Wikman Takes Helm Of New Series
The Paul Manz Organ Series (cont)
Wikman is founder and was music director of Music of the Baroque for 30 years, a Chicago concert organization that was likewise designed on a European model. Wikman eschewed concert halls to present his programs in historic churches hand-picked for beauty and acoustics.
Collaborating with Wikman on the Paul Manz Organ Series are two LSTC musicians: Professor Mark P. Bangert, a noted Bach scholar; and Daniel Schwandt, Cantor to the Seminary.
Paul Manz is one of the best-known Protestant church musicians in the world. A student of Flor Peeters and Helmut Walcha, he has written prodigiously for the organ and for choirs. His works are extensively used in worship services and concerts both here and abroad. Ruth Manz wrote the words to many of the choral pieces.
Dr. Manz has concertized widely on the organ and is particularly esteemed for his improvisations. He used improvisation to great effect in his hymn festivals - a 19th century American tradition which he revived to great acclaim.
"Organs are intricate works of art," said Manz, "designed to be appreciated with the eye. But it is only when they are heard with the ear that the art comes alive."
