37th San Diego International Summer Organ Festival Handbook

37th San Diego International Summer

Organ Festival

Free Admission at Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park

July 7 - Sept 1 | 7:30 PM

Every Monday Night

Summer 2025

If you are interested in contributing to the Lynn Reaser Artistic Director Endowment, please contact SOS President Kathleen Stoughton at kstoughton8@gmail.com

Announcing the Lynn Reaser Naming Gift

It is with deep gratitude that the Spreckels Organ Society is thrilled to announce a seed naming gift for an endowment that will support a substantial portion of the Artistic Director’s position in perpetuity. The endowment was made possible through the generosity of the nationally renowned economist Dr. Lynn Reaser. Reaser, who held several important positions in the finance world, was also a beloved Economics Professor for many years at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. “From my first encounter with Lynn Reaser upon my arrival in 2018,” says San Diego Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez, “I was captivated by her professionalism and elegance. She played a crucial role in helping the Society make sound financial decisions, including endowment management, and obtaining sponsorships and grants that have made SOS programs and operations more sustainable.” Extroverted and down-to-earth, she also loved to volunteer as a greeter and at the SOS gift shop on Sunday afternoon and Monday night concerts. With her passing in 2024, she will be remembered forever for her love of the Spreckels Organ and her wisdom and leadership as a trustee of the Spreckels Organ Society.

Kathleen Stoughton, President Spreckels Organ Society

THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO TODD GLORIA

MAYOR

June 19, 2025

Spreckels Organ Society 1549 El Prado Suite 10

San Diego, CA 92101

Dear Friends and Guests,

As the Mayor of the City of San Diego, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Balboa Park and to the 37th San Diego International Summer Organ Festival 2025.

This summer’s concerts run from July 7 to September 1, and features artists from around the world performing on San Diego’s 11 0-year-old Spreckels Organ, which is the world’s largest outdoor musical instrument. This year’s concerts include:

• August 4– feat. Soprano Alisa Jordheim with the Civic Organist Raul Prieto Ramirez

• August 18– Feat. The Spreckles Organ as soloist with the new Festival Orchestra

• August 25– Not-So-Silent Movie Night with Balboa Theater Organist, Russ Reck, and the films of Laurel and Hardy

• September 1– The Beatles 60th Anniversary, celebrating the Fab Four’s only San Diego performance with “Organ-ismic”, Spreckels Organ Pavilion classic rock band

Again, I am pleased to welcome you to the City of San Diego Please enjoy your time at the Summer International Organ Festival, and in Americas Finest City.

Sincerely,

TODD GLORIA Mayor City of San Diego

A LETTER FROM RAÚL PRIETO RAMÍREZ

Artistic Director and San Diego Civic Organist

Welcome to the 37th San Diego International Summer Organ Festival at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park.

It feels like it was just yesterday that we were closing a successful 36th Summer season and

here we are back again, bringing the joy of Music and the pride of a world-unique musical instrument to our San Diego community and visitors from all over the world.

It has been a real pleasure to develop this season with our current Board of Trustees and volunteers. As the Artistic Director, I can certainly speak for all of them when I emphasize how serving each one of you in the community is the goal and focus of each one of our members when bringing this 2025 season to fruition.

Our Festival remains the largest in the U.S. - an honor we carry with the pride of preserving, promoting and programming nothing less than the largest open-air musical instrument in the world. History has gifted our city with a unique gem that shows the world why California is perceived as a land of ingenuity, freedom and endeavor. Most did not believe a large, complex pipe organ could work in an outdoor setting, and a few organ building companies simply turned down the opportunity to build it. But 110 years of Music in the Heart of San Diego proves that dreams are what bring joy to our communities and make our societies better. John D. and Adolph B. Spreckels dreamed big to produce - against all odds - a unique marvel for us to enjoy today, and the Spreckels Organ Society - and I as Artistic Director - are having a lot of fun year after year making it happen for you!

Now let’s keep the spirit that has been providing so much joy to our community alive and thriving for another 110 years. As the musical instrument of Balboa Park, The Spreckels Organ is a great way to connect with the community and engage with visitors to our city - nothing like enjoying free time in Balboa Park helping make the magic of music available to all. Our programs mean a lot to our volunteers, and I believe they can be deeply meaningful to you too. Please consider joining our team as a member or volunteer tonight!

A LETTER FROM KATHLEEN STOUGHTON

President of Spreckels Organ Society

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Spreckels Organ Society, I welcome you to the 37th annual San Diego International Summer Organ Festival—the largest festival of its kind in the United States. This year, we have much to celebrate. With the help of generous donors, foundations, the City of San Diego, and the State of California, we have raised over $750,000 for Phase 1 of the 110th Anniversary Renovation, which focuses

on the interior of the iconic Spreckels Organ Pavilion. A designated National Historic Site, the Pavilion was built in 1914 in just seven months, and the full potential of the building’s interior has never been realized. This year, the Society has begun the process of creating the beautiful, historically inspired interiors the Pavilion has always deserved. A new photographic exhibition chronicling the history of the Organ Pavilion will be installed, and the building will be regularly open for public tours and member events. If you have not yet joined the Spreckels Organ Society’s membership, please consider doing so now to enjoy our new special member events, such as tours, private receptions, and educational programs. Your membership donation provides vital support needed to present more than 90 concerts annually and to ensure that we achieve our mission “to preserve, program, and promote the Spreckels Organ as a world treasure for all people.”

Best regards,

Kathleen Stoughton, President Spreckels Organ Society

JOIN

Address

1549 El Prado Suite 10

San Diego, CA

92101-1661

(619) 702-8138

SOSorgan@gmail.com

SpreckelsOrgan.org

Mission

The Spreckels Organ Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1988 to preserve, program and promote the Spreckels Organ as a world treasure for all people.

Artistic Director

Raúl Prieto Ramírez

San Diego Civic Organist

Executive Committee

President – Kathleen Stoughton

Vice President – Tom Hay Bauer

Secretary-Treasurer – Jean Samuels

Curator – Dale Sorenson

Curator Emeritus – Lyle Blackinton

Other Trustees

Joanna Dullum

Dennis Fox

Dwight Gordon

Joyce Kelly

Isaac Muñoz

Dang Nguyen

Kristine Press

David W. Stout

Committee Chairs

Executive – Kathleen Stoughton

Operations – Tom Hay Bauer

Investment – Dr. Gary Press

Budget & Finance – Jean Samuels

Nominating – Dr. William Devor

Education – Raúl Prieto Ramírez

Development – Kathleen Stoughton

Personnel – Kathleen Stoughton

Who? What? Why?

Who We Are

Spreckels Organ Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1988 with the mission to preserve, program, and promote the Spreckels Organ as a world treasure for all people.

Organ concerts are open to the public at no charge in accordance with the 1915 deed of gift whereby the brothers John D. and Adolf Spreckels gave the Spreckels Organ and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion to the City of San Diego. The Spreckels Organ Society works cooperatively with the City of San Diego in order to fulfill and expand upon this promise of live music for all.

What We Do

The City of San Diego provides 52 Sunday organ concerts a year, and maintains the instrument and the Civic Organist position with the support of the Spreckels Organ Society. We present the largest organ festival in the United States, along with educational programs for children and scholarships for young organ students. We also present special holiday concerts and events, and offer tours of the interior of the Organ. We have collaborated with the San Diego Opera, San Diego Youth Symphony, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, and the Scripps Ranch High School Full Orchestra, among many others.

Why We Do It

We believe in the transformative power of music, and we want to ensure that the Spreckels Organ will continue to offer everyone the chance to experience it. Where else can a family take children to hear live music without having to worry about the cost of tickets? We are advocates for The Spreckels Organ, striving to provide access to a wide range of music for another 110 years and beyond.

