Norbertines of Saint Norbert Abbey in De Pere, Wisconsin
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Archived - Canon John Bruce Memorial Concerts 2011-2012

The Reverend Canon John O. Bruce was a priest of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac who was enamored with the beautiful sound of the Abbey organ. Because of his friendship with the Norbertine Fathers and love of music, he established a fund for the renovation and upkeep of the organ console as well as for the presentation of organ concerts. Through Canon John’s generosity, the concerts are free and open to the public so that all may share in the beauty of the Abbey and the organ music within its walls.

Please note:  all concerts are on Saturday at 2:00 pm, open to the public with a free will offering.

2011-2012 Concert Dates Announced
October 15, 2011 Jonathan Ryan
March 10, 2012 Nathan Laube
April 14, 2012 Jonathon Dimmock

 

Canon John Bruce (standing) with Abbot Sylvestor Killeen, O. Praem.

Performers

October 15, 2011 - Jonathan Ryan

Jonathan Ryan

Originally from Charlotte, N.C., Ryan is a premier young artist who has already performed numerous organ concerts in many of the contiguous United States, as well as in Germany and France.

Having began playing the organ as young as the age of eight, Ryan has since studied in several prestigious institutions across the country, obtaining both his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees.

Not only a dedicated organist, Ryan has also served as Choirmaster, church musician, conductor and director. He is the winner of numerous high-ranking awards and has charmed hundreds of people with his unique repertoire consisting of music from the 16th Century to modern times. Ryan, an advocate of new music, has premiered many liturgical and solo works, both as a conductor and as a performer.

 

 

March 10, 2012 - Nathan Laube

Nathan LaubeYoung concert organist Nathan Laube's fame spans the country and the world, from Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C., Florida to Georgia, California to New York and South Africa to Slovenia. His performances at major venues around the world include a special appearance at the Abbey for the second concert of the 2011-2012 season of the Abbey's annual Canon John O. Bruce Organ Concert Series.

Originally from Chicago, Laube is no stranger to standing ovations.  Considered to be one of the organ world's most outstanding performers, his talents have attracted the interest of music fans across the United States and in Europe, particularly England.

Laube's lifelong love of music began when he learned to play the piano at five years of age. He later studied organ, as well as piano and music theory, at the Chicago Academy for the Arts. Laube is a recent graduate of the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, with studies in organ and piano. Upon graduation, Laube received the Institute's two highest awards, one for excellence in academics and one for excellence in musical studies.

Since 2004, Laube's repertoire has grown to include works spanning from pre-Baroque to current composers, but he is especially well known for his original transcriptions of orchestral works by Bach, Mahler, Rossini and Strauss.

 

April 14, 2012 - Jonathan Dimmock

Jonathan DimmockOne of the leading concert organists in his field, Jonathan Dimmock has performed in churches, cathedrals, major concert halls, and at music festivals throughout the world. This spring, he will perform as a guest of the Abbey for its third and final performance of the 2011-2012 season of the Abbey's annual Canon John O. Bruce Organ Concert Series.

With an especially diverse repertoire and a special talent for engaging his audiences, Dimmock has received praise from fans not only in America, but also overseas in Sweden, South Africa and Australia.

Dimmock, a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory, Yale School of Music and Yale Divinity School, became the first American ever to become Organ Scholar of Westminster Abbey.

With an interest in French improvisational styles, Dimmock is a published composer and writer and has more than thirty compact discs to his name. He has been interviewed and featured on National Public Radio, Radio France, ABC (Australia), and numerous other stations worldwide.

Dimmock's deep appreciation for the healing power of music and the arts led him to found the non-profit organization Art to the Nations, which uses music in international conflict resolution.

 
 
Norbertines of Saint Norbert Abbey