L'Organo 2025 Organ Concert Highlights
For over 45 years, "L'Organo: The Organ in Recital" has offered a unique and accessible gateway to the majestic world of pipe organs, showcasing the Holy City's remarkable collection of instruments within its stunning churches. The 2025 series, running daily from Monday, May 26th (Memorial Day) to Friday, June 6th, delivered fresh organ interpretations to both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers.
On the final day of the concert series, L’Organo’s distinguished Chairman, Murray Somerville, passed the baton of Chairman to Nick Quardokus. Nick is the winner of the 2024 National AGO Improvisation Competition in San Francisco and currently the Music Director at Grace Church Cathedral. If that is not enough, he also serves as Chorus Master for the Charleston Symphony. L’Organo is in good hands for many years to come.
The very essence of L'Organo lies in its mission: to promote organ concerts as an integral part of Piccolo Spoleto, highlighting the wide variety and exceptional quality of organs found throughout Charleston. This is achieved through a series of daily, often free, recitals that not only provide superb musical experiences but also serve as a cultural invitation to explore the city's architectural and spiritual heritage.
The schedule is thoughtfully designed, with most weekday recitals held at 10 AM in downtown churches, allowing attendees to seamlessly transition to other popular Piccolo Spoleto events like the Chamber Music concerts at the Dock Street Theatre. Weekend programs, extending to areas like West Ashley and Daniel Island, offer opportunities for a wider audience to experience the magic of the organ in diverse settings.
The historical roots of L'Organo trace back to the third Spoleto Festival USA in 1979, when Piccolo Spoleto was formed as a companion festival. Conceived by figures like Ben Hutto, Emily Remington, William Gudger, and David Lowry, the morning organ recitals were envisioned as a "sandwich" to the day's musical offerings.
The 2025 L'Organo Concert Series, organized by the City of Charleston's Office of Cultural Affairs and overseen by a dedicated volunteer committee, maintains this rich tradition. The series spans twelve daily recitals across nine churches, each offering a unique acoustic and instrumental experience. The venues themselves are an integral part of the L'Organo experience, allowing audiences to appreciate the architectural splendor of Charleston's historic churches while immersed in glorious music.
L’Organo Concert at Mother Emanuel AME Church
New Zealand-born Eugene Lavery kicked off the series on May 26th at the iconic St. Michael's Church. Other notable appearances included Aaron Patterson at St. John Lutheran Church (May 27th), Thomas Russell at the majestic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (May 28th), and Pamela Kane at the historically significant Mother Emanuel AME Church (May 29th).
Chase Olson Performing at Summerall Chapel at the Citadel
The series also ventured beyond the peninsula, with Laura Smith performing at Holy Spirit Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Ashley on May 31st and a program at the lovely St. Clare of Assisi on Daniel Island on June 1st. Chase Olson gave a magnificent performance at Summerall Chapel at The Citadel on May 30th (see above).
Each performer brought flair and expertise to the console, offering programs that explore the vast and varied repertoire of the organ. Audiences can anticipate a journey through different periods and styles, from the Baroque complexities of Bach and the romantic grandeur of French masters to more contemporary and even jazz-influenced pieces.
The beauty of L'Organo lies not just in the virtuosity of the performers but also in the unique character of each instrument. Charleston's organs, some dating back centuries, each possess their distinct voices, shaped by their builders, their history, and the acoustics of their sacred spaces. This diversity allows for a truly immersive auditory experience, where the listener can appreciate the subtle nuances and grand pronouncements of these magnificent machines.
Beyond the purely musical aspect, L'Organo fosters a sense of community and accessibility. All concerts are free, sustained by generous audience donations, underscoring Piccolo Spoleto's commitment to making the arts available to everyone. This accessibility has made L'Organo a cherished tradition for many, with some attendees returning year after year specifically for this series.
The intimate setting of the churches, combined with the often informative commentary from the organists, creates a welcoming atmosphere where both seasoned organ aficionados and curious newcomers can engage with the music on a deeper level.
The 2025 L'Organo Concert Series is a celebration of a living tradition. It's an opportunity to experience the power, beauty, and versatility of the pipe organ within the unique cultural tapestry of Charleston. From the solemn dignity of a grand cathedral to the intimate charm of a smaller chapel, each performance provides an opportunity to connect with music profoundly.
As the pipes resonate and the harmonies soar through the hallowed spaces, L'Organo continues to affirm the organ's enduring legacy as the "King of Instruments" and a vital voice in the vibrant chorus of Piccolo Spoleto. Whether seeking a moment of reflective beauty, a historical journey through sound, or simply a free and enriching cultural experience, the 2025 L'Organo Concert Series continues as a testament to Charleston's dedication to the arts and its remarkable collection of musical treasures.
