Join us is Lewiston, Maine!
F R I D A Y • O C T O B E R 1 5 , 2 0 2 7 • 7 P M
Performing
Bradley Hunter Welch
Bradley Hunter Welch is in strong demand as a recitalist, concerto soloist, and collaborative artist. His performances have been praised for their "visceral excitement, welcome naturalness, and effortless grace."A native of Knoxville, TN, Bradley holds the Doctor of Musical Arts, Master of Musical Arts, Master of Music degrees, and the Artist Diploma from Yale University. He also holds the Bachelor of Music degree magna cum laude from Baylor University. Dr. Welch is a gifted teacher with particular emphasis on maximizing the expressive capabilities of any instrument; effective collaboration with choirs, instruments, and ensembles; and a coordinated, healthy approach to technique that maximizes pedal and manual technique. (Read more here) 
Ken Cowan
Ken Cowan is one of North America’s finest concert organists. Praised for his dazzling artistry, impeccable technique and imaginative programming by audiences and critics alike, he maintains a rigorous performing schedule which takes him to major concert venues and churches in America, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Recent feature performances have included appearances at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa California, Philadelphia’s Verizon Hall, Spivey Hall, and Walt Disney Concert Hall, as well as concerts in Germany and Korea. In addition, Mr. Cowan has been a featured artist in recent years at the national conventions of the American Guild of Organists held in Los Angeles and Minneapolis, has performed at many regional conventions of the AGO, and has been featured at several conventions of the Organ Historical Society and the Royal Canadian College of Organists. (Read more here) |
The Venue
Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul
122 Ash St, Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 777-1200 Saints Peter and Paul Parish, founded in 1870, is the oldest parish for the French-speaking Catholics in the Diocese of Portland. For the French Canadians who began arriving in Lewiston in the mid-19th century, the Catholic church was, next to the family, the focal point of life. Under the guidance of the Church, virtually every spiritual, social, recreational, and educational need was taken care of. These French Canadians who immigrated south looking for work in the Lewiston mills were proud, strong, and hard working people. Below is the timeline of how Saints Peter and Paul evolved. The history of Saints Peter and Paul parish isn't just the chronicle of an old church, but of the amazing faith of the French immigrants whose struggles, patience, and great generosity built it. It reflects an aspect of the immigrant experience played out over and over again across the United States. In this way, the history of Saints Peter and Paul is an invaluable chapter on the history of this nation. (Read more here) 
The Casavant Organ at the Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul
It is not without justification that the pipe organ is called the "king of instruments". As a single instrument, it can not only rival the full power of a symphony orchestra but imitate many of the orchestra’s individual subtleties. The pipe organ produces its sound in much the same way as the human voice does, with air. This makes the pipe organ an excellent accompaniment instrument for the voice, from a single person to a large choir. With many different types of pipes, a pipe organ is also capable of a great variety of sound color. This diversity of sound has inspired many of Western music’s greatest masters to compose some of their greatest works. Gabrieli, Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Franck, and Messien all wrote masterpieces for an instrument that not only represents a pinnacle of musical achievement, but in its construction is also a triumph of human mechanical ingenuity. (Read more here) |
