Durham NC - Duke University Chapel Organist David Arcus will present
a 70th anniversary commemorative recital on the Aeolian organ in Duke
University Chapel on Sunday, June 2, 2002.  The recital marks the 70th
anniversary of the inaugural recital and dedication of the Chapel's
original pipe organ, installed by the Aeolian Organ Company in 1932.
The recital begins at 5 p.m.  and is open to the public, free of charge.

To mark the occasion, Duke Chapel commissioned Wake Forest University
composer-in-residence Dan Locklair to compose a new work for solo organ.
The three-movement composition, entitled "The Aeolian Sonata", is written
"in remembrance of the darkness of September 11 from which emerged hope for
peace and joy in Thanksgiving," according to the composer's inscription.

In addition to the premiere of "The Aeolian Sonata", soprano soloist
Patricia Donnelly Philipps will join Dr.  Arcus in a performance of his
own prize-winning composition, "Song of Ruth and Naomi." Other compositions
include "Prelude, Adagio, and Variations on Veni Creator" by Maurice
Durufle, whose 100th birthday is celebrated this year, as well as works
by Max Reger, Louis Vierne, and Francis Jackson.

The Aeolian organ, one of four organs in Duke Chapel, has nearly 6800 pipes
played by a console of four manual keyboards and a pedal keyboard.  It was
the last major instrument by the Aeolian Organ Company before it merged
with the E.  M.  Skinner company.  The chancel organ was a rarity for the
Aeolian firm, which more typically built for recital halls and homes of the
well-to-do, and sometimes equipped its consoles to play prepared rolls of
music.  It was built in the post-Romantic style that favors ethereal,
full-bodied sonorities in contrast to the brilliant, incisive tonal
qualities of the Chapel's well-known Flentrop organ, built in 1976.

Although the Aeolian is heard regularly in worship services in the Chapel,
its use in recitals is less frequent.  The Aeolian was featured last
summer, along with the Flentrop and the Memorial Chapel's 1997 Brombaugh
organ, in a series of recitals organized by the Organ Historical Society
for its national convention held in North Carolina.  Dr.  Arcus's June 2
recital is the only full-length program on the Aeolian scheduled this year.
In contrast, Duke's first University Organist, Edward Hall Broadhead,
presented recitals every Sunday afternoon year-round with very little
repetition of repertory.

Restoration work over the past fifteen years has addressed the need to
replace and repair parts of the Aeolian worn out by age and use.  Future
plans to complete this restoration aim to bring the Aeolian to its former
glory and to enhance its mechanical reliability for future services and
programs.

The music of internationally recognized composer Dan Locklair is
influenced by a wide variety of traditions, ranging from Medieval to
modern music.  The works of Benjamin Britten and Aaron Copland have
had a significant impact on his writing.  His music has been performed
throughout Europe and North America by many major orchestras, choral
groups, chamber ensembles and soloists.  Several of these works have
received major awards, including the 1989 Barlow International Competition
Award for "changing perceptions & Epitaph" and the 1996 American Guild of
Organists Composer of the Year Award.  He is currently Professor of Music
and Composer -in-Residence at Winston-Salem's Wake Forest University.
Dan Locklair's website is located at http://www.locklair.com

He is represented by Jeffrey James Arts Consulting - 516-797-9166 -
phone and fax, to whom inquiries about his music can be directed.

Jeffrey James <[log in to unmask]>