The Voice of the Church, Up Close: An Organ Tour for Our Young Choristers

On Saturday, May 9th, Dr. Corrado Cavalli, DMA, organist of St. John Cantius Church since 2015, hosted a special organ tour for three of the parish's children's choirs: the St. Nicholas Choir, the St. Hildegard Choir, and the Holy Innocents Choir, along with their parents and directors, Ms. Elizabeth and Ms. Bridget.

Nearly 30 young singers and their families gathered for what turned out to be a nearly 90-minute journey into the heart of the church's magnificent instrument. A native of Turin, Italy, and a graduate of the Conservatorio "G. Verdi" and the University of Illinois, Dr. Cavalli guided the group through the workings of the organ, including its close to 4,000 pipes ranging from 32 feet tall down to a quarter of an inch. The wonder on the children's faces said it all.

In his own words, Dr. Cavalli reflected:

"On Saturday, May 9th, I had the privilege and joy of hosting an organ tour for two children's choirs: the St. Nicholas Choir, St. Hildegard Choir, and the Holy Innocents Choir, along with some parents and their directors, Ms. Elizabeth and Ms. Bridget. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of attendees — almost 30 people!

The attention and interest the young kids showed during my explanation of how the organ works were truly heartwarming.

You can imagine the awe from both the kids and adults as they saw the almost 4,000 pipes, which ranged from 32 feet in length to a quarter of an inch.

The tour lasted nearly 90 minutes, and by the end, some of the kids had a "direct" experience with the organ, sitting on the bench and playing it.

Seeing so many young kids interested in what many people consider a daunting instrument really uplifted me. I hope I was able to plant the seed of love for the organ in some of them, as we need to build new generations of church musicians.

I would like to thank Ms. Elisabeth and Ms. Bridget for their invaluable help in organizing this event."

The Holy Innocents Choir is St. John Cantius's introductory ensemble for young vocalists ages 6 and up, and one of the many ways the parish cultivates a love of sacred music from the very beginning. Events like this organ tour extend that mission beautifully beyond singing, helping the next generation not only perform sacred music but understand and cherish the instruments that have accompanied the Church's worship for centuries.