Last Sunday, March 9, we observed Woman Composer Sunday, an annual tradition since 2021 that highlights the contributions of women in church music. Organized by the Society of Women Organists and the Royal College of Organists, this initiative continues to grow each year, expanding awareness of the diverse and remarkable works of women composers.
For the occasion, our organ voluntaries featured music by Ethel Smyth and Fanny Mendelssohn. Smyth, a champion of both music and the women’s suffrage movement, composed a set of eight chorale preludes inspired by the style of Johannes Brahms—one of which was performed on Sunday. Mendelssohn, despite her immense talent, was often overshadowed by her younger brother Felix. Her Prelude in F, a grand and festive piece, offers a striking contrast to the societal constraints she faced as a woman in music.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating these extraordinary composers!
Save the dates for our upcoming concerts and special events
March 16 at 5 pm: Carl Broman Concert featuring Christa Rakich
April 6 at 5 pm: Behold the Lamb of God: Lenten Reflections for Choir and Orchestra Trinity Choir, with tenor Ben Geier, will sing part of of Handel’s Messiah, and other introspective music for Lent.
4:30 pm A pre–concert talk by Rev. Cara will touch on the theology behind the music.
Sunday, May 18 at Noon: Join Assistant Organist and Organ Builder Joel VanderZee to explore the inside of Opus 34 and learn more about Trinity’s organ.
Sunday, September 21 at 5 pm: Virginia Bolena and Joel VanderZee in Concert – Solo and Duo works using every stop on the organ
Sunday, October 26 at 4 pm: Spooky Organ Concert for Children of All Ages. Costumes encouraged!
Sunday, November 2 at 5 pm: All Saints’ Celebration and Organ Anniversary Finale
