AGO Hawaii Picture Blog

Christopher Houlihan, Concert Organist

2010-06-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

Called "one of the brightest stars in the new generation of American organists," Christopher Houlihan gave a stunning recital on Friday, June 11th at Central Union Church. The recital marked the Fifth Annual Organ Concert sponsored by the Hawaii Chapter American Guild of Organists.

Christopher's virtuosic program was:

Toccata (Leo Sowerby)

Trio Sonata in C Major, BWV 539 (J. S. Bach)

Fantasia and Fugue in G minor, BWV 542 (J. S. Bach)

Allegro from Symphony VI (Charles-Marie Widor)

Vocalise à la Habañera (Maurice Ravel, arr. Houlihan)

Romance and FInal from Symphony IV (Louis Vierne)

Signing autographs . . .

Christopher is surrounded by members of the Hawaii AGO Executive Board.

Christopher with Miki Yamamoto

There was even a canine listener in the audience!

Annual Dinner Meeting, May 31, 2010

2010-06-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

The Hawaii Chapter AGO's annual dinner meeting was held on May 31st at Assaggio Bistro Kahala, where over 30 members dined on traditional Italian cooking. At this meeting we are presented with the coming year's budget and elect new officers. The incoming Executive Board members are: Karl Bachman, dean; Paul Lillie, sub-dean; Ina Young, secretary and Samuel Lam, treasurer. Other Board members include Elizabeth Wong, scholarship chair and Katherine Crosier, newsletter/publicity/webmaster. Members at large are Margaret Lloyd and Young Pak.

Outgoing Dean Margaret Lloyd greets the new Dean, Karl Bachman.

(L-R) Incoming Secretary Ina Young, Esther Yuan, Tom Poole, and Treasurer Sam Lam.

(L-R) Marie Wang, Connie Uejio, Kathy Hallman and Nyle Hallman.

Some of the youngest members of the Hawaii Chapter:

(L-R) Christopher, Joey and Jordan, shown with Holly Lindsay.

(L-R) Bud Klein, Joseph Kotowski, Elizabeth Wong and Anita Webber.

A waitress brings another plate of food to

(L-R) John Renke, Yuri McCoy, John McCreary and Rob Lloyd.

Beebe Freitas and Karl Bachman shown above enjoy stimulating conversation.

(L-R) Betsy McCreary, Gloria Faltstrom and Young Pak.

Karen Leatherman and Donald Matsumori.

Young Organists Concert, April 24, 2010

2010-05-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

Twelve students of Katherine Crosier played a concert on Saturday, April 24th, at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. This was the Fourth Annual Young Organists Concert and thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance. Donations were received to benefit the Donald "Don" L. Conover Scholarship Fund.

The program was as follows:

Joshua Rosales, "Toccata in F" (Dietrich Buxtehude)

Colette Jones, "Caves" (Robert Powell) and "Neno, neno (Kenyan Folk Song)

Noa Williams, "Arroz con leche" (Hispanic Folk Song)

Lillie Jones, "When we are living" (Wayne Leupold) and "Processional in G" (John Barr)

Theresa Madrigal, "Song for the Oboe" (Alfred V. Fedak),

"How Firm a Foundation" (Early American hymn)

Nathalie Jones, "Elegie" (Martha Sobaje) and "Pedal Dynamico" (Janet Correll)

Daniel Yuen-Schat, "Communion on 'Humbly We Adore Thee'" (John G. Barr) and

"All'Offertorio" (Domenico Zipoli)

Naomi Yuen-Schat, "Steal away to Jesus" (Larry Visser)

Christopher Lindsay, "Prelude and Fugue in C Major" (J. S. Bach?)

Jordan McCreary, "Fanfare for Organ" (Richard Proulx)

Joshua Yuen-Schat, "My soul magnifies the Lord" and

"Earth and all stars" (Michael Burkhardt)

Joey Fala, "Prelude in G Major" (J. S. Bach)

Joey Fala and Katherine Crosier. This is Joey's last Young Organist Concert

as he will be leaving for college at the end of the summer.