What We Need

Never charging for concerts, we rely on donations to present our events. You can keep the music playing by donating, becoming a member, or volunteering. For more information, see the volunteers at the membership table. If you are already a donor, member, or volunteer, thank you very much!

Campaign Success

Dear Spreckels Organ Society Enthusiasts, We did it!

As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, our Lynn Reaser Artistic Director Endowment Campaign closed with an extraordinary achievement - we didn’t just meet our initial matching goal, we soared past it!

To everyone who contributed - whether you gave a little or a lot - you’re now part of the Organ’s living legacy. This was an ambitious campaign for a small non-profit, and we are proud that members of the all-volunteer Spreckels Organ Society Board of Trustees did all of the fundraising and investing.

What does this mean for the future? Your generosity has helped secure the critical position of our Artistic Director for generations to come. We’re keeping John D. Spreckels’ dream alive: ensuring these magnificent organ concerts remain free for everyone to enjoy, from our weekly performances to the show stopping International Summer Organ Festival.

Congratulations. We deeply appreciate your support!

Kathleen Stoughton, President Spreckels Organ Society

Your Donations Support Our Mission

Spreckels Organ Society, in accordance with the 1915 Deed of Gift, does not have an income stream from ticket sales, thus relying solely on its endowments, memberships and donations to provide the artistic programs the community enjoys.

Our endowment funds exist to achieve specific goals, which guarantee the operation of the institution, the best quality of programming, and the preservation of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.

We rely on your help to keep the gi of music alive!

If you would like to know more about how your support can make a difference, please don’t hesitate to contact our SOS President at: sospresident@gmail.com

Evenson Endowment

Designated for funding the Civic Organist Artistic Director position and the maintenance of the Spreckels Organ

INITIAL DONATION

GROWTH

GOAL

Lynn Reaser Artistic Director Endowment

Designated for salary and benefits support for the Artistic Director

INITIAL DONATION

GROWTH

GOAL

Nichols Summer Festival Bequest

Designated for the sole benefit of the Summer Organ Festival

INITIAL DONATION

GROWTH

GOAL

SOS Operations Endowment

Designated for the ongoing financial support of the operations of the Spreckels Organ Society

INITIAL DONATION GROWTH

GOAL

Jared Jacobsen Education Fund

Designated for education programs and student scholarships

INITIAL DONATION GROWTH

GOAL

Renovation Annoucement

The Spreckels Organ Society is undertaking the first interior renovation of the Organ Pavilion in 37 years.

Because the building was erected in only seven months, the interiors of the Pavilion are modest and utilitarian. In 1988, a limited cosmetic renovation was completed with new paint, carpeting, and furniture. Over the years, some plumbing and lighting upgrades have also been added. Recognizing that the Organ and

Pavilion deserve more, SOS has begun a major interior renovation in partnership with the City of San Diego. Phase 1 of this renovation addresses plumbing and interior design, including the conversion to LED lighting, as well as other enhancements that will help realize the full potential of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.

Education

Artistic Director and Civic Organist

Raúl Prieto Ramírez, with the support of the San Diego Parks and Recreation Department and the Spreckels Organ Society, has started a series of Sunday concerts designed primarily for children and families in the community.

Little Big Guests is a program that has offered over 1,000 kids their first unforgettable experience of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion stage - including the San Diego Youth Symphony, the Scripps Ranch High School Orchestra, the Concert Bands of Southwestern, Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges; the Concert Bands of CSU San Marcos, Point Loma Nazarene University, SDSU and USD; the inaugural national Youth Choral Festival with the San Diego Children’s Choir, the Youth Ballet and the Suzuki School of Music, among others.

Family Discovery Days is a program that offers kids and families the opportunity to discover musical instruments and dance performed by professional musicians.

A New STEAM Educational Program Starting Fall 2025!

The Spreckels Organ Society, with the support of the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary, has acquired two brand-new Orgelkids pipe organ kits for our education program. This unique, hands-on kit empowers children to build fully functional organs in groups and will be instrumental in expanding our educational initiatives.

Each kit includes instructions and a curriculum useful to facilitate active learning. Combined, this hands-on experience teaches valuable STEAM skills while inspiring a lifelong love of music and culture. Additionally, the kit is easily transportable and reusable, allowing thousands of kids to bring the “King of Instruments” to life, sparking curiosity and setting them on a path to careers in music, technical design, and historic preservation.

The overall goal of the SOS Education Program is to provide high-quality, accessible music exposure programs for San Diego youth of all ages, fostering creative expression, confidence, and

academic success. Spreckels Organ Society partners with numerous organizations, including the San Diego Youth Symphony, the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, and the San Diego Children’s Choir, among many others. Additionally, Spreckels offers Family Discovery Days and other public programs, serving over 10,000 children annually. Hundreds of students will engage with this kit during the first year. The Spreckels Organ Society is working to expand the program by focusing even more on underserved or Title I school groups from the area, increasing their participation by Fall 2025.

If you would like to help a school connect with this opportunity, please contact us at:sosorgan@gmail.com or call at 619-702-8138.

Become a MEMBER

At the Spreckels Organ Society, music plays a profoundly meaningful role in our lives, helping us connect with a larger community. If music matters to you, the Spreckels Organ Society is a place to share that passion. We welcome everyone who values music and wants to be part of a like-minded community. Join us and become a part of our musical family of members and volunteers!

Memberships start as low as $5 for students. A $35 general membership (“SOLOIST”) gives you access to our online concerts. Higher membership levels include additional benefits, such as concert meet-and-greets and exclusive experiences with the San Diego Civic Organist.

J.S. BACH CLUB

($1,000 and above)

The J.S. Bach Club offers a variety of annual experiences with the San Diego Civic Organist, focusing on topics such as musical matters, performance practice, history, art, and more. Events are scheduled for Fall and Winter 2025.

Members stay connected to the programs and news of our organization, especially now that so many exciting projects are starting to consolidate.

Members highlight the community support for our mission, especially during times when funds for the arts are scarce.

Your membership donations, both large and small, help us maintain the foundations of SOS’s efficient operation.

Volunteering is an opportunity to connect with the community and share your passion for music!

Available volunteer positions include:

• Audience Ambassador

• Membership Ambassador

• Production Assistant

• Audio/Video/Lighting Technician

• Photographer

For more information, please visit our membership table, our website, or email us at sosorgan@gmail.com. You can also call the Spreckels Organ Society at 619-702-8138.

We’d like to thank our SOCIETY

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Serena Meadows-Graves

For three years, Serena has been instrumental in assisting with the Spreckels Organ Sunday concerts and special events. Among her notable achievements is the series of videotaped interviews with Festival artists that she singlehandedly produced. The videos were displayed as a prelude to the San Diego International Organ Festival concerts, much to the audience’s delight. She has graced the membership table at our Sunday concerts as well. She loves the camaraderie of the Society and especially the music. From a professional standpoint, she currently manages a laboratory at SDSU that studies the human microbiome. She plans on pursuing a graduate degree in biological sciences, also at SDSU. We are so fortunate to have her with us!

