Holtkamp organ rededication concert to feature nationally renowned organist
On Sunday, Nov. 14, at 2:00 p.m., internationally renowned organist Christa Rakich rededicates the 1963 Holtkamp Opus 1769 organ at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd. in Rocky River.
The program will feature Three Meditations for Viola and Organ by Adolphus Hailstork, with violist Christopher Jenkins. It will also include works of J.S. Bach and César Franck, as well as works composed by Rakich herself. The church’s prized pipe organ has been newly restored by Chris Holtkamp of Cleveland’s own Holtkamp Organ Company.
Concert and recording artist Christa Rakich performs widely throughout North America, Europe, and Japan. She is Visiting Professor of Organ at Oberlin Conservatory.
West Shore has a long relationship with Oberlin Conservatory. The organ was first dedicated in 1963 by Haskell Thomson, now professor emeritus at Oberlin. Garth Peacock, longtime Director of Music at West Shore, served at the time of the dedication. The post is currently held by his former student David Blazer.
He and Christa Rakich were classmates in Peacock's studio in the early 1970s. Violist Christopher Jenkins is Associate Dean for Academic Support at Oberlin.
Part of West Shore’s 75th Jubilee Celebration series, the concert is free and open to the public and will be held in the church sanctuary. Due to church Covid 19 protocols, attendance is limited and masks are required to be worn in the building. To pre-register for this event, please call Sherry Bolger at 440-333-2255 or email sbolger@wsuuc.org.
Dorothy Richards
20+ year member of West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church. Assistant Programs staff.