Bach, Britten and Butler

2010-01-20T08:48:00.001-08:00

J. Melvin Butler, Canon Musician of St. Mark's Cathedral, Seattle, was the featured guest recitalist at a concert held at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. His program included: Prelude and Fugue in D major (J. S. Bach), Concerto del Sign. Torelli (J. G. Walther), In quiet joy (Mark Winges), Hymnus on Veni Creator (deGrigny), Missa Brevis (Britten) and Final from Symphony I (Vierne).

Mel Butler was joined by the trebles of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu in Britten's haunting "Missa Brevis," conducted by AGO member Carl Crosier.

J. Melvin Butler has taught organ improvisation and church music at the University of Washington. Also a professional violist, he performs regularly with the Onyx Chamber Players in Seattle. Prior to arriving in Seattle in 1991, he was for many years Organist/Choirmaster of the Downtown Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY. During that time he was also Associate Professor of Church Music at the Eastman School of Music, a violist with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and Music Director and Conductor of the Rochester Bach Festival Chorus. During the Vietnam era, he served his country as violist in the U. S. Navy String Quartet.

Clergy Appreciation Dinner

2010-01-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

We met on November 16, 2009 for our annual Clergy Appreciation Dinner, held at Central Union Church. We were treated to a delightful concert by the Honolulu Boy Choir, followed by a catered lasagne and salad dinner. The dinner is an opportunity to say "thank you" between clergy and their organists/choirmasters.

Pipe Organ Encounter -- Positively Outstanding Experience!

2009-10-03T17:29:00.001-07:00

Friday, September 25th was the opening Hawaii AGO meeting of the 2009-2010 season. It was held at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu, home of a 2-manual Rudolf von Beckerath organ.

The evening began with a time-honored AGO tradition, the potluck supper! We enjoyed fried chicken, meatballs, noodles, sushi, tossed green salad, potato salad, fresh fruit and cookies for dessert.

Then we went into the church where Joey Fala and Jordan McCreary, our POE students, showed slides and videos and talked about their experience in San Diego at Pipe Organ Encounter. By all accounts, it was a fabulous week, filled with music, exploring many types of pipe organs, friendship and fun.
Joey and Jordan each performed one piece on the organ that they had worked on during POE week. Joey played "Recessional" by William Mathias and Jordan played "Poco vivace, op. 9" by Hermann Schroeder. It was a most enjoyable evening for all in attendance.

Hawaii Students at Pipe Organ Encounter

2009-09-10T18:33:00.001-07:00

During the week of August 2-8, two Hawaii students, Joey Fala and Jordan McCreary, attended the Pipe Organ Encounter hosted by the San Diego Chapter.

This letter was written to The American Organist magazine, which sums up Joey and Jordan's experience:

I am writing with immense gratitude for the opportunity to attend the Pipe Organ Encounters over the past years. As an aspiring young organist, these weeks have been a source of vigor, camaraderie, and incredible inspiration.

In a sometimes solitary pursuit, the POE draws together organists of varying backgrounds, and ages to share mutual interests and savor one another's talents. My lessons with distinguished instructors have immeasurably guided my techniques and interpretation. My peers have challenged me to greater devotion to our instrument and its divine repertoire. And I am forever thankful for the lasting friendships built from these times together. (Albert W. Tomasso, Farmington, CT)

The week includes group and private lessons, concerts by prominent organists, field trips to a number of different types of organ installations, and lots of fun meeting kids the same age with the same interests.

This group picture was taken on the last day, a concert by the POE students.

There was a field trip to the Blackinton organ factory.

POE students were treated to a theatre organ concert at the Balboa Theatre.

"Open Console" opportunities gave POE students a chance to try out different organs.

They even got a chance to see and hear a pedal harpsichord.

Midsummer Night's Organ Concert, July 19, 2009

2009-09-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

(L-R) Margaret Lloyd, John McCreary, Joey Fala, Katherine Crosier, Jordan McCreary,

Yuri McCoy, Nyle Hallman and Gregory Bietz) Click the photo to enlarge it.

