The pipe organ has long been at the heart of Christian worship, its resonance filling cathedrals, chapels, and churches for centuries. But while the organ remains a pillar of sacred music, the works performed on it continue to evolve. On February 21, 2025, at 7 p.m., Harvard University organist Carson Cooman will bring contemporary compositions from around the world to St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in New Canaan, presenting a program that highlights the instrument’s enduring role in modern worship and concert settings.
Cooman, known for his advocacy of contemporary organ music, has premiered more than 300 works and recorded over 7,000 compositions by living composers. His recital at St. Michael’s will feature works by composers from the United States, Sweden, Italy, Japan, and Canada, including two world premieres by New Canaan resident Gwyneth Walker.
The Organ as a Living Tradition
While the organ is often associated with the grandeur of past centuries, its repertoire is far from static. Church musicians and composers continue to shape its sound, expanding its expressive potential. Rev. [Pastor’s Name], pastor at St. Michael’s, noted that hosting a concert like this reflects the church’s commitment to both honoring tradition and embracing innovation.
“The organ has always been more than just an instrument—it’s a voice of faith,” said Rev. [Name]. “Every era has brought new music to the church, and these composers are carrying that tradition forward in ways that speak to the faith community today.”
Walker’s two premieres—Greet the Day and As Evening Falls—offer meditations on time, renewal, and reflection. Inspired by the Sanskrit poet Kalidasa, Greet the Day is a celebration of morning’s arrival, its bright, syncopated rhythms reflecting a sense of energy and possibility. As Evening Falls, a contemplative counterpart, embraces richer harmonies and descending lines to evoke the hush of twilight.
“For me, music is a way to translate emotions, faith, and poetry into something that can be felt and experienced in a profound way,” Walker said. “The organ, with its range and power, allows for such deep expression.”
Cooman’s program showcases how contemporary composers from different traditions approach the organ, blending sacred themes with diverse influences.
Karen Beaumont’s Trilogie du Troubadour reimagines melodies from medieval France, Spain, and Italy, fusing historical elements with modern harmonies.
Nancy Galbraith’s Prelude and Estampie echoes the rhythmic drive of medieval dance forms.
Yûitirô Katô’s Variations No. 4 explores counterpoint, drawing on his background in medieval and Renaissance musical structures.
Alexander Dmitriev’s Morning Has Broken and Alla Borzova’s Variations on “Amazing Grace” offer fresh perspectives on familiar sacred melodies.
Carlotta Ferrari’s Toccata ostinata and Thomas Åberg’s Toccata No. 4 emphasize the organ’s percussive and dynamic possibilities.
Villemo Daneling’s Folk Dance and Iteke Prins’s Meditation bring folk-inspired and introspective elements to the program.
Cooman, who has served at Harvard’s Memorial Church since 2006, emphasized that contemporary organ music reflects a global conversation about faith and musical expression.
“Each of these composers brings a unique perspective on how the organ can express spiritual and artistic ideas,” Cooman said. “This program is a testament to how sacred music continues to grow and transform.”
Concert Details
The recital will take place at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 5 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., with a free reception following the performance. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $20 to support future musical programming.
For more information, visit www.carsoncooman.com.
