The lights were dim, the stained glass shrouded in darkness, the cavernous expanse of gothic architecture was filled only with the sounds of discordant foreboding. Although ominous, the atmosphere was mostly resonating with mischievous delight as the organ recital was about to begin. With performers in costume, decorations aplenty, a table full of edible treats, and good music in store, all looked forward to the spooky fun ahead.
At last, it all began with the first in a series of unique anecdotes (with sound effects), placed strategically to complement the recital program. As the performers began to display their skills, one couldn't help but notice how well the organ music itself was a dark, varied array of creative and artistic splendor. In addition to standards like Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" (played by John Mitchell) and Boellman's "Toccata" from the "Suite Gothique" (played by Tamar Genossar), there was an unexpected and dominating presence of newer writing. From Nobuo Uematsu's "Final Fantasy" video game music (played by David Poon), to Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera" (played by Michael Molnar), to a piece from Vancouver's own Denis Bedard for pedals alone (played by Rachel Alflatt). Yoon Park tackled the demanding Prelude from Durufle's only Suite, and Sam Balden, our Master of Ceremonies, performed extracts from the Kyrie of a little known mass (by Zbigniew Preisner), and the very well known Funeral March of a Marionette (by Charles Gounod). Not at all regular Sunday fare at St. Andrew's-Wesley, we were all grateful to Cindy Leung for organizing the event and Darryl Nixon for facilitating it's execution.

The organ itself was a magnificent beast, capable of creating subtle and eerie tones, and of generating a commanding wall of sound. Naturally, all were appreciative of every one of these elements as they combined to make this aesthetic event as noteworthy as it was. Many of the audience members were in costumes themselves, and all ensured that the festivities lingered well after the last mighty chord of the evening resonated through the echoing hall. Photos, a small reception, and merry chattering continued until the doors at last closed. With that end, this event became more than just a memory, it was in the hearts of many a memorable celebration of the music of the glorious king of instruments...the pipe organ!

Written by Michael Molnar