$1,000,000+

Dr. Lynn Reaser

Contributors To THE SPRECKELS ORGAN SOCIETY

$500,000-$999,999

State of California

$100,000-$499,999

San Diego Foundation

Estate of Alden Rollins

$50,000-$99,999

City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture

$25,000-$49,999

County of San Diego District 4

Hervey Family Foundation

Lyle Blackinton

Ann De Fields

$10,000-$24,999

Las Patronas

Thomas Bauer

Gayle and Dwight Gordon

Robert Kilian

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Lang

Anonymous

$5,000-$9,999

Art Pratt Foundation

Elster Foundation

The Thursday Club Foundation

Joseph de Ramus

Richard Forsyth

George Hardy

Connie and Peter Van Putten

Rodney Smith

Kathleen Stoughton and Jeffrey Hillman

$1,000-$4,999

Qualcomm

Isaac & Monica Muñoz

Fox Foundation

Thearle-Trepte Fund at the San Diego Foundation

City Council Member

Stephen Whitburn

Stewart Abelson

Karl Achterkirchen

Elaine Baldwin and Carl

Nelson

Charles and Venita Ballinger

Bob and Liz Breen

George Butterfield

William Devor

Mr. Edward and Dr. Eveline

Eng

Laura Luzi

May Fong McLean

Michael O’Brien

Marie Elizalde Peck

Russ Peck

Anonymous

Mary Joan Rinehart

David Stout

Randall Ward

Tom Warschauer

Judith Trento and Michael

Drummy

Jay Wegrzyn

Barry Weiss

Dorothy Wood

$500-$999

David Christopher Cook

Connie Eitzen

Dr. Arv and Nicole Sours

Larson

Cyril Reinicke

Ellen Warner Scott

Ted and Summer Sherer

Paula Taylor

Don Thompson

$250-$499

Cecile Abel

Christine Brown

Craig Caldwell

Tanya Chen

Bill and Deirdre Colburn

David Coup

Em’n’Georgia Cummins

Sally Fay

Neil Finn

Frank Gaertner

Russell Ginns

Ellen Gross

Deborah Guerrette

Ian Hanson

Greet Hostetler

David Jordan

Ruth Leonardi

Harold and Beverly Martyn

Joanne Marugg

Cindy McIntyre

Joséf Peer

Jerome Peterson

Herbert Radisch

Mary Roberts

Philip Sangiorgio

Kathy Schneider

Kenneth Spindler

David and Barbara Thatcher

Gary and Marjie Toops

Burt and Polly Vasché

Nathan and Evette Weiss

David White

Contributors To THE SPRECKELS ORGAN SOCIETY

$100-$249

Richard R. Abello

Kristopher Abels

Gail Anderson

Lee Anke

Kenneth Aylsworth

Thomas Basso

Gene Basye

Delores Bauman

Gene Beezer

Alex Benestelli

Marilyn and Leo Brown

Nicholas Burke

Kelly Calkins

Bruce Carlquist

Helena Chan

Johnny and Cherilyn

Charfauros

Ted Childers

Steve Cowen

Joanna Curcio

Arthur Curtze

Dara Daggett

Alan DesRoches

Elizabeth Downie

Jeffrey Druck

Joanna Dullum

Jane Eguez

Luciano Emanuele

Judy Farah

Kevin Gazley

Paul Gerard

Walter Goodwin

Dorene Harlow

Brett Michael Hauser

Thomas Hawkins

Karen and John Hayes

Richard and Susan Herz

Fletcher James

Russell James

Keith Jennings

Thomas Karam

Philip Kent

Karen Lamb

John Lee

Joel Levin

Timothy Lindamood

Robert Ludwig

Alison Luedecke

Susan Mackensen

Betty Joan Maly

Caroline Manfroi

Ian Mausner

Maureen McBreen

Barbara McBride

Stacy McKenna

John and Dorothy McLin

Margo Morales

Evelyn Nakata

Gregory Nemeth

Sheila O’Boyle

Justin O’Donnell

Barbara Parker

Rebecca Priest

Donald Rabe

Jim Rawlins

Bob Reese

Michael Rihner

Noyes Rogers

Karen Rokos

Keith Rokos

Gordon and Cathy

Romanas

Manuel Rosales

Irina Rosca

Melanie Rundle

Nanette Sable

Michael Schaefer

Verena Seisun

John C. Setzke

Tracy Shaw

David Leigh Shearer

Bruce Silva

Josephine Skibby

Timothy Srock

Ted Struck

Keith Sweetnam

Michael and Jeannie

Theilacker

John Eric Thomas

Arya Tohidi

Miles Dale Townsend

Jeanette M. van Emon

Gretchen Vik

Lee Wahlert

Michael Wasilewski and

Stephen Miller

Johnny Watson

Robert Wennerholt

Roland and Loreen

Wilhelmy

Douglas Wilson

Richard Wilson

Chris Witte

Evelyn Jean Wright-Elson

Chi Yau

Our sincere gratitude to all our donors, members, and volunteers whose contributions help us preserve the magnificent Spreckels Organ for the future and ensure that world-class music remains accessible to all.

Thank you!

MONDAY JULY 7 | 7:30PM

Joshua Stafford

Pierre Cochereau (1924-1984)

Scherzo Symphonique (trans. Jeremy Filsell)

Georges Bizet (1838-1875)

Carmen Fantasy (trans. Edwin H. Lemare)

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)

Mon coeur s’ouvre à ta voix, from Samson et Delila (trans. Edwin H. Lemare)

Robert Elmore (1913-1985)

Rhumba

Freddie Mercury (1946-1991)

Bohemian Rhapsody (trans. Joshua Stafford)

George Gershwin (1898-1937)

Three Preludes

I. Allegro ben ritmato e deciso

II. Andante con moto

III. Agitato

George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

Largo from Xerxes

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912)

Three Pieces (trans. A. Eaglefield Hull)

Second Impromptu

Idyll

First Impromptu

Scott Joplin (c. 1868-1917)

The Maple Leaf Rag (trans. James Kennerly)

Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)

Carnival Overture, Op. 92 (trans. Edwin H. Lemare)

Today’s concert is kindly sponsored by: Robert Kilian, Gayle and Dwight Gordon

Audio and video recordings of this performance in any capacity, without prior consent, are strictly prohibited.

Joshua Stafford is noted as a recitalist, improviser, choral conductor, and silent film accompanist. In 2016, Joshua was named the Pierre S. du Pont First Prize Winner of the Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition, which boasts the largest monetary prize of any organ competition. His playing has been lauded for his “meticulous technique, innate yet highly mature musicality, and constant musical engagement.” Joshua has been a regular performer on the world’s two largest pipe organs, the Wanamaker Organ in Philadelphia and Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, and has appeared at churches and concert halls throughout the country.

A native of Jamestown, New York, Mr. Stafford received the bachelor of Music Degree from the Curtis Institute

of Music in 2010 as a scholarship student of Alan Morrison. In 2012 he received his Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music as a student of Thomas Murray (organ performance) and Jeffrey Brillhart (organ improvisation).

Since March of 2023, Mr. Stafford has served as Minister of Music at First Congregational Church in Columbus, Ohio. He is also the Director of Sacred Music and the Jared Jacobsen Chair Organist of Chautauqua Institution in western New York, where he has served since 2020. Previously, Mr. Stafford was Director of Music at Riverside Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Florida from 2021-2023 and at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown, New Jersey, from 2013-2021.

MONDAY JULY 14 | 7:30PM

Richard Hills

Ferdinand Hérold (1791-1833)

Overture: Zampa

Victor Herbert (1859-1924)

Fleurette

Frederic Curzon (1899-1973)

Suite: In Malaga

Spanish Ladies - Serenade to Eulalie - Cachucha

Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller (1904-1943)

Ain’t Misbehavin’

John Ireland (1879-1962)

Villanella, from Miniature Suite

Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864)

Coronation March, from Le Prophète

Sigmund Romberg (1887-1951)

Selection: The Desert Song (arr. Richard Hills (b. 1980)

Billy Mayerl (1902-1959)

Ace of Hearts, from Four Aces Suite

Louis Vierne (1870-1937)

Arabesque and Carillon, from 24 Pièces en style libre

Ronald Hanmer (1917-1994)

Boots and Saddle! A Cowboy Fantasy

Percy Whitlock (1903-1946)

March: Dignity and Impudence

Today’s concert is kindly sponsored by: Isaac & Monica Muñoz, and Anonymous

Audio and video recordings of this performance in any capacity, without prior consent, are strictly prohibited

Richard Hills is one of the very few musicians truly to have bridged and mastered the divide between the world of the classical organ and that of the theatre organ. Having commenced classical organ studies under William Whitehead at Rochester Cathedral, he became Organ Scholar at Exeter College Oxford, studying with David Sanger. Further organ scholarships followed at Portsmouth Cathedral, where he studied with Rosemary Field and at Westminster Abbey.

