As part of the Riverland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists’ Lenten series, an organ concert will be presented here at the Shrine that will feature two of the Shrine’s own staff musicians, Andrew McDonald and Madeleine McDonald, joined by flutist Mackenzie Taylor. The concert, being on Laetare Sunday, is a Lenten recital titled, “Death and Resurrection.” 

The theme centers around two points: the miraculous story of Holy Week and reflecting on our sins and the grace needed for salvation. Music will feature composers of the great organ tradition such as Bach, Brahms, Boulanger, Langlais, and others.  A setting of the Requiem text, Pie Jesu, will be sung, and the traditional Pange Lingua will be chanted in versets with the organ.  Other highlights of the concert include a set of pieces for flute and organ duet and an organ piece based on the gradual chant from the Requiem Mass.

The Shrine’s magnificent 50-rank, 40-stop pipe organ will be used to great effect, and a tour of the organ will be available immediately following the concert.

This event is free and open to all. It will be in the church of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on March 10, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.