20th Anniversary of the Fritts Grand Gallery Organ

Dr. Paul Thornock, organist
Sunday, March 7, 2027 at 3:00 p.m.

Join us this Laetare Sunday for a special organ recital celebrating the 20^th anniversary of our marvelous Paul Fritts (Op. 25) Grand Gallery Organ, a.k.a. ‘Big Red’. Director of Music and Organist of Saint Joseph Cathedral from 1999-2015, Dr. Paul Thornock played an instrumental role in the installation of this landmark instrument; he will share his talents with us this afternoon in commemoration of this festive occasion. Plan to attend this exciting event!

Admission is a suggested donation of $10 at the door.

Improvised Meditations on the Stations of the Cross

Sixth Annual Presentation
Dr. Richard K. Fitzgerald, organist

Palm Sunday, March 21, 2027 at 3:00 P.M.

Recognized in the U.S. and abroad for his improvisation skills, Dr. Fitzgerald will present his sixth-annual improvised meditations on the Stations of the Cross. His improvisation talent has taken him to several important competitions including to the Netherlands (semi-finalist, 53rd Haarlem International Organ Improvisation Competition), and to Ann Arbor, Michigan (first place, 2nd Annual Competition on Organ Improvisation, University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor Chapter of the American Guild of Organists), and to the National Competition in Organ Improvisation (semi-finalist) sponsored by the American Guild of Organists.

Richard will call upon his own personal faith to respond to Christ’s suffering and death on the cross in a way that will enhance the listener’s spiritual pilgrimage through contemplation of the Passion of Christ. Please join us for this extraordinary musical experience as Dr. Fitzgerald draws upon his creativity as both an improviser and organist; he will use the full resources of the Fritts Grand Gallery Organ. This performance promises to be a great way to prepare for the Easter celebration.

The Office of Tenebrae

Good Friday, March 26, 2027 at 8:00 P.M.

The Cathedral Schola’s annual presentation of music for Tenebrae, featuring motets of Gesualdo, and Tallis’ Lamentations of Jeremiah, has become one of the Cathedral’s most popular events. The evening is marked by the gradual extinction of candles, culminating in the performance of Gregorio Allegri’s Miserere in a completely darkened Cathedral.

The Office of Compline (April)

Sunday, April 11, 2027 at 8:00 P.M.

The Office lasts about 40 minutes and consists of psalms, short passages from scripture, an office hymn, a canticle (Nunc Dimittis), a responsory, collect and additional prayers. In keeping with the earliest practices of the monastic communities, Compline is offered when the work of the day is completed—a time when the quietness of evening settles over the hearts and minds of those who have come together. It is an opportunity for reflection, to offer gratitude for the blessings of the day which has passed, and to anticipate God’s gift of a new day to come. We hope you will join us for this unique spiritual experience.

Gege Bi, Organist

Sunday, April 25, 2027 at 3:00 p.m.

Miss Bi is the Wayne Lawson Memorial Organ Scholar of Saint Joseph Cathedral for the 2026-2027 season, where she assists Dr. Fitzgerald in all aspects of administering Cathedral Music. Originally from Beijing, she is completing a Master of Music degree from the prestigious Eastman School of Music under the direction of David Higgs.

Admission for this concert event is a suggested donation of $10 at the door.

Donor Concert

Sunday, May 16, 2027 at 7:30 P.M.

Those who have generously supported the work of Cathedral Music will be invited to a private concert in their honor. This annual concert is the Cathedral musicians’ way of showing appreciation to those who make the Cathedral Concerts possible. A reception will follow in the Cathedral undercroft.

Saint Joseph Cathedral Music

2026-2027 Concert Series