He now pursues a freelance career and is Organist at St Mary’s, Bourne Street, London. His·career in the theatre organ world has been equally prestigious. He has numerous·prizes and awards to his

credit, both in this country and in the USA, where he was named ‘Organist of the Year’ in 2010 by the American Theatre Organ Society. He has appeared many times on national and international TV and Radio, including solo appearances on programmes as diverse as Radio 3 Choral Evensong and Radio 2’s ‘Friday Night is Music Night’, and has several recording credits. His most recent solo recording was made on the magnificent dual-purpose Compton organ of Southampton’s Guildhall.

When not on the bench Richard serves as Musical Advisor to the Cinema Organ Society and maintains a practical interest in organ building.

MONDAY JULY 21 | 7:30PM

Ken Cowan

IN LOVING MEMORY OF EDWARD BARR

Raffaelle Manari (1887-1933)

Concert Etude on Salve Regina

Edward Elgar (1857-1934)

Sonata in G, Op. 28

I. Allegro maestoso

III. Andante espressivo

Rachel Laurin (1961-2023)

Toccata, from Symphonie No. 1, Op. 36

Jean Roger-Ducasse (1873-1954)

Pastorale

Gunnar Idenstam (b. 1961)

Scherzo II (Polska), from Cathedral Music

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Prelude and Fugue in E minor, BWV 548

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)

Danse macabre, Op. 40 (trans. Ken Cowan)

Iain Farrington (b. 1977)

Live Wire

Exclusive management: Karen McFarlane Artists, Inc www.concertorganists.com

Today’s concert is kindly sponsored by: Jerry Ryan in memory of Ed Barr, and Robert Kilian

Audio and video recordings of this performance in any capacity, without prior consent, are strictly prohibited

Ken Cowan Bio

Regarded as one of North America’s finest concert organists and praised for his dazzling artistry, impeccable technique, and imaginative programming by audiences and critics alike, Ken Cowan maintains a rigorous performing schedule that takes him to major concert venues in America, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Numerous critically acclaimed compact disc recordings by Mr. Cowan are available.  His most recent recordings include Maurice Duruflé: Complete Choral Works (Signum Records), recorded with Robert Simpson and the Houston Chamber Choir (with Ken Cowan serving as organ accompanist) for which the Houston Chamber Choir was awarded a GRAMMY award in 2020 for Best Choral Recording, and Dynamic Duo, (Pro Organo), featuring Mr. Cowan and Bradley Welch in a program of original works and transcriptions for duo organists, performed at Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX.  Many of Mr. Cowan’s recordings and live performances have been featured on the nationally distributed radio program PIPEDREAMS from American Public Media.

Mr. Cowan received his Master of Music degree and Artist Diploma from the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, studying with Thomas Murray. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, studying with John Weaver. Following initial studies with his father, David, his principalteacher during his high school years was James Bigham, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Buffalo, NY. Mr. Cowan is Professor of Organ and head of the organ program at Rice University. He additionally serves as Organist and Artistin-Residence at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, TX.

Edward Barr May 14,1933 to August 30, 2024

Spreckels Organ Society lost a dear friend and major benefactor this past year. Edward began his advocacy for the Spreckels Organ in the early 1970s, when there was a movement to demolish the Pavilion for additional parking space. He, along with Preston “Sandy” Fleet and Organ Curator Lyle Blackinton, requested a meeting with Park officials to plead the case for the preservation of the Organ and Pavilion. Barr and Fleet then made generous donations and created an account with the San Diego Foundation to benefit the Spreckels Organ.

In 1988, the Spreckels Organ Society was formed under the leadership of Vivian Evenson and Civic Organist Robert Plimpton. Edward served as a founding board member and SOS’s historian.

During their active years, Edward and his wife Angie were tireless volunteers doing jobs both large and small. If the Pavilion was open, they were there. The Spreckels Organ Society celebrates, with gratitude, the life of Edward Barr.

MONDAY JULY 28 | 7:30PM

Ahreum Han

Charles-Marie Widor (1844 –1937)

Allegro Vivace, from Symphony for Organ No. 5 in F minor, Op. 42, No. 1

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750)

Praeludium et Fuga in D Major, BWV 532

Scott Joplin (1868-1917)

The Easy Winners: A Ragtime Two Step

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

Fantasy in F minor, KV 594

Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880)

Overture to Orphée aux enfers, from Orpheus in the Underworld (trans. Ahreum Han)

Louis Vierne (1870-1937)

Naïades, Op.55 No.4, from Pièces de Fantaisie pour Grand Orgue

Guy Bovet (B.1942)

Hamburg Totentanz

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)

My Heart at Thy Sweet Voice, from Samson and Delilah

Marco Enrico Bossi (1861-1925)

Etude Symphonique, Op. 78

Today’s concert is kindly sponsored by: Robert Kilian, and Anonymous

Audio and video recordings of this performance in any capacity, without prior consent, are strictly prohibited

Ahreum Han Congdon serves as the Director of Music and Organist at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth. She was previously on the organ faculty at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, and served as the College Organist at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Additionally, she has held positions as the organist at Marquand Chapel of Yale Divinity School and at the Berkeley Divinity School of Yale University.

As a solo recitalist, Ahreum has performed at prestigious venues, including Oxford Town Hall (UK), Nottingham Albert Concert Hall (UK), Michaeliskirche (Leipzig, Germany), the International Organ Festival in Arbon, Switzerland, Esplanade Hall in Singapore, Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall in Philadelphia, PA,

and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, San Diego, CA. Her live performances have been featured on the radio show PIPEDREAMS from American Public Media.

Born in Seoul, Korea, Ahreum immigrated with her family to Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of sixteen. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in organ performance from Westminster Choir College, a Diploma from the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, a Master’s degree from Yale School of Music and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Iowa. Her teachers include Ed Dunbar, Ken Cowan, Alan Morrison, Thomas Murray, and Brett Wolgast.

MONDAY AUGUST 4 | 7:30PM

Alisa Jordheim, Soprano Raúl Prieto Ramírez, San Diego Civic Organist

Organ Prelude (Organ solo)

MUSICAL THEATER

When I Fall in Love (1952), Victor Young (music) and Edward Heyman (lyrics) from Howard Hughes’ last film One Minute to Zero

If I Loved You (1945), Richard Charles Rodgers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics) from the musical Carousel

I Could Have Danced All Night (1956), Frederick Loewe (music) and Alan Jay Lerner (lyrics) from the musical My Fair Lady

LIEDER

Amy Marcy Beach (1867 - 1944): Three Browning Songs Op.44

The Year’s at the Spring - Ah, Love, but a Day! - I Send My Heart up to Thee!

