancelled due to COVID-19. 

POSTPONED: Alex Weimann, All-Bach on the Flentrop Organ

Friday, May 8, 2020

Alexander Weimann, Music Director of the Seattle Baroque Orchestra, is also a renowned organist. Weimann will select from the great canon of Bach’s famous works and will also play improvisations in the style of the master composer.

This event was postponed due to COVID-19, and will take place May 14, 2021.

This event was postponed again in 2021, and was finally offering on May 22, 2022

LIVESTREAM: All-Bach On The Flentrop, Michael Kleinschmidt, organist

Friday, May 8, 2020

Right now Bach is as essential as ever, and we are excited to be able to bring Bach to your homes through livestreaming. Michael Kleinschmidt, Canon for Cathedral Music, will offer a 70-minute program featuring three of Bach’s famous Toccatas and Fugues, and Bach’s monumental Passacaglia. In addition, Canon Kleinschmidt will offer brief commentary from the organ console about the music and the Flentrop organ itself.

This concert was livestreamed and is archived here.

 


2018–19 MUSIC SERIES

Concert on the Flentrop Organ: Szilárd Kovács, organist

Friday, October 12, 2018

This Hungarian organist will make his Seattle debut at Saint Mark’s, improvising on submitted themes and performing a variety of beloved from the organ literature. Ranging from Bach and Schubert to Liszt and Franck, the program will begin and conclude with original compositions by Szilárd himself.

They Are At Rest: Cappella Romana, A Remembrance of the 1918 Armistice

Friday, November 12, 2018

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, this professional Portland-based choir will sing of Elgar, Parry, Holst, Gurney, and Stanford. English conductor Guy Protheroe returns to direct Cappella Romana in this concert of profound sacred works by British composers.

Messiaen’s Twenty Visions of the Infant Jesus: Reinis Zariņš, pianist.

December 8, 2018

This is truly profound Christmas music! Here is a rare opportunity to hear Olivier Messiaen’s penetrating Christmas cycle, Vingt Regards sur l’enfant Jesus, in a complete performance by candlelight in a sacred space by a dazzling pianist who has made this 20th-century masterpiece a specialty in his repertoire.

Reflections from the artist:

“I have been performing Messiaen’s Twenty Gazes on newborn Jesus for several seasons now, but I must admit that the one performance in Seattle St Mark’s Cathedral in December (two days before Messiaen’s 110th birthday) was the most special. The acoustics of such a magnificent space, the darkened candlelit atmosphere, the extremely attentive audience — it was a dream come true. All the more joy, then, to hear that this had been a dream of many years, now come true also for the cathedral’s music director!” – Reinis Zariņš

Concert on the Flentrop Organ: Paul Jacobs, organist

Friday, January 25, 2019

Hailed as “one of the major musicians of our time” (The New Yorker) and a leading concert organist, Paul Jacobs is also Professor of Organ at The Juilliard School in New York, NY. Performing for the first time on the Flentrop organ, Paul will feature Bach, Mozart, Liszt, Ives, and Weaver on a varied program celebrating classical and modernist works.

 

The Boston Brass

Friday, March 1st, 2019

Through their unique blend of classical arrangements and jazz standards, Boston Brass delights audiences of all ages. Michael Kleinschmidt, organist, will accompany. This promises to be a lively evening!

Reflections from an audience member:

“We loved the Boston Brass concert! It was truly wonderful – what a rich variety of sounds and styles! Amazing. And the organ solos and pieces with the brass instruments, were wonderful and amazing. My partner was smiling every time I glanced at her. I was thinking, “This is one of the very best concerts we’ve ever heard.” Wow.”

 

The Cathedral Trio

Friday, March 15, 2019

Naomi Kato, harp; Brian Fairbanks, flute; and Joyce Ramee, viola. This trio of world class musicians was formed in 2007 and have been Resident Artists on Saint Mark’s Music Series ever since. Their programs strike a perfect balance of beloved traditional idioms and engaging new music. This evening they will present the world premiere of local Seattle composer Dell Wade’s “Little Songs,” as well as other works by Dussek, Piston, Devienne, and Jan Bach.

 

All-Bach on the Flentrop Organ: Edoardo Bellotti, organist

Friday, May 3, 2019

An organist renowned for his insightful and energetic performances of baroque music, Edoardo Bellotti will perform a program of all Bach.