Mark Dwyer • Concert to Benefit the E. & G. G. Hook & Hastings (1875) Organ at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross

published 23 October 2018 by Richard J. Clark

ARK DWYER, Organist and Choirmaster of the Church of the Advent and one of the finest church musicians in the country, will have the distinction of shining the light on two glorious Hook organs in Boston all at the same time — and in one concert.

With the Cathedral of the Holy Cross currently under renovation, fundraising for the Cathedral’s historic 101-rank E. & G. G. Hook & Hastings Organ, Opus 801 (1875) continues with a concert at Saint John’s Seminary:

Sunday, October 28, 2018, 3:00pm
St. John’s Seminary • 127 Lake St., Boston, MA 02135 Dwyer will play works by Sowerby, Franck, Handel, and Whitlock on the beautiful Hook & Hastings — 1902, Opus 1833 restored by the Andover Organ Company in 2015.

• Download concert poster and info here.
• Download concert program here.
• Suggested donation: $20. Boston AGO members, Seniors, and Students: $10.
• Parking is available at Saint John’s Seminary.
• The Seminary is accessible by the MBTA Green Line “B Train” outbound to Boston College (end of the line).

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston, Massachusetts contains one of the most notable historic pipe organs, the 101-rank E. & G. G. Hook & Hastings Organ, Opus 801 (1875). Quite distinctive and rare is not that it is Hook’s largest organ, or that it was the largest organ built in America at that time, but that it is still nearly tonally intact from 1875. It is a concrete link to many generations who have worshipped in Boston. It is a living and breathing connection to sacred art and to our treasured traditions. These in turn elevate our minds and hearts to God and remind us of who we are today.

• Listen to several brilliant improvisations by Mark Dwyer on the Cathedral Opus 801 organ here.

• Listen to Janet Hunt perform on the Seminary’s Opus 1833 organ here.

ALL PROCEEDS GO ENTIRELY to the Cathedral Organ Restoration Fund for the E. & G. G. Hook, Opus 801. While the instrument has come a very long way in recent decades, there is much more restoration work that needs to be done. I hope to prioritize additional restoration projects in collaboration with the Andover Organ Company.

Another happy development is that with the removal of a great deal of carpeting and the addition of marble floors, the glorious sound will be further enhanced. Any funds contributed will be supported by an improved acoustic! We wish to keep it playing more beautifully than ever and for years to come.

The main sanctuary of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross is scheduled to reopen in time for Holy Week of 2019. (The Cathedral’s Blessed Sacrament Chapel and Our Lady’s Chapel are still open and continue to serve the Cathedral Parish.) I also greatly look forward to Leo Abbott’s rededication recital of the E. & G. G. Hook, Opus 801. As Music Director and Organist of the Cathedral for thirty-three years, it is truly his voice and he makes it sing like no one can.

E OWE AN ENORMOUS DEBT OF GRATITUDE to Leo Abbott, FAGO, ChM. for nearly singlehandedly driving the ongoing restoration of this beautiful instrument that was in disrepair (and at times silent) for parts of the Twentieth Century. It has been a labor of love that began with cleaning pipes in the basement and doing a number of improvements on a shoestring budget. My intention is to build upon Abbott’s legacy and allow this instrument to continue to serve the greater glory of God.

This concert is co-sponsored by the Boston Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. In addition, Many thanks to Janet Hunt, Director of Music and Organist at St. John’s Seminary for hosting this benefit concert two years in a row. Such collaboration for the sake of sacred music, art, and beauty is rare and very special!

Soli Deo gloria