SPECIAL EVENTS

The Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart - The Opus XIX Pipe Organ Programme proudly presents Pipe Organ Dedication Week, a week of events surrounding the debut of our beautiful new Opus XIX Pipe Organ, hand crafted by Martin Pasi of Martin Pasi & Associates.

October 2, 2010 Events -
4:30 PM
Sung Vespers and Blessing of the Opus XIX Pipe Organ.

The rite of Vespers is a part of the Catholic church that goes back centuries - with references found to the Office of Vespers and the rite structure going back to the year 530. Prior to the 6th century, other names had been used to reference the Vespers. For example, one name by which it was most widely known during the late 5th and early 6th century was Lucernalis or Lucernaria hora, referencing the infinite light of God as marked by the lighting of the church candles, lamps, and torches.

6:00 PM
Festive Vigil Mass
Celebrating the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

For those who know the standard Co-Cathedral Schedule, this will be the only Vigil Mass held this particular Saturday. There will be no 5:00 pm or 7:00 pm Mass.

This Vigil Mass will mark the Opus XIX Pipe Organ being at 100% operational status.

October 5, 2010 Events -
7:00 PM
The Community Choral Concert.

Part of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart's commitment to ensuring that the Opus XIX Pipe Organ is seen as a gift to the entire city, we have arranged for different choral groups to perform with the Opus XIX Pipe Organ on October 5

Performances By:

• The U.H. Moores School Chorale;
• Houston Masterworks Chorus;
• Cantare Houston

October 8, 2010 Events -
8:00 PM
Gala Opus XIX Pipe Organ Recital with David Higgs.

David Higgs, an internationally renowned organist and chair of the Eastman Rochester School of Music's Organ and Historical Keyboards Department will be known as the first to play a recital on the Opus XIX Pipe Organ. His talents, skills, respect, and love for the pipe organ instrument will help Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart usher in a new era of music outreach and excitement for Houston.

This is a Ticketed Event. Tickets are $25 each. Please make the note in your Pay Pal transaction screen that you are requesting a ticket or tickets as part of your donation.

October 9, 2010 Events -
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Master Class with David Higgs.

David Higgs, an internationally renowned organist, will conduct a class for you to become more familiar with the Opus XIX Pipe Organ on a more technical level. Ideal for musicians, enthusiasts, and those wanting to learn more about the Opus XIX Pipe Organ on a technical level. Sponsored by the Amercian Guild of Organist.

Pleae email Dr. Crista Miller if you plan on attending the event.

The Opus XIX Pipe Organ is being constructed for the Co- Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, a Parish in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The name for the organ was a result of the naming schema used by Martin Pasi & Associates - as a matter of course, they name each organ “Opus” followed by a numerical designation in order of construction.

The cathedral’s architecture was inspired by the Italian Romanesque style, and designed in cruciform shape with broad transepts at the head of the nave. Designed by world renowened firm Ziegler Cooper, it measures 207 feet long and 181 feet broad at the transepts.

The nave is 72 feet wide and 72 feet tall. Th e dome at the crossing is 117 feet tall. The acoustics are superb for music, with a long but clear reverberation.

The Opus XIX Pipe Organ will be sited in the rear gallery on either side of a monumental stained glass window that is over 30 feet wide. A principal challenge in the construction of the Opus XIX Pipe Organ was the division of the pipes, a feature that is extraordinarily rare in organ design - so much so, that many organ craftsmen will not bid on such a design.

Click here to read more about the Opus XIX Pipe Organ.