A Festival of Seven Classic Hymns

The event is being planned to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the design and installation of the instrument at the Lombard church. Designed by the late Dr. Paul Bunjes and built by W. Zimmer & Sons of Charlotte, North Carolina, the organ features some 36 ranks and tracker (mechanical) action. The organ has recently been renovated and restored by Dean Christian and Associates.

The event is co-sponsored by St. John’s Artist Series and the Fox Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. AGO members who will be featured at the hymn festival include Mark Downer, Paul Frese, Barbara Massters, Naomi Rowley, Daniel Senger, Dave Wischmeier, and Kevin Wong. While the organ and console are located in the rear balcony of the church, images of the players will be projected on screens so that the audience can watch the players at work.

The afternoon’s program will also feature congregational singing, a brass choir, and a festival chorus.

An informal reception with light refreshments will follow the recital, when attendees can meet the musicians in person. The public is cordially invited to attend the concert and the reception. No tickets will be sold for the program; a free-will offering will be received. Proceeds from the offering will benefit the AGO scholarship program and St. John’s Artist Series.

St. John’s Lutheran Church is located on the southeast corner of Lincoln and Maple Streets in Lombard. Information about St. John’s Artist Series is available by calling the church office, 630-629-2515.