Music grows out of the tolling of the bell and then lines on its own, with hints of familiar hymns, Gregorian chants, and original thoughts… and gradually the organ begins to frame the picture, sometimes in a quiet deep bass, sometimes in a gently shimmering reflection high above the harp, sometimes in a few gentle notes on the chimes. “In quietness and confidence shall you be healed.”

That’s what Sherri and I strive to do. Sherri draws her improvised arrangements from her studies of hymns and chants evocative of each Sunday and based on the liturgical season, and on the evolving capabilities of the harp… its expression of faith and inspiration reaches back to the time of King David and is finding a new voice.

When Sherri is the officiant, I play organ preludes. Example: on May 11, I played some works of Brazilian composer Silvio Baccarelli (1931 – 2019). First trained as a priest, he directed a world class concert choir whose international performances included celebration of the centenary of the composer Heitor Villa-Lobos in Madrid in 1987.

Profoundly moved by word of a disastrous fire in Heliopolis (a depressed area of São Paulo) that left hundreds homeless, he devoted the rest of his life to establishing an extensive music program for the youth of Heliopolis.

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”

– George Matthew Jr.

Organist, St. Thomas & Grace Episcopal Church
Middlebury College Carillonneur since 1985
GCNA Certified Carillonneur (Guild of Carillonneurs in North of America)