Did you know that two years have passed since the Basilica’s last organ recital? In the summer of 2020, the Basilica was unable to offer its traditional organ recitals due to the restrictions on Houses of Worship during the pandemic. Now, as we resume normalcy, this year we are pleased to announce that the Summer Organ Recital Series has returned! On every Sunday during July and August, the organ recitals will take place in the Great Upper Church at 6:00pm, preceded by a carillon prelude performed by Dr. Robert Grogan, our Carillonneur and Organist Emeritus.
This summer, we welcome organists from Massachusetts, New York, Georgia, Montana, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Each musician will perform a broad range of repertoire on the magnificent Basilica organs. The three Basilica organists (Dr. Peter Latona, Benjamin LaPrairie, and Andrew Vu) will also each perform a recital.
Here at Mary’s Shrine, the organ serves a vital role in the daily Liturgies, drawing the faithful into a deep encounter with the one true God through the gift of music. It is our hope that in hearing the majestic melodies of the organs, pilgrims are united in the singing of hymns and psalms – not just in voice, but in heart and mind. The Summer Organ Recital Series enables our organists to introduce visitors to the vast body of non-liturgical music composed for the organ throughout the centuries. It also provides the public with a unique opportunity to hear acclaimed organists from all over the world.
The recitals presented at the Basilica are free and open to everyone; tickets are not required. We appreciate free-will donations, which can be made during each recital. For more details, please visit https://www.nationalshrine.org/events/.
We look forward to sharing the glorious music of the organ with you and hope that your soul is uplifted by this year’s Summer Organ Recital Series.