Organ Recital Series, a tradition since 1965, returns to Independent

Independent Presbyterian Church will present its popular Organ Recital Series in November, a church tradition since 1965.

And the four free concerts, as usual, will feature some of the instrument’s top international stars.

“We always get the best,” said Jeff McLelland, IPC director of music and fine arts.

The concerts are held each Sunday in November at 4 p.m. in the church sanctuary. 

► Nov. 5: Thomas Murray. This specialist in romantic music is a professor at Yale and “one of the legends of the organ world,” McLelland said.

► Nov. 12: Dexter Kennedy. A widely acclaimed musician, Kennedy won the prestigious Grand Prix de Chartres organ competition in France in 2014.

► Nov. 19: Jens Kendorfer. This German-born organist has won competitions, recorded CDs and played around the world.

► Nov. 26: Jonathan Ryan. A winner of six first prizes at major international competitions, Ryan is “a brilliant performer,” McLelland said.

The concerts also feature another big star — the church’s Joseph W. Schreiber Memorial Organ. Built by Dobson Pipe Organ Builders and installed in 2012, the pipe organ is one of the best anywhere, according to McLelland.

“The design of it is symphonic, classic and it has an enormous variety of sounds,” he said. “Everybody who plays this organ raves about it.”

Admission to the series has always been free, according to McLelland. “It was offered as a free gift to the community from the church,” he said.

The hourlong recitals are followed by receptions. For details, go to ipc-usa.org/worship/music-fine-arts.html.