Fanny Mendelssohn (1805 – 1847)

Die Mainacht Op.9, No.6 ‘When the silver moon twinkles through the bushes’ (text by Ludwig Christoph Heinrich Holty)

Nachtwanderer Op.7 No.1 ‘I walk on a silent night’ (text by Joseph von Eichendorff)

Clara Josephine Schumann (1819 - 1896)

Lorelei ‘I’m looking in vain for the reason’ (text by Heinrich Heine)

Organ Interlude (Organ solo)

OPERA ARIAS

Giacomo Puccini (1858 - 1924)

O mio babbino caro, from Gianni Schicchi (1918)

Quando m’en vo, from La bohème (1896)

Signore, ascolta, from Turandot (1926)

Jules Massenet (1842 - 1912): Ah! douce enfant, from Cendrillon (1899)

Giuseppe Verdi (1813 - 1901): Ah! Forse lui… Sempre libera, from La Traviata (1853)

MUSICAL THEATER

Somewhere Over the Rainbow (1939), Harold Arlen (music) and E.Y. Harburg (lyrics) from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz

Begin the Beguine (1935) Cole Porter (music and lyrics) from the 1935 Broadway musical Jubilee

I Got Rhythm (1930) George Gershwin with lyrics by Ira Gershwin from the 1930 musical Girl Crazy

Today’s concert is kindly sponsored by: Gayle and Dwight Gordon, Kathleen Stoughton and Jeffrey Hillman

Audio and video recordings of this performance in any capacity, without prior consent, are strictly prohibited

Alisa Jordheim Bio

Described as “vocally resplendent,” “powerful,” and possessing “impeccable coloratura” (San Francisco Chronicle), soprano Alisa Jordheim makes several exciting role debuts in the 2024/25 season: Violetta in La traviata (Opera Western Reserve), Adina in L’elisir d’amore (New Philharmonic), La Fée in Cendrillon (Opera Orlando), Daria/ Prima Donna in Donizetti’s Viva la Mamma (Florentine Opera), and the Young Girl in Cipullo’s After Life (Music of Remembrance) in Seattle and San Francisco. She also joins San Francisco Opera for productions of The Handmaid’s Tale and Un ballo in maschera. On the concert stage, she performs Carmina Burana with the Pacific Symphony and Evansville Symphony, holiday concerts with San Diego Opera and the Spreckels Organ Society, and an Iconic Broadway concert with the Northwest Indiana Symphony.

Last season, Ms. Jordheim made role debuts as Musetta in La bohème with the Pacific Symphony and Berginella in Songbird with Florentine Opera, made her London debut with the Voces8 Foundation, and made her debut with the Thailand Philharmonic singing Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 and Prangcharoen’s Endless Tears. Other recent engagements include: Gilda in Rigoletto (San Diego Opera, Central City Opera, Pacific Symphony, Amarillo Opera), Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro (Virginia Opera), Cunegonde in Candide (Palm Beach Opera), 1st Knappe in Parsifal (Paris Opera), Ninetta in La gazza ladra (Teatro Nuovo at Lincoln Center), Erste Zofe in Der Zwerg (Enescu Festival), Despina in Così fan tutte (San Diego Opera), Clothilde in Maria, regina d’Inghilterra (Odyssey Opera), and Adele in Die Fledermaus (Central City Opera).

Ms. Jordheim is an alumna of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and has received awards from numerous organizations, including The Sullivan Foundation, Metropolitan Opera National Council, American Scandinavian Foundation, and the Fulbright Foundation.

Artistic Director and San Diego Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez is a concert artist with a busy schedule that takes him to major festivals and concert halls around the world. He is regularly featured in master classes by institutions including Indiana University in Bloomington, Eastman School of Music in Rochester, Rice University in Houston, Moscow Conservatory in Russia, McGill University in Montréal and Graz University in Austria. He also serves on the jury at international organ competitions such as Moscow International and Longwood Gardens International.

His performances have been described by critics as “sizzling,” iconoclastic,” “impeccable” and “transcendent.” His previous positions included artistic direction for the Spanish National Orchestra and Choir in Madrid, the Barcelona International Organ Festival and Academy, and the Sursa-American Organ Competition, among others. A former student of Ludger Lohmann and Leonid Sintsev, Mr. Ramírez’s last two CDs with Brilliant Classics were recorded at the Milan Cathedral and Barcelona’s historic “Palau de la Musica.” Raul resides in UTC with his daughter and wife, who has an award-winning piano studio (www.mariateresastudio.com).

Raúl Prieto Ramírez is represented in North America exclusively by Phillip Truckenbrod Concert Artists, LLC.

O mio babbino caro

O mio babbino caro, Mi piace, è bello; vo’ andare in Porta Rossa a comperar l’anello!

Sì, ci voglio andare!

E se l’amassi indarno, andrei sul Ponte Vecchio, ma per buttarmi in Arno! Mi struggo e mi tormento!

O Dio, vorrei morir! Babbo, pietà!

Oh, my dear papa, I like him, he is so handsome! I want to go to Porta Rossa to buy the ring! Yes, I want to go there!

And if my love were in vain, I would go to the Ponte Vecchio and throw myself in the Arno!

I am anguished and tormented!

Oh God, I should like to die! Papa, have pity!

Quando men vo Quando men vo soletta per la via la gente sosta e mira… e la bellezza mia tutta ricerca in me da capo a pie’.

Ed assaporo allor la bramosia sottil che da gl’occhi traspira; e dai palesi vezzi intender sa alle occulte beltà.

Così l’effluvio del desìo tutta m’aggira; felice mi fa!

E tu che sai, che memori e ti struggi, da me tanto rifuggi?

So ben: le angoscie tue non le vuoi dir, so ben, ma ti senti morir!

When I go out alone in the street people stop and stare… and they examine my beauty from head to foot.

And then I savor the subtle longing that comes from their eyes; they know how to appreciate, beneath obvious charms, all the hidden beauty. Thus the flow of desire completely surrounds me; it makes me happy!

And you who know, who remember and are melting with passion –you avoid me so?

I know well: your sufferings –you don’t want to tell them; I know well, but you feel like you are dying!

Ah! douce enfant

Ah! douce enfant, ta plainte légère comme l’haleine d’une fleur, vient de monter jusqu’à mon coeur.

Ta marraine te voit et te protège;

Ah! espère!

Sylphes, lutins, follets, accourez à m a voix, de tous les horizons, à travers les espaces; Suivez exactement mes lois: Apportez-moi tous vos talents, toutes vos grâces!

Je veux que cette enfant charmante que voici, soit aujourd’hui hors de souci: je le veux, et que par vous splendidement parée, elle connaisse enfin le bonheur à son tour.

Je veux qu’aux fêtes de la cour elle soit la plus belle et la plus admirée!

La plus belle! Je le veux. Ah!

O, ma petite Cendrillon! Fleur d’innocence et d’amour, sur toi je veille!

Ô Cendrillon!

Signore, ascolta!

Signore, ascolta! Ah, signore, ascolta!

Liù non regge più!

Si pezza il cuore!

Ahimè, quanto cammino col tuo nome nell’anima col nome tuo sulle labbra!

Ma se il tuo destino, doman, sarà deciso noi morrem sulla strada dell’esilio!

Ei perderà suo figlio… io l’ombra d’un sorriso!

Liù non regge più!

Ah, pietà!

My lord, listen! Ah, my lord, listen!

Liù will bear no more!

Her heart is breaking!

Alas, what a long road I have travelled with your name in my soul, your name on my lips!

But if your fate will be decided tomorrow, we will die on the path of exile!

He will lose his son... and I, the trace of a smile!

Liù will bear no more!

Ah, have pity!

Ah, forse è lui…Sempre libera Ah, forse è lui che l’anima solinga ne’ tumulti, godea sovente pingere de’ suoi colori occulti! Lui che modesto e vigile all’egre soglie ascese, e nuova febbre accese destandomi all’amor.

A quell’amor che è palpito dell’universo intero, misterioso, altero, croce e delizia al cor!

Follie! Follie! Delirio vano è questo! Povera donna! Sola! Abbandonata in questo popoloso deserto che appellano Parigi, che spero or più? Che far degg’io? Gioire, di voluttà nei vortici perir!

Sempre libera degg’io folleggiar di gioia in gioia, vo’ che scorra il viver mio pei sentieri del piacer. Nasca il giorno o il giorno muoia, sempre lieta ne ritrovi, a diletti sempre nuovi dee volare il mio pensier.

Ah, sweet child, your gentle cry, like the sigh of a flower; has just risen up to my heart.

Your godmother sees you and protects you; Ah, have hope!

Sylphs, sprites, elves, come running at my voice, from all the horizons, across all space; Do exactly as I say:

Bring to me all your talents, all your graces!

I wish that this charming child here today be without cares: I wish it!

And that by you be splendidly adorned, for it is her turn to know what happiness is.

