03 October 2009

A Painful Vacancy

St. Paul's organist position went vacant in late April, I believe. It's now October, a half year later. We'd have never gotten through without the kindness of so many people filling in here - each talented and blessed in their own way (as also was our former organist). But with different musicians sitting at the bench all the time, a unique challenge is injected into the congregation's worship: it is very, very difficult for a congregation never to know HOW a canticle or hymn is going to be introduced. We can't keep track of the way the various organists and pianists do it. We have but three weeks to go before our new and permanent organist takes the bench on Reformation Sunday. I am so looking forward to stability again, and I am more excited than words can say about what Mr. Carlo van Ulft will bring to the parish - weekly treats from Buxtehude, Bach, and so many more. I am so eager for the parish to hear what our organ can sound like when it is played by a master - and that is not too strong a word - a master of music. In addition to being an outstanding organist, Mr. van Ulft is also the carollinist for Centralia Carillon - the pic is of Mr. van Ulft in front of that instrument. Welcome to St. Paul's, Carlo!!! We are delighted to have you on board.

2 comments:

Rev. David M. Juhl said...

I have heard Carlo's work in Centralia from my days down south. He is a master of music and will enrich your parish with musical joy.

Rev. Charles Lehmann said...

I'm glad that God is providing Saint Paul's with such a wonderful musician, but it renews for me the pain of Marianne's absence.