For twenty summers, there has been a Midsummer Night's Organ Concert at Central Union Church. The tradition was begun by organist Nyle Hallman and has been continued by her successor, Margaret Lloyd. This year's concert featured nine organists:

Central Union Church

JOEY FALA: Processional for Organ (William Mathias)

MARGARET LLOYD: Andante for Organ in B major (Albert Alain)

NYLE HALLMAN: Chorale in A minor (César Franck)

St. Andrew's Cathedral

JOHN McCREARY: Legend of the Mountain (Sigfrid Karg-Elert)

JOHN RENKE: Organ Fantasy on ‘O Paradise’ (Malcolm Williamson)

YURI McCOY: Suite, op. 5: Toccata (Maurice Duruflé)

Lutheran Church of Honolulu

JORDAN McCREARY: Lost in the Night / Alleluia! Let Praises Ring (Michael Burkhardt)

KATHERINE CROSIER: Toccata in D minor (Max Reger)

Grace Episcopal, St. Helena, CA

GREGORY BIETZ: L’Ascension: Outbursts of joy (Olivier Messiaen)

This concert is the annual fundraiser for the Hawaii Chapter’s scholarship programs. Although the crowd was a little smaller this year, the offering was very generous and will allow us to fund our scholarship program for another year. Traditionally the scholarship winners are also announced for the coming year.

The scholarship winners for 2009-2010 are:

Christy Cho

Abednigo Guevarra

Amy Johnson

Karen Leatherman

Michelle Manuel

Stephen Peters (Aloha Music Scholar)

Joshua Rosales

Megumi Taketa

Miki Yamamoto

Naomi Yuen-Schat

Aaron David Miller in concert, June 12, 2009

2009-06-13T19:33:00.001-07:00

Aaron David Miller, director of music and organist of House of Hope Presbyterian Church, St. Paul, MN was the featured recitalist at the Hawaii Chapter's Fourth Annual Organ Concert, held on June 12, 2009 at St. Andrew's Cathedral, Honolulu. The program was:

Fantasie, op. 43 (William Crawford)

Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor (Johann Sebastian Bach)

Papillons (Jacques Ibert)

Sonatina, Op. 136b (Felix Mendelssohn)

Carillon (Dom Paul Benoit)

interval

Hymn: Praise to the Lord, the almighty (Lobe den Herren)

Improvisation (Aaron David Miller)

I. Capriccio

II. Andante

III. Scherzo

IV. Finale

Ruth Pfeiffer congratulates Aaron on his stunning recital.

Aaron meets a young admirer and his mother.

Aaron (second from right) is shown with the Hawaii Chapter AGO Board.

Robert T. Anderson, requiescat in pace

2009-06-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

Dr. Robert T. Anderson, retired Chairman of the Organ Department of Southern Methodist University, and honorary member of the Hawaii Chapter AGO, passed away on May 29, 2009 in Honolulu. A memorial service was held at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu on June 3rd . Organist Katherine Crosier played Bob's favorite piece, J. S. Bach's Prelude and Fugue in E-flat, BWV 552. The Bach Chamber Choir and Orchestra was conducted by Carl Crosier and performed Heinrich Schütz' Psalm 150 (arranged by Martin Jean), and Bach's Cantata 150 Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich. Nyle Hallman, harpist and organist, member of the Hawaii AGO, performed Bach's Jesu joy of man's desiring on the harp. For a PDF version of the complete program, please email Katherine Crosier.

A scholarship fund has been established in his name, the Robert T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship. Additional memorial gifts may be sent to the Hawaii Chapter American Guild of Organists, P. O. Box 161046, Honolulu, HI 96816-0923.

After the service, the congregation was invited to peruse Bob's large collection of photos, CDs, magazines, and other paraphernalia related to the pipe organ. They were welcome to take any or all of it for their own enjoyment. And they did!

A table full of organ CDs before the congregation helped themselves!

Bob was a gourmet cook and loved entertaining. He was known for hosting lavish parties and the reception following the service was no exception! It featured upscale hors d'oeuvres and varietal wines, chilled lemon water and fruit punch. The menu included fresh fruits and berries (grapes, pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew and strawberries served with a cinnamon yogurt dip; Hawaiian summer rolls (medley of julienne vegetables wrapped in rice paper, seasoned with fresh mint and served with a pineapple salsa); tiny tomato bites stuffed with mozzarella cheese and topped with sliced basil and sea salt; vegetable crudite garnished with fresh herbs and served with a creamy spinach dip; cheese and crackers; jumbo shrimp cocktail and cajun-seared ahi on cucumber rounds with sesame wasabi aioli sauce, garnished with green onions.

