July 23–A ‘Pipe Organ Gala’ community concert is set for Aug. 12, Sunday at 4 pm at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the installation of its 920-pipe instrument. It is the youngest of the four Leesburg pipe organs (the others are at downtown Episcopal, Methodist and Presbyterian churches,) and has a remarkable story. Prominent organists Terry Sisk and Steven Cooksey will show off and explain the pipes, joined by a Festival Orchestra and singers, led by conductor Nancy Fox, and violinist Nancy Shavin.
Holy Trinity’s organ was custom-built and donated by a Shenandoah Valley master craftsman, at age 78, in thanks to God for his 60 years working in organs. Most of the pipes are from Germany; the vintage oak console is from Hagerstown. All the structural alterations in the sanctuary to accommodate the big pipe chambers and components, were also donated; skilled church members volunteered hundreds of work-hours. In 2008, thousands of dollars were raised for the materials, in part through a “Twilight Tunes” series of six church lawn concerts.
The beloved instrument is used regularly in worship, and also at public events, including by community groups, e.g. the Loudoun Chorale. On holidays, a Festival Orchestra of 25+ players–church members and friends, from Middle School to octogenarians–joins with the organ for seasonal music. This anniversary year, on December 16, a pipe-organ Christmas carol sing-along (4 pm) will be held as a community event, to mark the month in 2008 when the new organ was dedicated.
Terry Sisk, the featured organist at the Aug. 12 Gala, is a virtuoso, who has concertized in Europe, South America, and extensively in Metro Washington, D.C., both as conductor as well as performer. A Loudoun County native, Sisk began his career while at LC High School, substituting as organist at local churches. After studies in Germany, he served for 23 years as Music Associate at Vienna Presbyterian Church. He was Dean of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO). Now back in his home town, Sisk serves as Music Director at Leesburg Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Steven Cooksey, who will explain the features and personality of the Holy Trinity organ, is professor emeritus at Shenandoah Conservatory, where in addition to teaching organ, conducting, and music history for 40 years, he established the Church Music Institute. He was Dean of the Winchester Chapter of the AGO. Cooksey has been Music Director at St. James’ Episcopal Church for 37 years, and performs frequently in concert.
Nancy Fox, Music Director of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for 20 years, will conduct the celebration program. She is joined by Nancy Shavin, director of the Leesburg Violin Studio, as concertmistress, and ensemble lead performer.
The Aug. 12 program includes dazzling organ solos, exciting organ/instrument ensemble works by Mozart and Dvorak, audience sing-along, a Festival Chorus, and 20+ instrumentalists. Music students are especially encouraged to enjoy this ‘meet-the-King of Instruments’ opportunity. A reception follows the program. The concert is free. Donations are welcome.