I wish that, at the festivities at the court, she be the loveliest and the most admired!

The most beautiful! I wish it. Ah!

Oh, my little Cendrillon! Flower of innocence and of love, I will watch over you!

Oh, Cendrillon!

Ah, perhaps it could be he whom my soul, alone in the tumult, frequently delighted in depicting in mysterious hues?

He, modest and watchful, visited me when I was ill, and ignited a new fever by awakening my love.

To that love, which is the pulse of the whole universe, mysterious, proud, pain and delight of the heart!

Madness! This is vain delirium! Poor woman! Alone! Abandoned in this crowded wilderness they call Paris, what more can I hope for? What should I do? I must rejoice, must die in a whirlwind of delight!

Always free must I flit from joy to joy, I want my life to race along the paths of joy. From dawn to dusk, always happy I will be, toward ever new delights must my thoughts fly.

Die Mainacht

Wann der silberne Mond durch die Gesträuche blinkt, Und sein schlummerndes Licht über den Rasen streut, Und die Nachtigall flötet, Wandl’ ich traurig von Busch zu Busch.

Selig preis’ ich dich dann, flötende Nachtigall, Weil dein Weibchen mit dir wohnet in Einem Nest, Ihrem singenden Gatten Tausend trauliche Küsse giebt.

Überhüllet von Laub, girret ein Taubenpaar Sein Entzücken mir vor; aber ich wende mich, Suche dunklere Schatten, Und die einsame Thräne rinnt.

Wann, o lächelndes Bild, welches wie Morgenroth Durch die Seele mir stralt, find’ ich auf Erden dich?

Und die einsame Thräne Bebt mir heisser die Wang’ herab.

Nachtwanderer

Ich wandre durch die stille Nacht, Da schleicht der Mond so heimlich sacht

Oft aus der dunkeln Wolkenhülle, Und hin und her im Tal, Erwacht die Nachtigall

Dann wieder alles grau und stille.

O wunderbarer Nachtgesang, Von fern im Land der Ströme Gang, Leis Schauern in den dunkeln Bäumen --

Irrst die Gedanken mir, Mein wirres Singen hier, Ist wie ein Rufen nur aus Träumen.

When the silver moon twinkles through the bushes, And dusts the grass with its sleepy light, And the nightingale pipes like a flute, I wander mournfully from bush to bush.

I call you blessed then, fluting nightingale, For your beloved lives with you in one nest, And gives her singing spouse A thousand loving kisses.

Surrounded with leaves, a pair of doves coos Their delight to me, but I turn away, Seeking darker shadows, And a solitary tear flows.

O smiling image that, like the red light of morning, Shines through my soul, when will I find you on earth?

And the solitary tear Trembles more warmly on my cheek.

I wander through the silent night, The moon sneaks so secretly and gently

Often from the dark cloud cover, And back and forth in the valley, The nightingale awakens Then everything is gray and silent again.

O wonderful night song, From far away in the land of streams, A gentle shiver in the dark trees --

My thoughts wander, My confused singing here, Is like a call only from dreams.

Lorelei

Ich weiß nicht, was soll es bedeuten, Daß ich so traurig bin; Ein Märchen aus alten Zeiten, Das kommt mir nicht aus dem Sinn.

Die Luft ist kühl und es dunkelt, Und ruhig fließt der Rhein; Der Gipfel des Berges funkelt Im Abendsonnenschein.

Die schönste Jungfrau sitzet Dort oben wunderbar, Ihr goldnes Geschmeide blitzet Sie kämmt ihr goldenes Haar.

Sie kämmt es mit goldenem Kamme Und singt ein Lied dabei; Das hat eine wundersame, Gewaltige Melodei.

Den Schiffer im kleinen Schiffe Ergreift es mit wildem Weh; Er schaut nicht die Felsenriffe, Er schaut nur hinauf in die Höh’.

Ich glaube, die Wellen verschlingen Am Ende Schiffer und Kahn; Und das hat mit ihrem Singen Die Lorelei gethan.

I’m looking in vain for the reason That I am so sad and distressed; A tale known for many a season Will not allow me to rest.

Cool is the air in the twilight And quietly flows the Rhine; The mountain top glows with a highlight From the evening sun’s last shine.

The fairest of maiden’s reposing So wonderously up there.

Her golden treasure disclosing; She’s combing her golden hair.

She combs it with comb of gold And meanwhile sings a song With melody strangely bold And overpoweringly strong.

The boatman in his small craft Is seized with longings, and sighs. He sees not the rocks fore and aft; He looks only up towards the skies.

I fear that the waves shall be flinging Both vessel and man to their end; That must have been what with her singing

The Lorelei did intend.

MONDAY AUGUST 11 | 7:30PM

Chelsea Chen

John Weaver (1937-2021)

Variations on “Sine Nomine”

J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV 532

Chelsea Chen (b. 1983)

Children’s Dances (2024)

Louis Vierne (1870-1937)

Naïades Op.55 No.4, from Pièces de fantaisie

Finale, from Symphony No.6, Op.59

Koji Kondo (b. 1961)

Super Mario Fantasia (arr. Chelsea Chen)

Ad Wammes (b. 1953)

Miroir

Marcel Dupré (1886-1971)

Prelude and Fugue in B Major, Op.7 No.1

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)

The Swan, from Carnival of the Animals (trans. A. Guilmant)

Finale, from “Organ” Symphony No. 3 (trans. D. Briggs)

Today’s concert is kindly sponsored by: Elaine Baldwin and Carl Nelson, Robert Kilian

Audio and video recordings of this performance in any capacity, without prior consent, are strictly prohibited

Organist and composer Chelsea Chen is internationally renowned for her concerts of “rare musicality” and “lovely lyrical grandeur,” and a compositional style that is “charming” and “irresistible” (Los Angeles Times). Ms. Chen has electrified audiences throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, and Asia in major concert halls, churches and cathedrals. As a composer she is broadening the organ repertoire with her own works based on Asian folksongs.

Ms. Chen has appeared with orchestras including the Wuhan Philharmonic (China), the Jakarta Simfonia (Indonesia), and the Juilliard Percussion Orchestra. Additionally, she has performed under the baton of eminent conductors including Jahja Ling, JoAnn Falletta, and Victor Yampolsky.

Ms. Chen has recorded multiple CDs: Reveries (2011) at Bethel University, Live at Heinz Chapel (2005), Eastern Treasures with

violinist Lewis Wong (2010), Live at Coral Ridge (2014), and Explorations for Cello and Organ with cellist Joseph Lee (2018). Committed to new music, she has premiered works by composers throughout the world including Ola Gjeilo (Norway/USA), Yui Kitamura (Japan/USA), Paul Desenne (Venezuela), Roderick Gorby (USA), Vincent Rone (USA), and Viviane Waschbüsch (Germany). Her compositions are available exclusively from Wayne Leupold Editions, Inc. The recipient of the 2009 Lili Boulanger Memorial Award, Ms. Chen is a graduate of Juilliard, where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, having studied with John Weaver and Paul Jacobs. She was also a student of Thomas Murray at Yale University, where she earned an Artist Diploma. Her playing has been aired on CNN.com, “Pipedreams” from American Public Media, Hawaii Public Radio, and Taiwan’s Good News Radio. For more information, visit www.chelseachen.com.

MONDAY AUGUST 18 | 7:30PM

An Organ & Orchestra Celebration!