Bob would have loved it all!

Jumbo shrimp tray.

Fresh fruit & berry and cheese trays.

Hawaiian Spring Rolls

Cajun seared ahi on cucumber rounds

Young Organists Concert, April 25, 2009

2009-05-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

The Third Annual Young Organists Concert was held on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. The program was as follows:

Joshua Rosales, "Fanfare and Meditation on 'My Country 'Tis of Thee" (Murray C. Bradshaw)

Noa Williams, "Surprise Symphony" (Franz Josef Haydn), "Ode to Joy" (German Folk Song)

Naomi Yuen-Schat "Syncopated Flutes" (Larry Visser) and "Sound the Trumpet" (Alfred Fedak)

Nathalie Jones, "Pastorale" (Wilbur Held)

Christopher Lindsay, "Hornpipe" (Robin Dinda)

Adam Simon, "Toccatina on "Hear, O Lord, your servants gather" (Larry Visser) and

"Morning has broken" (Randoph Currie)

Michelle Manuel, "Variations on 'Guardame Las Vacas" (George Lachenauer)

Joshua Yuen-Schat, "Toccata in E minor" (Johann Pachelbel)

intermission

Jordan McCreary, "Prelude and Fugue in B-flat", (J. S. Bach?)

Miki Yamamoto, "Amazing grace" (Robert Hobby)

Joey Fala, "Ave Maris Stella" (Marcel Dupré)

Laura Bleakley, "Fanfare" (Jacques Lemmens)

The Young Organists Concert is a benefit for the scholarship programs of the Hawaii Chapter AGO. To date, 58 students have been awarded monies for organ study.

Joey Fala and Katherine Crosier

The youngest performer.

BACHanalia, March 22, 2009

2009-03-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

Front Row (L-R): Karl Bachman, Carl Crosier, Miki Yamamoto, Mei-Li Wang, Samuel Lam, Jordan McCreary,

Ina Young, Yuri McCoy. Back Row: (L-R) Laura Bleakley, Katherine Crosier, Nyle Hallman.

Not Shown: Thomas Rhoads

Twelve organists played to an overflow crowd at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu, Sunday, March 22nd, in celebration of the International Year of the Organ and Johann Sebastian Bach's 324th birthday. The program was:

Fantasia in G major, BWV 572 (Samuel Lam)

Partita on "Sei gegrüsset, Jesu gütig," BWV 768 (Katherine Crosier)

Prelude and Fugue in F major, BWV 556 (Jordan McCreary)

Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in D minor, BWV 903 (Carl Crosier, harpsichord)

Four Chorale Preludes from Orgelbüchlein (C. Thomas Rhoads)

Christus, der uns selig macht, BWV 620

Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 599

Das alte Jahre vergangen ist, BWV 614

Wer nur den lieben Gott lasst walten, BWV 642

Prelude and Fugue in E minor "Cathedral", BWV 533 (Miki Yamamoto)

interval

Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 (Carl Crosier)

Trio Sonata in C major, BWV 529 (Karl Bachman)

Fugue in G minor, BWV 578 (Laura Bleakley)

Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele, BWV 654 (Ina Young)

Prelude and Fugue in G minor, BWV 535 (Mei-Li Wang)

Pastorale, BWV 590 (Nyle Hallman)

Prelude and Fugue in D major (BWV 532), Yuri McCoy

Carl Crosier at the Beckerath Organ (1975)

(click to enlarge photo)

Following the organ concert, a catered "Bach's Lunch" was available in the courtyard.

