Swedesburg Lutheran Church dedicated the renovation of its 1928 organ in June of 2023 with a worship service and recital. Since then, there have been 4 other Orgelmusik Concerts with the sixth and final one for the 2023-24 season coming up on April 7 at Swedesburg. The artist of the day will be Gregory Hand, professor of organ at the University of Iowa. He holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan. Dr. Hand has given recitals and masterclasses in Scotland, France, Spain, Germany, Brazil as well as in the USA. He has served on the jury of national and international competitions, has published extensively along with producing acclaimed CD’s. Critics described his debut CD as “stunning”(American Record Guide) and with “brilliance of technique”(allmusic.com). He is also very active as a harpsichordist and continuo player.
Dr. Hand will feature works by JS Bach, Maurice Duruflé, Johanna Senfter, Arvo Pärt and others. The concert is free and open to the public. There will be a free will offering for the church’s organ fund. The concert can be viewed online at www.facebook.com/SwedesburgLutheran.com
Swedesburg Church expresses its gratitude to the church’s music director and organist, Christopher Arp, for his scheduling of all the superb talent which has performed this past year. Swedesburg Church also expresses its thanks to the community for supporting the concerts. There have been some very inspirational comments about the talent on display—at the right price and a short drive away. The 2024-2025 series will begin this coming September.