Organ Performance Series: Youth Showcase

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 12:00-1:00

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Three talented and diverse young musicians will be showcasing their art on the historic 1864 Hook Organ at Mechanics Hall. The event will feature music composed specifically for the organ, as well as orchestral pieces transcribed for this magnificent instrument. Whether you are a seasoned organ music lover or a newcomer to the genre, this event promises to be a delightful and enriching experience for all. Join us for a memorable musical journey that celebrates both the rich tradition of organ music and the innovative spirit of these talented performers. Note: Bring your own “brown bag” lunch or make a purchase at concessions.

Featuring:  Alexander Straus-Fausto, organ

Cecily DeMarco, organ

Malik Jardine, organ

Tickets: FREE ADMISSION – No registration required

Open to the public

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About the Artists Alexander Straus-Fausto Completing his master’s degree in organ performance at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, Alexander Straus-Fausto from Kitchener, Ontario is studying under the direction of Dr. Martin Jean. He completed his Bachelor of Music at McGill University Schulich School of Music and his secondary school studies at Michigan’s Interlochen Arts Academy. He has also studied with Dr. Alcée Chriss, Hans-Ola Ericsson, Dr. Isabelle Demers, Dr. Jonathan Oldengarm, Christian Lane, Rachel Laurin, Tom Bara, Dr. Peter Nikiforuk, and Joe Carere. While still a teenager, Straus-Fausto undertook a Canada Council- funded summer 2019 concert tour of the UK, playing in historic churches and cathedrals, and in 2024 he anticipates returning for concerts at St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. Straus-Fausto is a member of The Diapason’s “20 under 30 class of 2023,” which recognizes young artists under the age of 30 who have made significant contributions to the field of organ performance. Straus- Fausto was one of ten semi-finalists in the Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition 2023.   Malik Jardine Malik is organ scholar at Trinity Church Wall St. He started lessons at 13 at his home church with Jennifer Shephard at the Church of the Resurrection in Queens. That also was the first church where he played a full service subbing for the organist. In 2018, He met William Randolph, Previous Music Director at Church of the Intercession in Manhattan, and studied with him until his untimely death in 2021. After that, he studied with organist Vince Carr, Director of Sacred Music at Our Lady of The Lake. Malik started school for music in 2022 at Borough of Manhattan Community College, and was accepted into their Applied studies program, which now gave him the ability to Study with organist, Dr. Nathaniel Gumbs, Director of chapel music at Yale University. Malik will transfer to Brooklyn college, after getting his Associate’s Degree. Malik was interim Organist/Music Director at many churches in Queens/Brooklyn.   Cecily DeMarco Labeled a “Rising Star” by the American Guild of Organists, Cecily DeMarco (b.2000) is Organ Scholar at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale, NY. She is a graduate of The Juilliard School where she earned her Bachelor of Music Degree. Currently, Cecily is in the Master of Music program at Juilliard and will continue to study with world renowned, Grammy award winning artist, Paul Jacobs. Cecily has performed on both the east and west coasts, but most frequently in New York and Florida, appearing at venues such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral (NYC), Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church (NYC), Columbia University (NYC), Bethesda by the Sea (Palm Beach), and Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (Fort Lauderdale). In 2021, Miss DeMarco competed and won first prize in the New York City Chapter of the Regional Competition for Young Organists (RCYO), and proceeded to also win first prize in the Northeast Regional Competition. Because of this win, she participated as a “Rising Star” in a winner’s concert at the 2022 American Guild of Organists National Convention in Seattle, Washington.