At 5:15 pm, Bach Vespers for Lent was presented by the Lutheran Church of Honolulu Choir and Bach Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Carl Crosier with Katherine Crosier, organist. The music included:

Prelude: O Gott du frommer Gott, BWV 767

Processional Hymn: Our God, to whom we turn (O Gott, du frommer Gott)

Preces and Responses

Psalm 6 (Heinrich Schütz)

Psalm 130 De Profundis (Aus tiefer Not)

Chorale Prelude: Ach Herr, mich armen Sünder, BuxWV 178 (Dietrich Buxtehude)

Office Hymn: Commit whatever grieves thee (Herzlich tut mich verlangen)

Magnificat: Meine Seel erhebt den Herren, BWV 10

Cantata: Jesu nahm zu sich die Zwölfe, BWV 22

Offertory Motet: O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht, BWV 118b

Chorale Prelude: Herr Christ, der einig Gotts Sohn, BWV 601

Processional Hymn: When o'er my sins I sorrow, Lord (Herr Christ, der einig Gotts Sohn)

Postlude: Aus tiefer Not, schrei ich zu dir, BWV 686

Dr. Joyce Jones in Hawaii

2009-03-15T23:37:00.000-07:00

Dr. Joyce Jones, Baylor University's Joyce Oliver Bowden Professor of Music and Organist-in-Residence, was in Hawaii with her husband, Bob, for a cruise of the Hawaiian islands. On March 15th at Central Union Church, Dr. Jones talked about her career as a professional concert organist and teacher, and why she calls herself "an accidental organist." Even though she had not played an organ keyboard in 10 days, she delighted the audience with an informal program which showcased the various colors of the organ. The program included the first movement of Bach's transcription of Vivaldi's "Concerto in A minor," "Pastorale in the Aviary" by Myron Roberts, "Variations on a Noel" by Marcel Dupré, Charles Ives' "Variations on America," and several of her own compositions, concluding with "Flight of the Bumblebee" by Rimsky-Korsakov. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon was spent by all.

Hawaii Chapter AGO Board members welcome Dr. Joyce Jones.

Dr. Jones meets Naomi, a young organ student.

Here are the organ students who came to the afternoon program.

Fred Swann's Concert, January 16, 2009

2009-03-09T21:19:00.001-07:00

It is always a delight to welcome former National AGO President, Dr. Frederick Swann, to Hawaii, and he says it's one of his favorite places to visit, having come here on a regular basis since 1957. Nearly 200 people braved storm threats to come to the concert.

Shown with Margaret Lloyd, host organist of Central Union Church.

Friends for over 50 years: Nyle Hallman and Fred Swann.

Fred Swann is flanked by Carl and Kathy Crosier.

Jordan and his grandfather, John McCreary.

Don Conover is all smiles with Fred Swann.

One of the youngest organists, Christopher.

Fred Swann at the console of the Aeolian-Skinner organ at Central Union Church.

Frederick Swann in Concert, January 16, 2009

2009-02-02T23:26:00.000-08:00

Frederick Swann is shown with young organ students Joey and Christopher.

Frederick Swann, immediate past President of the American Guild of Organists (2002-2008), organist emeritus of the Crystal Cathedral and the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, gave an organ recital on Friday, January 16, 2009 at Central Union Church.

Program:

Charles-Marie Widor: Finale (Symphony Op. 13, No. 4)

Robert Schumann: Fugue on B-A-C-H, op. 60, no. 3

J. S. Bach: Fantasia and Fugue in G minor, BWV 542

John Huston: Psalm Prelude on "By the waters of Babylon"

Cesar Franck: Fantaisie in A

Robert Hebble: Dedication Fanfare

intermission

Bruce Simonds: As now the sun's declining rays

Josef Rheinberger: Introduction and Passacaglia (Sonata 8, op. 132)

Clergy Appreciation Dinner

2008-11-22T01:10:00.001-08:00

On November 17, 2008, members of the Hawaii Chapter invited their clergy to an Appreciation Dinner at Central Union Church. The menu was Greek salad, spinach in phyllo pastry (spanikopita), rolls and Greek desserts (baklava), all thoroughly delicious.

After dinner, we were entertained by the beautiful young ladies of St. Andrew's Priory's Advanced Intermediate and Chamber Choirs. Directed by Deanna Turner, with accompanist David Hicken, the girls' exquisite choral tone and polished performance made for a superb evening, enjoyed by all.

