Richard Webster's music featured at TWO churches dedicated to St. Luke the Evangelist

St. Luke's Church, Evanston, Illinois

St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Evanston will mark their patronal feast and the centennial of their legendary Skinner organ, Opus 327, with a Festival of Hymns and Anthems on Saturday, October 15 at 4:00pm. The event will be led by Richard Webster, St. Luke's Organist and Choirmaster Emeritus; Peter Morey, current Organist; the Gaudete Brass; St. Luke's Choir; Stephen Buzard of Chicago's St. James Cathedral; and dozens of choir alumni who will return for the occasion. The program will feature anthems and hymn arrangments by Webster and the premeire of a new organ work by Malcolm Archer, Celebration for Organ, commissioned for the occasion.

The historic organ at St. Luke's was dedicated with a series of recitals during the week of October 15, 1922. The organ underwent a complete restoration from 1994 to 1998 and is celebrated internationally as one of Ernest Skinner's finest, most complete instruments.

St. Luke's Church, Gladstone, New Jersey

On Sunday, October 16 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Gladstone, New Jersey, Richard Webster's newly commissioned work, Mass in Honor of St. Luke, for congregation, choir and organ, will receive its premiere under the direction of Brian Preston Harlow, Organist & Choirmaster. Brian writes:

"When choir member Jennifer Pierson came to me with the idea of a gift to the music program, I wanted to use the donation for something that would endure and continue to bless the church for years. I believe that Richard Webster has composed a memorable Mass that will be of benefit to St. Luke’s as well as the wider Episcopal Church. I am especially delighted with his ability to compose beautiful melodies that flow naturally from the text, supported by elegant accompaniments. Music becomes yet another form of outreach through which St. Luke’s Church can bless others. Sadly, Jennifer died before she could hear the music performed; we offer it today in her memory."

Watch the livestream here at 9:30 Eastern on Sunday.