Renowned organist Diane Bish to perform dedication concert Oct. 2

International organ virtuoso Diane Bish will perform a concert to dedicate the new Father Edward Seisser Memorial Organ at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 845 W. Main St. in West Dundee. The concert is free. Meet Bish at a reception immediately after the concert.

Bish is the most visible, influential, and recorded concert organist of our time. She displays dazzling virtuosity and unique showmanship the world over to international acclaim. Her organ performances are hailed as "stunning, virtuoso, fiery, and astonishing."

With over 500 episodes, her travelogue/music series, "The Joy of Music," is broadcast worldwide to over 300 million viewers weekly including our own Catholic Network, EWTN. "The Joy of Music" combines exhilarating organ and ensemble performances with informative, inspirational narrative and exciting world travel. Additionally, she has made over 30 recordings of great organ masterpieces, original works, and hymn arrangements.

This tremendous outreach to the general public on behalf of the organ and Diane Bish's longevity as a leading recitalist distinguish her in the world of music.

Bish was awarded the National Citation by the National Federation of Music Clubs of America. Considered to be the federation's highest honor, Diane Bish shares this rare distinction with such luminaries as Leonard Bernstein, Eugene Ormandy, Van Cliburn, Robert Shaw, Irving Berlin and Fred Waring in receiving this award "for distinguished service to the musical, artistic, and cultural life of the nation."

This concert is being proudly underwritten by the Allen Organ Company and Allen Organ Chicago, the manufacturer and local dealer of the new organ.

The late Father Edward Seisser, former pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Dundee and St. Mary's in Gilberts, passed away suddenly one year ago. He began a project to replace the church's obsolete 1980s organ. Donations are being raised for the major organ components. A memorial book will be created to record the gifts.

"We appreciate any help with this great and worthy project to enhance our Masses and provide a worthy instrument for area concerts in Father Seisser's name," said Father Matthew DeBlock, pastor at St. Catherine of Siena and St. Mary's Church.

A memorial Mass on Aug. 16 remembered Father Edward Seisser on the anniversary of his death. Combined choirs from his former churches, and parishioners from all over the Diocese of Rockford were in attendance.

"Father Seisser provided great service to his vocation as a priest and to our diocese," said Father Matthew DeBlock. At the Mass, the new organ was played by organists Maurice Martin from St. Catherine of Siena Church and Vilmas Dydas from St. Mary, Elgin. Members of Father Edward's family, who are from Elgin and the Fox Valley area, were present.

For information, call (847) 426-2217.