John McCreary and The Hunchback of Notre Dame

2008-11-11T18:24:00.000-08:00

John McCreary accompanied the silent movie, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," on Halloween night, October 31, 2008 at the Hawaii Theatre. Read an interview with John here.

Frederick Swann Birthday Greetings to Nyle Hallman

2008-11-11T18:20:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dear friend, Nyle Hallman, and congratulations on her long and distinguished career as a consummate musician.

Nyle has been my personal and professional friend for more than half of her life. Scary, isn't it, Nyle! From New York to Tulsa to Honolulu, Nyle and her wonderful husband, Roy, and I have enjoyed a unique and warm friendship which I will always treasure. The musical and personal times we have enjoyed are legion.

I dare say that all of you hearing these words this evening have been moved by Nyle's organ and harp performances on many and varied occasions in church, concert hall, and elsewhere. Further, many of you know first hand, her wonderful, warm, cheerful and generous spirit.

Nyle's indefatigable amount of energy and willingness to go the extra mile in every situation continues to amaze us all. She probably realizes, as I do, that the day may come when she has to sit home and rock. But until then she will undoubtedly continue to bless us all with her performances.

I'm sure that all of you join me in wishing Nyle an especially happy time on the occasion of this milestone birthday, and for all her years to come.

Fred Swann

More Organ Spectacular

2008-11-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

Margaret Lloyd and Nyle Hallman played an organ duet.

Nyle Hallman is flanked by Kathy and Carl Crosier, wearing Organ Spectacular T-Shirts.

Nyle Hallman with Pastor Fritz Fritschel, author of "Hymn Hallman."

Margaret Lloyd (left) and Nyle Hallman

Nyle Hallman, harpist, is joined by Constance Uejio, Principal Harpist of the Honolulu Symphony, with Margaret Lloyd at the Organ.

Nyle Hallman Proclamation

2008-11-02T00:10:00.001-07:00

Karl Bachman presented Nyle Hallman with a Proclamation from the City naming October 19, 2008 at Nyle Hallman Day in Honolulu. The Proclamation reads:

WHEREAS, the Hawaii Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will join more than 300 other chapters in honoring the King of Instruments during its celebration of the International Year of the Organ; and

WHEREAS, Nyle Hallman is an outstanding performer of organ music and nationally recognized as an Associate of the American Guild of Organists, and

WHEREAS, the visitor industry of Hawaii has recognized Nyle Hallman as a premier talent in Waikiki for her harp accompaniment of both Emma Veary and Don Ho, and

WHEREAS, she and her husband co-founded and led the Honolulu Boy Choir for an entire generation, and

WHEREAS, continues to make important contributions to the musical life of our community as second chair harpist with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra and as a member of Flute a la Harpe, which performs for weddings, receptions, and other musical events.

NOW THEREFORE, I MUFI HANNEMANN, Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, do hereby proclaim October 19, 2008 , to be NYLE HALLMAN DAY in the City and County of Honolulu, in honor of her musical talent and efforts that bring excellence to culture and the arts of our city and touch the hearts of our people.

Done this 19th day of October, 2008, in Honolulu, Hawaii

MUFI HANNEMANN

Celebration of the Organ, Harp and Nyle Hallman

2008-10-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

(L-R Margaret Lloyd, Nyle Hallman, Connie Uejio, oboist Brian Greene)

Organ Spectacular in Honolulu, October 19, 2008 was an evening filled with beautiful music for organ and harp and starring AGO Hawaii's own Nyle Hallman, organist emerita of Central Union Church. Nyle was assisted ably by organist Margaret Lloyd and harpist/organist Constance Harding Uejio. We heard music for solo organ, solo harp, one harp and organ, two harps and organ, and two harps.

