Lenten organ recital March 17 at St. Mary in Elgin
Wonderful music, Lenten reflection, and interfaith fellowship are all hallmarks of the Phyllis A. Lange-Connelly Memorial Lenten Recital series. Eleven area churches sponsor these recitals. Everyone is invited to listen, reflect, and enjoy music presented by outstanding musicians. Twenty years ago, Phyllis Connelly, a talented and dedicated Elgin area organist, conceived of a time when Christians of all denominations would join together to reflect and celebrate Lent and Holy Week. Though she passed away last year, her dream lives on in the 19th annual Lenten Recital Series and Palm Sunday Interfaith Festival. Eleven area churches sponsor these recitals, attended by more than 800 people annually.
The program will be followed by a time of fellowship and a chance to meet Vilma. Admission is free but donations are accepted to help defray costs.
The series continues from 3:00 - 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 17 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Elgin. The church is located at 397 Fulton Street, 1 block South of Villa on S. Gifford Street. The tenth recital will feature organist Vilma Dydas, who is organist and Director of Music at St. Mary Catholic Church in Elgin. She also is the music teacher at St. Mary School. She has over 25 years experience as a music educator, professional pianist/organist, accompanist, and conductor. Vilma is one of the foremost private music instructors in the Fox Valley, maintaining a music studio with over 100 students.
Vilma earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Piano and Organ Performance, graduating with honors, from the J. Gruodis Conservatoire of Music in Kaunas, Lithuania. From 1987-1992 she attended the Lithuanian Academy of Music in Vilnius earning a golden diploma and performing a concert for François Mitterrand, former French Prime Minister. Additionally, she holds a masters degree in Church Music and Liturgy.
Vilma lives in Elgin with her husband, Tim, and her twin daughters, Abigaile and Adele.
For information call (847) 888-2828.