Organ Concert - November 22, 2009

World-renowned organist Carlo Curley broke in Tri-City Baptist Church's new organ with a Sunday afternoon concert that was the perfect blend of standard organ literature and entertainment.

Mr. Curley endeared himself to the audience even before entering the stage. He was in the lobby signing programs and greeting guests before the concert, during the intermission, and after the event! That is very unusual. We are spoiled to the "hearty Tri-City Baptist Church welcome," but most concert venues are not nearly so inviting, and most performers can't handle the extra stress of being gracious to the public while trying to focus on the performance. Mr. Curley was very kind and gracious.

The program was perfect for our audience. Mr. Curley displayed his technical skill on standard meat-and-potatoes Baroque fare. But he spiced things up with a toccata on Bernstein themes, a humorous arrangement of Beethoven's "Turkish March", and an encore of Sousa's "Liberty Bell March"! His comments were informative and entertaining. The crowd of over 500 enjoyed singing "Macedonia" with the TBC Choir and Orchestra. Pastor Dave refused to conduct the song, giving the church family a feel for what singing is like every Sunday in some churches where the organ leads.

The organ concert was a grand success on several levels. Our college music majors got to hear a world-class musician. Our church folks got to experience a free concert by a master entertainer. And over one hundred community members saw our facilities and met our church family.

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