The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the seventh annual Pogorzelski-Yankee Prizewinning composition by the late, acclaimed French Canadian composer and organist Rachel Laurin (1961–2023), is a fascinating piece based on Washington Irving's classic story. The tale of Ichabod Crane, Katrina, Brom Bones, and the Headless Horseman is delightfully unfolded by the shifting moods of the organ score enhanced by narration, song, and dance.
The sounds and sights promise to thrill audiences of all ages, from children to adults—perfect for the Halloween season!
- 6:45 p.m. - Pre-concert Music, Rachel Laurin's "Ten Little Pieces for Ten Little Fingers"
- 7:00 p.m. - World Premiere Performance of Rachel Laurin's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
- Post-performance - Children and Youth Halloween Costume Contest and Trick or Treating in Cogswell Hall
This collaborative event is hosted by the Carol Teti Memorial Organ Scholarship Committee and the American Guild of Organists, Indiana, PA chapter. Contributions to the scholarship fund support organ students at IUP.
We are pleased to announce that Michael Barone, host of the nationally syndicated public radio program Pipedreams, will appear as narrator for this world premiere performance. He will be joined by IUP voice instructor mezzo soprano Erin Leigh Koolman and by dancers choreographed by IUP theater and dance professor Joan Van Dyke.
The 11 movements will be performed on the Pogorzelski-Yankee Organ by IUP organ professor Christine Clewell and seven IUP organ program alumni: Marissa Bruno, Brian Burns, Maximillian Esmus, Randall Frye, Holly Lightner, Vincent Ryan, and Ashley Strawser.
Added Attractions: Pre-concert Music and Trick-or-Treating for Children
One of Rachel Laurin's passions was introducing the pipe organ to children and providing them with appropriate music to play. To this end, she composed "Ten Little Pieces for Ten Little Fingers," written for the Orgelkids Kit, a small instrument that comes in multiple parts to be assembled by children and youth (or adults!) to learn how pipe organs work. Come 15 minutes early to hear these compositions played on a pre-assembled kit by Vincent Ryan and Randall Frye with the assistance of local children.
Children and youth are encouraged to attend the concert in their Halloween costumes. Immediately following the concert, the Indiana AGO Chapter will host a costume contest and trick-or-treating in the hollows of Cogswell Music Building. Admission is free. Treat bags will be provided.