Raúl Prieto Ramírez, organ

Alejandro Gómez Guillén, conductor

Jeff Thayer, concertmaster

Francis Poulenc (1899 – 1963)

Concerto in G minor for Organ, Strings and Timpani

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750)

Concerto for Harpsichord in A major BWV 1055

I. Allegro

II. Larghetto

III. Allegro ma non tanto

Raúl Prieto Ramírez (b. 1979)

Concerto No.1 for Organ and Orchestra

(In loving memory of Dr. Lynn Reaser)

Horatio William Parker (1863 - 1919)

Concerto for Organ and Orchestra Op.55

I. Allegro moderato

II. Allegretto, ma ben moderato

III. Allegro moderato, molto resoluto

Raul Prieto Ramirez is represented in North America exclusively by Phillip Truckenbrod Concert Artists, LLC www.concertartists.com

Today’s concert is kindly sponsored by: Elaine Baldwin and Carl Nelson

Ed and Eveline Eng

Audio and video recordings of this performance in any capacity, without prior consent, are strictly prohibited

Alejandro Gómez

Guillén Bio

Alejandro Gómez Guillén is a conductor and violinist committed to making music compelling, uplifting, and educational. He is the Director of Orchestras at Arizona State University, where he recently led the Arizona collegiate premiere of William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony. He also serves as Music Director of Sphere Ensemble, where he explores string orchestra masterpieces across genres and eras.

Previously, Alejandro served as Assistant Conductor of the Omaha Symphony, participating in the premiere of Andy Akiho’s Grammy-nominated Sculptures, and as Artistic Director of the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, conducting the Indiana premiere of Florence Price’s Fourth Symphony. As Associate Conductor of the Fort Worth Symphony, he led community and education programs, collaborating with artists such as Time for Three and Cecilia Duarte. As a guest conductor, Alejandro has worked with orchestras across the U.S. and abroad, including the Orlando Philharmonic, Virginia Symphony, Illinois Symphony, and Orquesta Filarmónica de Bogotá.

He has performed at the Oregon Bach Festival and collaborated with conductors like Robert Spano and Tito Muñóz.

A Colombian-American conductor and violinist, Alejandro holds degrees in conducting and violin from Texas Christian University School of Music and the University of Colorado at Boulder. Off the podium, he enjoys trail running, singing, and making music with his family.

@alejandromusick

Jeff Thayer Bio

Violinist Jeff Thayer holds the Deborah Pate and John Forrest Concertmaster Chair of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Thayer is also a founding member of the Camera Lucida chamber music ensemble, formerly in residence at UCSD’s Conrad Prebys Music Center. Previous positions include assistant concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, associate concertmaster of the North Carolina Symphony and concertmaster of the Canton (OH) Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Thayer

was also formerly on the violin faculty of the Music Academy of the West where he also served as concertmaster for 13 years. He is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Eastman School of Music and The Juilliard School’s Pre-College Division. His teachers include Zvi Zeitlin, Donald Weilerstein, Dorothy DeLay and William Preucil.

A native of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Mr. Thayer began violin lessons with his mother at the age of three. Festivals include Interlochen, the Pierre Monteux Festival, Astoria Music Festival, the National Orchestral Institute, the National Youth Symphony, the Grand Teton Music Festival, Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, La Jolla SummerFest, Mainly Mozart Festival (San Diego), Festival der Zukunft and the Tibor Varga Festival (Switzerland).

See Page 33 for bio.

San Diego International Summer Organ Festival Orchestra Members

Jeff Thayer, concertmaster

Francesca Fetten

Jesús Cervantes

Jeff Thayer

Jisun Yang

Missy Lukin

Margeaux Maloney

Pei-Chun Liebhaber

Sarah Schwartz

Tiffany Wee

Xiaoxuan Shi

Yumi Cho

Viola

Angela Choong

Annabelle Terbetski

Greg Perrin

Linda Piatt

Robyn Glasson

Cello

Andrew Hayhurst

Ben Solomonow

Jian Wang

Nathan Walhout

Peter Ko

Bass

Aaron Blick

Kevin Gobetz

Horn

Benjamin Jaber

Doug Hall

John Degnan

Tricia Skye

Trumpet

Chris Smith

Matt Fitzsimmons

Trombone

Eric Starr

Gregory Ochotorena

Kyle Mendiguchia (Bass Trombone)

Tuba

Joe Mora

Harp

Stefan Wendel

Timpani

David Whitman

Scholarship Awards 2025

with the American Guild of Organists San Diego Chapter

Ace Narvasa is 11 years old and is in the fifth grade at Los Peñasquitos Elementary School. He has studied piano for six and a half years and organ for one with Leslie Wolf Robb. Ace also plays saxophone in his school’s band. He enjoys playing tennis and soccer, and spending time with his family and his dog Lacey. Ace is the 2025 recipient of the Novice Division Scholarship from the Spreckels Organ Society.

Yuhan Jackson is 12 years old and in sixth grade at Francis Parker School. He is thrilled and honored to be returning to the Spreckels Organ for this special performance! Yuhan has been the recipient of the American Guild of Organists Scholarship and the Spreckels Organ Society Scholarship each year since 2021. He has studied piano for seven years and organ for five years, both with Leslie Wolf Robb. Yuhan also plays the trombone in his school band. He loves being outside, biking, skiing, playing tennis, basketball and baseball. He enjoys reading and spending time with his family and with his dog, Checkers.

Aska Enomoto, 15 years old, has recently completed 9th grade at The Bishop’s School. She has been studying the organ with Leslie Wolf Robb for nearly 9 years. She has been a recipient of the AGO and Spreckels scholarships since 2016. This year, for the second time, Aska was the gold medal winner in the Southern California Junior Bach Festival Complete Works Audition and will receive the Sylvia Shorey Barton Memorial Scholarship. Each time she performs at Spreckels, she is captivated by the powerful sound of the organ resonating beyond the building and fading into the air, especially on cloudy days, when echoes are enhanced by the reflection of the sound off the sky. Beyond the pipe organ, she is an active participant in Model United Nations, where she focuses on creating sustainable solutions and has earned the Best Delegate award. She is also involved in Speech & Debate, and plays field hockey.

MONDAY AUGUST 25 | 7:30PM

Not-So-Silent Movie Night Russ Peck, organist

1920s Style Organ Solos until the darkness of the night takes over the Pavilion (normally 30’)

FILMS

“Putting Pants on Philip”, 1927 (approx. 20’)

“Two Tars”, 1928 (approx. 20’)

“Liberty”, 1929 (approx. 20’)

Today’s concert is kindly sponsored by: Peter and Connie Van Putten in memory of Aunt Leona Johnson, who loved Movie Night. Ed and Eveline Eng

Audio and video recordings of this performance in any capacity, without prior consent, are strictly prohibited

Russ Peck began his musical studies with piano in 1965, moving to the organ in 1970. He studied under an organ scholarship at Whitman College with Professor Stanley R. Plummer, graduating in 1980.

Mr. Peck specializes in the creation and performance of silent film scores to authentically recreate the movie going experience prior to the advent of sound. He played his first public film performance in 1981 under the tutelage of Colonel Harry J. Jenkins, a former Boston area 1920s silent film organist. Russ performs regularly on the Spreckels Organ, where he also works as the Associate Curator, one of his duties as an employee of the L.W. Blackinton and Associates organ building company. He has also played 11 silent film seasons at San Diego Symphony Hall/Jacobs Music Center and is House Organist and Associate Curator for the Balboa Theatre in San Diego, currently performing for their “Silent Mondays” film series. Another regular venue for Russ has been for the silent film series at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse in San Gabriel, California.

In addition to his theatre organ work, Russ is the organist and music director for Resurrection Lutheran Church on Coronado Island on a pipe organ that he helped restore and install. He is also the Principal Tympanist for the Tifereth Israel

Community Orchestra and has worked as a tympanist and percussionist for the The Imperial Valley Symphony, The Coronado Concert Band, and The Hillcrest Wind Ensemble, as well as other musical organizations.

Formerly a Video Engineer for 28 years with Voice and Video in San Diego, Russ now owns and operates V dash V Service, specializing in the the repair and restoration of vintage audio and motion picture equipment. One of his current projects is designing vacuum tube analog special effects for the “Drumetrics” company in San Diego. He also operates ham radio station KG6CLA, primarily with vintage equipment.

