Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

A choir concert is scheduled for Sunday, November 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral of the Risen Christ, Lincoln. This event is part of the "Give Glory to God" concert series and aims to support the restoration and maintenance of the Cathedral's organ.

The organ, which has over 2,800 pipes ranging from under a foot tall to several stories high, is hidden behind the sanctuary screen. Diocesan archivist Sister Loretta Gosen described it as a Casavant Freres model made in Quebec, Canada. Myron Roberts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was a consultant in its construction.

Sister Loretta shared an incident during its delivery when a patrolman stopped the truck carrying it due to excessive weight just miles from its destination. With assistance from a local trucking company arranged by Dorothy Maher in Greenwood, the organ was successfully delivered and installed before the first Mass and dedication in 1965.

Pipe organs have long been integral to Catholic liturgy. In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI highlighted their importance: “Music and song are more than an embellishment of worship; they are themselves part of the liturgical action.”

Dave Schmidt, Cathedral’s music director and main organist, emphasized that pipe organs "are living things," adding that playing them feels like an extension of his mind and heart. The organ requires repairs estimated at $20,000 or more after nearly six decades.

The November concert is free but donations will be collected for maintenance costs. Amy Flamminio, Cathedral’s choir director, expressed enthusiasm for directing pieces where voices and organ interweave. The program includes works by Mozart and John Ireland among others.

Additional tenors and basses are needed for the choir with rehearsal details available online. Rehearsals will take place on November 16-17 with meals provided for participants before Sunday's performance.