2024–2025 Chapter Event Schedule
Jump to:
Concert at 7:00 p.m. (NOT 7:30 p.m.) on Friday, May 2
The House of Hope Presbyterian Church
797 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul
Masterclass, 9:30 a.m.–noon on Saturday, May 3
NOTE LOCATION CHANGE: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
3920 North Victoria Street, ShoreviewNoted soloist and scholar Bálint Karosi, Director of Music at The First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, returns to Saint Paul as part of the Bach Society of Minnesota’s concert season to perform on the magnificent 97-rank 1979 Fisk pipe organ at The House of Hope Presbyterian Church. He previously visited the Twin Cities in 2015 to lead a masterclass and perform a concert at the University of St. Thomas.
Bálint was Cantor and Director of Music, Classical, at Saint Peter’s Church in Midtown Manhattan from 2015–2024. After winning the 2008 Bach Prize in Leipzig, he has been in demand as a recitalist and clinician worldwide, known for the interpretation of Bach’s music and his Baroque-style improvisations. His recording portfolio includes his original orchestral works, and thirteen albums of the complete works for organ by J. S. Bach.
Bálint has studied at the Liszt Academy in his native Budapest, Hungary, the Conservatoire Supérieure in Geneva, Switzerland, and at the Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio. He earned his DMA in composition at the Yale School of Music in 2017.
The next morning, also in conjunction with the Bach Society of Minnesota, he will lead a Bach-focused masterclass for interested organists and auditors. He has presented workshops and given masterclasses in organ and improvisation in Boston, Hungary, Italy, Germany, and South Korea, and has taught at Oberlin Conservatory’s summer organ institute.
He has earned a reputation for his expressive command of a wide range of repertoire that is guided by historical performance practice and a multi-faceted musicianship enriched by his experiences as a composer, conductor, church musician, and clarinetist.
Visit BachSocietyMN.org for tickets to the Friday evening event. The masterclass on Saturday morning is free and open to all. Registration for attending the masterclass as an observer is encouraged on the Event Registration page at TCAGO.org by Friday, May 2.
TCAGO Spring Members Showcase Recital
Friday, May 9, 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.Social Event at Como Park and Cafesjians Carousel
St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church
17205 County Road 6, Plymouth
The recital will feature several performers playing the 3-manual, 51-rank 2005 Schantz pipe organ.
Performers will include Samuel Backman, Nils Halker III, Andrew Jacob, Celina Kobetitsch, Samuel Libra, Stacey Lightner, Amy Maakestad, Emily Roth, and Noah Strom.
Works by Celina Kobetitsch, Felix Mendelssohn, Calvin Taylor, Bjarne Sløgedal, Undine Smith Moore, Emma Lou Diemer, George Gershwin, Bob Thiele and George David Weiss, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Rachel Laurin, Samuel Coleridge Taylor, and George Frederick Handel.
FREE and open to the public with post recital reception.
Registration encouraged on the Event Registration page at TCAGO.org
Sunday, June 1, 2025, 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.Pipe Organ Encounter (POE) at St. Olaf College
Como Park Picnic Shelter (West Picnic Grounds)
Midway Parkway near Hamline Avenue
1199 Midway Parkway, Saint PaulJoin us for a social event celebration as we bid farewell to the year and welcome new beginnings! This is not just any social event—it's a carnival of fun, food, connections, and memories waiting to be made.
Grill & Chill
We'll be firing up the grill with all your favorites: juicy brats and mouth-watering burgers. But that's not all! We're inviting everyone to bring a side dish to share. Whether it's Aunt Sally's famous potato salad or your secret recipe coleslaw, let's make this a feast to remember!
Carousel Rides
Step right up and take a spin on the enchanting Cafesjians carousel, featuring the delightful tunes of the exceptional Wurlitzer 153 Band Organ! This historic gem will transport you back in time with its whimsical melodies and charming presence. Learn more about this musical marvel here. (Note: the carousel closes at 4:00pm)
For some added fun — and to hear how to pronounce “Cafesjians” — watch this three-minute YouTube video which highlights some history of the Como Carousel.
Bring your family, friends, and festive spirit! Let's make this end-of-year celebration one for the books. We can't wait to see you there!
Please RSVP by May 27 on the Event Registration page.
Sunday, June 15–Friday, June 20, 2025
Registration deadline is May 15!
AGO’s outreach program, this year sponsored by the TCAGO and North Central Region (Cathy Rodland and David Jenkins, directors), introduces teens to the world of the pipe organ and offers them a rewarding chance to learn about organ playing.
Find more information and a brochure on the POE page!
More event links:
Pipedreams Regional Calendar