St. John Cantius Church is renowned for its architectural beauty—indeed, voted the most beautiful church in the country. But the beauty of our grand old Baroque church extends far beyond simple brick and mortar. Many flock to our church every week only to attend our liturgies simply because of our Sacred Music program which includes interesting international features.
Both the Music Director and myself are from Italy. Together we maintain two foreign pipe organs: the principal one comes from Canada and the smaller speaks with a very pronounced German accent.
Our little organ was crafted in Germany by the respected organ firm Oberlinger in 2005. It is quite useful when we perform Sacred Music for smaller liturgies that involve a limited number of singers and instruments. Despite its small size, it boasts a big reputation in Chicago’s musical community. So much so that the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will soon rent it for a performance of Handel’s Messiah. And how appropriate? A German-made continuo organ for a German composer’s masterpiece!
While the organ may sometimes be used for other music, it will always be ours at St. John Cantius Church where it is essential in our beautiful celebrations of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass—especially when we soon celebrate the birth of Our Lord.
If you want to know more about our organs and Sacred Music program, please visit https://www.cantius.org/sacred-music.
On behalf of the Sacred Music Department of St. John Cantius Church, may you have a Holy and Merry Christmas.
Corrado Cavalli, organist.
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