Lastly, Russ is an active member of both the “American Theatre Organ Society” and the “American Guild of Organists”, recently being the recipient of the AGO’s “Outstanding Performer 2025” award from the San Diego chapter.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 1 | 7:30PM

The Beatles 60th San Diego Anniversary!

with Organ-Ismic, The Spreckels Organ Pavilion Classic Rock Band

John Lenon: Imagine

Penny Lane (Magical Mystery Tour, 67)

I Am The Walrus (Magical Mystery Tour, 67)

Rain (Paperback Writer, 66)

Here comes the Sun (Abbey Road, 69)

Maxwell’s Silver Hammer (Abbey Road, 69)

Octopus’s Garden (Abbey Road, 69)

Something (Abbey Road, 69)

Come together (Abbey Road, 69)

Michelle (Rubber Soul, 65)

Lady Madonna (The Beatles, 68)

Everybody’s got something to hide except for me and my monkey (The Beatles, 68)

Helter Skelter (The Beatles, 68)

Here there and everywhere (Revolver, 66)

All you need is love (Yellow Submarine, 69)

Eleanor Rigby (Yellow Submarine, 69)

Yellow submarine (Yellow Submarine, 69)

Lucy in the sky with diamonds (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, 67)

Little help from my friends (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, 67)

Get back (Let it be, 70)

Let it be (Let it be, 70)

Today’s concert is kindly sponsored by: : Jerry, Lily, Ryan, and Vivian Lang in loving memory of their grandparents, Vivian and Oberlin Evenson, SOS founders, who gave so much of themselves and their treasure to the Spreckels Organ Society.

Audio and video recordings of this performance in any capacity, without prior consent, are strictly prohibited

BEN ZINN Guitar

HARLEY MAGSINO Bass Guitar

RICHARD “T-BONE” LARSON Drums

CHLOE LOU Vocals

LAUREN LEIGH Vocals and Guitar

RAÚL PRIETO RAMÍREZ Organ

WILLIAM FLEMING Vocals

SPECIAL SUNDAY CONCERTS

Every Sunday 2 pm

A relaxed and fun way to enjoy one of San Diego´s most iconic venues. Join us for one-hour performances, all year round, shine or rain. Listed are special concerts. Save the date and don’t miss out. All concerts are open to the public free of charge.

October 26

Little Big Guests:

SD Youth Symphony Halloween Concert Orchestras from SD Youth Symphony perform with Raúl Prieto Ramírez at the organ

November 9

Sunday to Celebrate: Veterans Day Sousa Palooza!

Artistic Director/Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez performs a tribute to USA War Veterans

November 16 Opera4Kids

The Enchanted Tail, with Victoria Robertson & Bernardo Bermúdez (Opera4Kids)

November 30

Family Discovery Day: Dance Day

Featuring San Diego Youth Ballet with selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker

December 14

Sunday to Celebrate: Christmas Carol Sing-Along

Featuring lead singer Lauren Leigh and audience participation onstage

We’d

VOLUNTEERS AND SERVICES

The San Diego International Summer Organ Festival is possible thanks to the kind support of the Festival Volunteer Crew and Service Providers:

Visual Designer

Stephanie Norbeck

Public Relations

Bloom Public Relations

Audience

Ambassadors

Bob Kilian

Bobbie Thyfault

Casey Konop

Dave Stout

Gary Allard

Joyce Kelly

Kathryn Bunch

Qian Li

Printing Services

Custom Printing, San Diego

Live Sound & Lighting

Dave Wave

Operations Team

Audio/Lighting/Video/

Stage Production

Dennis R. Fox

Isaac Muñoz

Norris Culf

Patricia Murray

Photographers

Bob Lang

Dwight Gordon

Eric Bergstedt

Society Membership

Ambassadors

Bill Devor

Jean Samuels

Jeffrey Druck

Linda Arvay

Serena MeadowsGraves

Live Projections SonderEyes

Artists Accommodation Firsix Vacation Home Rental www.firsix.com

Stage Managers

Kristine Press

Tom Hay Bauer

SDSU Student Interns

Kekoa Bright

Maximus Quirino

Ruhi Shroff

History

Spreckels Organ Pavilion History

A renowned San Diego icon and National Historic Site, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion was constructed for the 1915 PanamaCalifornia Exposition. This extraordinary gift was made by brothers John D. and Adolf B. Spreckels to the people of San Diego who welcomed the Organ’s first performance on December 31, 1914, with more than 30,000 people in attendance. The Spreckels Organ has since entertained and engaged millions of guests from around the world who have enjoyed Sunday afternoon and holiday concerts as well as an International Summer Organ Festival, the largest of its kind in the United States. Today, the Spreckels Organ, with its 5098 pipes, has the distinction of being the largest open-air musical instrument in the world. In 1988, the nonprofit Spreckels Organ Society was formed “to preserve, program, and promote the Spreckels Organ as a world treasure for all people.” In accordance with the 1915 Deed of Gift, all concerts at the Pavilion are free and open to the public. The Spreckels Organ Society works cooperatively with the City of San Diego to fulfill this promise. Together they support San Diego’s internationally acclaimed Civic Organist and the Organ Curator, an expert in maintaining the Organ.

Civic Organists

1915-1932 – Dr. Humphrey J. Stewart

1933-1954 – Royal Brown

1954-1957 – Charles Shatto

1957-1978 – Douglas Duncan

1978-1984 – Jared Jacobsen

1984-2000 – Robert Plimpton

2001-2016 – Dr. Carol Williams

2018-Present – Raúl Prieto Ramírez

Curators

1914 – Installer – Edward Crome

1914-1915 – Anton Rokos

1915-1932 – Roy W. Tolchard

1932-1947 – E. A. Spencer

1947-1974 – Leonard Dowling

1974-2015 – Lyle W. Blackinton

2016-Present – Dale Sorenson

Spreckels Pipe Organ at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park

World’s Largest Outdoor Musical Instrument

San Diego’s Historic Musical Voice

Twilight in the Park

CONCERT SHCEDULE | 6:30 - 7:30 pm, unless otherwise noted

JULY

8th—Kearny Mesa Concert Band www.kearnymesaconcertband.com

9th—Crimson Collar Facebook.com/crimsoncollarband

10th—Summer Breeze SD www.summerbreezesd.com

15th—Ginger Cowgirl www.facebook.com/gingercowgir www.instagram.com/stacyantonel

16th—Pomerado Community Band www.pomeradoband.org

17th—Pretending Chrissie * Facebook: PretendingChrissie www.instagram.com/ pretenderstributeband

22nd—Julia Sage and the Bad Hombres www.instagram.com/thejuliasage

23rd—Bayou Brothers www.facebook.com/TheBayouBrothers

24th—3 CAR GARAGE www.3CarGarageBand.com

29th—Flying Mangos www.facebook.com/flyingmangos

30th—Jack Attack Band www.jackattackband.com

31st—SantanaWays www.santanaways.com

AUGUST

5th—Matchbox Twenty Too www.MatchBoxTwentyToo.com

6th—MOXIE All-Woman Band www.moxiegirlband.com

7th—Charlie Chavez y su Afrotruko www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100059933892857

12th—San Diego Concert Band www.facebook.com/sandiegoconcertband

13th—Michael Sanchez www.facebook.com/MichaelSanchezMusic

14th—6-7pm—Matt Hill and the Black Spurs www.instagram.com/mattru_hill

19th—The Marcia Forman Band www.marciaformanband.com

20th—New Catillacs www.facebook.com/NewCatillacs

21st—Moonlight Serenade Orchestra * www.themso.com

26th—Coronado Concert Band www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61564351287373

27th—Matthew Phillips www.instagram.com/matthewphillips

28th—Back Pocket Whiskey Fellas www.asspocketwhiskeyfellas.com