'Once in a Generation' Music Event in Morristown

Folks will be able to enjoy a rare treat this holiday weekend when more than 200 musicians will perform at churches throughout Morristown.

A musical feast of sacred music will include: a post modern Hymn-Sing revival led by Mark Miller of Drew University, contemporary gospel and a special performance featuring organist Marilyn Keiser and the Shanghai Quartet at 8 p.m. on July 4, at

The event, "Morristown 2011: Celebrate the Past—Forge the Future," is hosted by the Metropolitan New Jersey Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) which has chosen Morristown as the host city for its regional convention that will run from July 3-6.

“We are very excited to offer performances by the world renowned Shanghai String Quartet and the Hymn Sing Festival led by John Walker, who is a former musical director at the Riverside Church in New York City,” said Preston Dibble, program chair and dean of the Metropolitan New Jersey Chapter of the AGO.

Dibble, an organist and director of music at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Montclair, and a resident of Morristown, said there will be plenty of performances from which to choose including an organ recital at that will be performed on its organ, built by E.M. Skinner, one of the most respected organ builders in America in the 20th century.

“It is a rare and special instrument,” Dibble said.

He also said that the event itself is a rare occurrence. Since the Guild chooses different areas for its regional conventions every two years, it is not likely that the convention will come back to Morristown for a very long time. “This is really a once in a generation event,” he said.

Dibble said he believes the public will especially enjoy the Recital of Americana at 11 a.m. on July 4 at he Presbyterian Church in Morristown, featuring organist Carol Williams, who will play favorites such as the theme from Star Wars.

“Because Morristown has quite a few churches within walking distance, we thought it would be a great venue for this event,” said Scott Jones, registrar of the event and sub-dean of the Metropolitan Chapter of the AGO. "In addition to all kinds of workshops and programs for members of the AGO, we have quite a few performances open to the public."

He also said there is no need for members of the public to pre-register for the performances. “While this event is primarily for organists in the New England and New York Metropolitan area, we also have musicians coming from Canada, Florida and even Australia,” he said.

On Tuesday, July 5, the convention will depart Morristown for the day and head to Orange and Newark for three recitals at St. John the Evangelist in Orange, performed on a 19th century organ, and Grace Church and Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.  

For Dibble, music supports the spiritual experience. “The power of sacred music is to draw one into a deeper spiritual place," he said. "I believe in the saying, ‘ye who sings, prays twice.’"

For more information about the event, visit the official event website