March 17: First of Chrism Mass chorale rehearsals

Changes made in rehearsal schedule

ROCKFORD—Diocesan Chorale director Valerie Oestry says one rehearsal for the March 29 Chrism Mass had to be switched due to a conflict. 

The revised schedule is as follows:

Saturday, March 17, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 845 W. Main St., West Dundee

Thursday, March 22, 7-9 p.m. at Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St., Rockford

Thursday, March 29, 9 a.m. call for 11 a.m. Chrism Mass, at Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St., Rockford

There is no rehearsal on Saturday, March 24, in Rockford.  

Oestry sent these changes after the March 16 issue of The Observer went to press.

SATB vocalists are welcome to join the chorale and the Marian Central Catholic High School choir for the Mass.

Info: rockforddiocesechorale@gmail.com

Oct. 15: Celebrity organist to perform at St. Catherine of Siena

WEST DUNDEE— Organ maestro Hector Olivera will perform at 3 p.m., Oct. 15, at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 845 W. Main St., here.
The concert is free but donations to subsidize future organ concerts will be appreciated.
Olivera is a world-renown improviser who can spontaneously generate imaginative, complex compositions. 
As the son of an organist, Olivera started playing the organ at age 3 and entered the Buenos Aires Conservatory at age 6. 
He grew up without access to much printed/published organ music. As a boy, he listened to and transcribed great organ symphonies and concertos.
As an adult, he has played every important organ in every distinguished church and concert hall in the world.
He is known for astonishing keyboard velocity and his savant like musical gifts.  He has been known to say, “Hold onto your hats, this is going to be loud and fast”.
Olivera's concert is being co-sponsored by Allen Organs and Allen Organs of Chicago (Bolingbrook). 
Info: 847/426-2217.