Manz Archive

Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota is pleased to announce that it has become the home for a newly established Paul Manz Archive. Through the generosity of Paul and Ruth Manz, materials spanning the course of Manz’s life and career from his childhood in Cleveland to his retirement in Minneapolis have been placed in the university’s library where, after final cataloging, they will be available to all interested parties. Included in the collection are numerous photos, recordings, letters, his personal library of organ literature, manuscript copies of many of his published works for choir and organ, and a wealth of programs from the many concerts and hymn festivals that Manz played over the course of his career. An important and significant resource for church musicians, organists and musicologists, further information on the Paul Manz Archive can be obtained by contacting the University Librarian at Concordia, Charlotte Knoche at knoche@csp.edu

Scott Hyslop Receives Alan Laufman Research Grant

The Organ Historical Society has announced that Scott Hyslop (has) been selected to receive (an) Alan Laufman Research Grant for research projects related to the organ.
Paul Manz is the topic of Scott Hyslop’s research. In addition to a biography, a review of Manz’s contributions and achievements, and an analysis of his compositions, Hyslop plans to produce a CD-ROM that will include sound clips, interviews, photos and manuscripts. He is currently a candidate for the DMA in church music at the University of Michigan.
According to the guidelines established for the Laufman grants, eligible projects may include research related to a broad range of topics, including instruments, builders, history, repertoire, performance practice and composers. In all, seven applications were received this year by the committee of the OHS Publications Governing Board charged with reviewing and evaluating applications. Further information about Alan Laufman Research Grants may be found on the Organ Historical Society website: www.organsociety.org. Click on OHS Press/Alan Laufman Grant.

Copyright © 2006 The Diapason, August 2006, p. 4. Used with Permission. www.TheDiapason.com

A new anthem by James Biery, FAGO, was premiered at a Festival of Hymns at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Florence, South Carolina on May 6. Yet I Will Rejoice in the Lord is a setting of verses from the third chapter of Habakkuk and is scored for choir, oboe, cello, and organ. St. John’s Episcopal Church commissioned the anthem in memory of and as a tribute to five recently deceased choir members. In addition to the premiere, the hymn festival featured organ music and hymn tunes by James Biery and hymn texts by Marilyn Biery. James Biery was conductor and organist. The St. John’s Choir was joined by guest singers from other local congregations. Tammy Williams is music director at St. John’s. Yet I will Rejoice in the Lord is scheduled for publication in 2007 by MorningStar Music Publishers of St. Louis.

Copyright © 2006 The Diapason, August 2006, p. 6. Used with Permission. www.TheDiapason.com

Andrew Carter’s Magnificat Performed in France

Magnificat by Andrew Carter MSM-70-007A, $7.00

We are just back from Burgundy where we had a very happy experience with the two French performances of the Carter Magnificat last week. Given that it was performed with organ only and therefore lacked the orchestral colour, it proved to be a successful piece in spite of that.
The combined adult singers were well rehearsed, and two different children's choirs were also well disciplined. What really made it was an imaginative organ accompanist, Sylvain Pluyaut coupled with a very experienced conductor, Pierre Cao. There were large audiences in both
cathedrals and prolonged applause. I have never signed so many autographs in printed copies.

Ever,

Andrew