Pipe Organ Rededication Events Commence in May

Historic First Congregational Church of Saginaw, Michigan, announces the first events of its symphonic organ rededication season.  It commences in May 2014 with a performance by recitalist Fred Swann on Friday, May 9, 7:00 p.m., and a service of dedication including the congregation’s Chancel Choir and the ensemble Exultate Deo on Sunday, May 18, 4:00 p.m.

Several distinguished organists including Dr. Steven Egler, Artist in Residence at First Congregational Church and Professor of Organ at Central Michigan University, will perform recitals during the inaugural season that will be announced in coming months.  New compositions by Dr. Page Long, Robert Powell, Philip Rice, Bernard Wayne Sanders, and others are among musical premieres.  Each special event is open to the public. 

One of the Midwest’s largest organ revitalization projects, the $500,000 effort concerning Skinner Opus 751 solidifies the congregation’s cultural commitment to the Cathedral District, Saginaw, and the Great Lakes Bay Region.  Scott Smith Pipe Organs of Lansing, Michigan, has supervised the project, their Opus 3 (4 manuals, 48 ranks), that includes artisans, craftsmen, and subcontractors from throughout the country.