Following the success of its organ recital in June, the First Congregational Church in Marion, Massachusetts, will present a Mini-Organ Festival on its historic George S. Hutchings organ on two Sundays, November 1 and 15, at 4:00 pm.
Performing on November 1 is Christa Rakich in a program of music by Nicolaus Bruhns, J. S. Bach, and Anna Amalia, Princess of Prussia, in addition to modern works by James Woodman and Ms. Rakich herself. Flutist Wendy Rolfe will be featured as soloist in the Bach and Amalia.
In addition to works by J. S. Bach, Steven Young will perform music of Vincent Lübeck, Henry M. Dunham, William Bolcom, and John Knowles Paine on November 15.
The First Congregational Church in Marion was built in 1841. In 1884, with support from local philanthropist Elizabeth Taber, a new mechanical-action organ by George S. Hutchings was installed. Hutchings was prominent among American organ builders and built organs for the old Boston Music Hall, the Old South Church, and Symphony Hall.
Tickets for the recitals at $10 may be purchased at The Bookstall on Front Street in Marion and at the door. For more information and reservations, call 508-748-2067. The First Congregational Church, located at 28 Main Street at the corner of Front and Main in Marion, is handicapped accessible.
Concert and recording artist Christa Rakich is artist-in-residence at the First Congregational Church in Somers, Connecticut. A prizewinner at international organ competitions, Rakich has received acclaim for her interpretations of the music of J.S. Bach. She concertizes widely throughout the U.S. and will have just returned from Europe, where she played in Alsace, Germany, and Holland. As a Fulbright Scholar, Christa Rakich studied for two years with Anton Heiller at the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna, Austria. She holds degrees from Oberlin College and New England Conservatory and has served on the faculties of Westminster Choir College, Brandeis University, New England Conservatory, and the University of Connecticut. At Harvard, she was Assistant University Organist in Memorial Church.