BAGO Events for the 2023 – 2024 Program Year
September 24 at 5PM – Opening Recital & Installation
Members’ recital and officer installation as a part of King’s Chapel year-long celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the great Daniel Pinkham, who served as organist at King’s for a remarkable 42 years from 1958-2000. Mr. Pinkham also taught at the New England Conservatory from 1959 until his death in 2006. While at NEC, he created and chaired the program on early music performance. In 1990, the AGO named him Composer of the Year. Please join us as we kick off a new program year and pay tribute to Mr. Pinkham, celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth.
October 2, 8-9PM – Holistic Wellness Night for Organists
Feeling tired, frustrated, overworked or like you could just use a few minutes of rest and pampering? Taking a few minutes to recalibrate yourself is just as important as eating leafy greens and exercising, and it’s a lot more fun! Join sound healing practitioners Cathy Meyer and Janet Kessenich in an experiential workshop that will lower your blood pressure and put you in a better mindset. This evening will be held in the Memorial Room at Harvard Memorial Chapel and is co-sponsored by Harvard Organ Society.
October 16, 7PM – TAO Book Club via ZOOM
What did you think about Adam Hockman’s two-part series in The American Organist about “finding your community and connecting with it?” Did you hear about The Society for Women Organists’ Adjustable Bench Campaign? Did you see that our chapter was featured in the February 2023 edition of TAO? What other new, interesting, and exciting things are happening in the Guild’s official journal? Join us for a casual discussion of your favorite articles with former dean Louise Mundinger! Will meet over Zoom.
November 3-5 – Reger 150th Celebration with Worcester Chapter
Nov. 3: Recital 7:30 PM
Nov 4: Three workshops all day 9 until 3:30, Members recital 7:30PM Op. 59
Nov. 5: Recital 4 PM with Closing Reception
December 31, 2PM – First Night Concert
Hear three organists in a 60-minute recital on the magnificent Aeolian-Skinner organ at The First Church of Christ, Scientist, as a part of Boston’s First Night festivities. This annual tradition is not to be missed!
January 7 at 5PM – Epiphany Party
This is THE social engagement of the season! You are cordially invited to the absolutely stunning, warm, and cozy home of Louise Mundinger for our annual Epiphany Party! Plan to bring something delicious for the potluck dinner. This is a wonderful opportunity to wind down from the hustle and bustle of Christmastide, and break bread with your fellow members in a delightful evening of merriment and cheer.
February date/time TBA – MVAGO Mini-convention
Join the Merrimack Valley AGO chapter for their annual mini-convention.
February 20, 7-8PM – TAO Book Club via ZOOM
What new and exciting things are happening in The American Organist magazine? Come and discuss your favorite articles with former dean Louise Mundinger! Will meet over Zoom.
March 9, 10AM-2PM – Ortloff Organ Shop Tour
Come and take a tour of the Ortloff Organ Shop with founder Jonathan Ortloff! This is one of the only new shops set up in North America in the last three decades dedicated to the design and construction of new pipe organs and the restoration of vintage instruments, on a large scale. There will be much to see, learn, hear, and experience! This tour will be limited to 12 people only, so watch for a sign-up (preference given to those who have never been to the shop). Please bring a brown-bag lunch. 178 Crescent Road, Needham.
March 23 – Boston Bach Birthday 339
Don’t miss the annual big birthday celebrations at First Lutheran Church, located at 299 Berkeley Street in Boston! Whether you come for one concert or stay the whole day and enjoy the German lunch, make sure this makes your calendar!
April 26, 8PM – The Planets with Seraphim Singers
In this exciting collaboration with Seraphim Singers and conductor Jennifer Lester, BAGO will have the opportunity to hear a transcription of Holst’s famous work interspersed with breathtaking choral selections at Church of the Redeemer in Chestnut Hill.
May 11, 9AM – Organ Crawl & Tuner Talk with Donuts
Is your whatchamacallit flat? Are you sure it’s C-2 that’s “sticky” and not C-3? Do you talk to your organ tuner the same way you describe issues to your automobile mechanic? How can you best communicate with your organ tuner/technician? What is the best way to describe the issues your instrument is having? Organ historian, journalist, and consultant Jonathan Ambrosino will give guidance to these issues in an enlightening and engaging event, specifically addressing how to communicate your organ’s problems with your tuner.
June 3, 6:30PM – Annual meeting
Celebrate another fantastic year with BAGO over dinner and a members’ recital!