The program included:

Evensong, op. 68 (Charles Callahan)
Processional for Harp and Organ (Daniel Burton)
First Arabesque (Claude Debussy/trans. Carlos Salzedo)
Pisgah (Dale Wood)
Fairest Lord Jesus (arr. Garth Edmunson)
Prelude from Partita No. 3 for Two Harps (J.S. Bach/arr. Mschedelov)
Siciliano (J.S. Bach/arr. Gail Barber)
Playful Pizzicata for Two Harps (Benjamin Britten)
Bolero for Harps (Robert Barclay)
Ornament of Grace for Oboe and Organ (Bernard Wayne Sanders)
Ten Thousand Harps and Voices (Lowell Mason/arr. Susann McDonald & Diane Bish)
Kawohi Ku Kapulani and I'll Weave a Lei of Stars for You (H.D. Beamer/R. Alex Anderson)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (arr. Michael Burkhardt)

Surely one of the highlights of the evening was the singing of "Hymn Hallman," the text of which was commissioned by the AGO Hawaii Chapter, in celebration of Nyle Hallman. Sung to the tune, "Lasst uns erfreuen," (All Creatures of Our God and King), the words were written by The Rev. Fritz Fritschel of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu.

For nearly thirty years they played
Ecclesiastic music made,
Roy and Nyle
On this isle.
Their skills brought endless harmony
To Union’s faithful company.
With their choirs
All afire.
Roy and Nyle,
On this isle,
Brings a smile.

She sat at organs as a child
Pulling the stops while going wild
On the keyboard,
Like a surfboard.
Her feet and fingers fairly flew,
In major keys and minor, too.
On the keyboard
Like a surfboard,
Fairly sailing
Never failing.
E’er prevailing.

Once taught by Porter and by Sykes,
Coci, McCurdy and the likes
Worthy mentors
Known presenters
They taught her how to play her best,
Pipes, pistons, pedals and celeste.
Worthy mentor
Known presenter
Always giving
For the living
In thanksgiving.

Gave orchestra ephemeral flair,
With sounds of angels’ favorite air,
Fingers strumming,
Harp strings humming,
Her backseat prowess blessed the crowd,
With plucking sounds as on a cloud,
Here crescendo,
There glissando,
Now ritardo,
Soon allegro,
Ne’er pellegro.

Now for the notes as yet unplayed,
We raise our songs in accolade,
Let ‘er ring,
Let’s all sing.
Let music warm the hearts of all
New melodies the crowds enthrall,
Fancy fugues
Prim preludes
All the while,
Shades of Nyle,
All in style.

Organ Spectacular will celebrate Nyle Hallman

2008-10-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

(Click on the photo to enlarge it)

Sunday, October 19, 7:00 pm

Central Union Church

1660 South Beretania Street

Honolulu

The public is cordially welcome to join in a spectacular event honoring Hawaii's beloved and extraordinary musician, Nyle Hallman. In celebration of Nyle's 80th birthday and her many years of dedicated service to the community, Central Union Church and the Hawaii Chapter of the American Guild of Organists are delighted to sponsor this wonderful concert featuring organ and harp solos, duets and special works. The concert also highlights the 2008-2009 International Year of the Organ. Concerts in honor of the "King of Instruments" are being held simultaneously on this date all over the world.

The concert will feature works by Bach, Barclay, Britten and Burton as well as a piece for organ and oboe entitled "Ornament of Grace" by Bernard Wayne Sanders, the first prize winner of an international competition coordinated by the American Guild of Organists specifically for the Organ Spectacular concerts being held all over the world on this specific date.

Performers include Nyle Hallman herself as well as her beloved friends, Margaret Lloyd, Associate Minister of Music at Central Union Church and current Dean of the Hawaii Chapter American Guild of Organists, and Constance Harding Uejio, Principal Harpist of the Honolulu Symphony and wedding coordinator and organist at Central Union Church.

Nyle Hallman is Assistant Director and Organist Emeritus at Central Union Church where she served for 29 years. She is a graduate of Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ and Union Theological Serminary in New York City. Her organ teachers were Lauren B. Sykes, Claire Coci, Alexander McCurdy and Hugh Porter. She holds the degree of Associate of the American Guild of Organists. Since retirement in 1998, Nyle serves as second chair harpist with the Honolulu Symphony and is a wedding and associate organist at Central Union Church.

Hawaii Chapter AGO Wins Phonathon!

2008-10-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

Imagine our great surprise and sheer delight at finding out that the Hawaii Chapter is the winner of the July 2008 AGO Phonathon, and will receive $1,500 as a prize! The Committee on Membership Development and Chapter Support sponsored the contest to revisit and reconnect with past members to update their membership information.