A Joyful, Female Noise

This week's edition of "Pipedreams" the American Public Media radio program that highlights organ music, features performances by, and works composed by, women. One of the works featured is by Mary Beth Bennett, whom I was privileged to get to know when she was an organist here in Washington, D.C. Bennett graciously composed two works I commissioned from her, one a prelude on the tune "Austria" in memory of my dear friend Fr. Joseph Kugler, that was premiered at Sacred Heart Church in Taftville, Connecticut on the one year anniversary of his death, and the other, a prelude on the tune, Darwall, for my 34th birthday Mass, which was also a fundraiser for the organ fund at St. Matthew's Cathedral. Bennett's work on the current recording is very beautiful, as are these other works from female composers. Beauty helps create a culture of life, so listen!