Duke University Chapel, 401 Chapel Drive, Durham, is often filled with music, and much of the time it’s available for the public to listen to, for free. Most weekdays during the school term, Chapel Organ Scholars and guests artists play the organ at 12:30 p.m.
In addition, special musical events often take place. Here are some of the free events coming up. See them all on the Duke University Chapel website.
Organ Recital Series: Christa Rakich
Sunday, October 13th, 2019
5:15 p.m.
Free
Currently a Visiting Professor of Organ at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, Christa Rakich performs widely throughout North America, Europe, and Japan.
She has received particular acclaim for her interpretations of the music of J. S. Bach. After a performance of Bach’s monumental Art of Fugue, a reviewer for The Boston Herald wrote: “Rakich’s performance left no one unmoved.” Last year, she made the first commercial recording of the Richard-Fowkes organ in Goodson Chapel at Duke. Her recital, played on the Flentrop organ, will include music by Bach, Distler, Heiller, and Hindemith.
Admission is free. Event parking is available for $5 in the Bryan Center Parking Garage at 125 Science Drive; ADA parking is available in the Bryan Center Surface Lot at the same address.
Organ Recital Series: Timothy Olsen
Sunday, November 10th, 2019
5;15 p.m.
Free
Kenan Professor of Organ at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Dr. Timothy Olsen is also an Associate Professor of Organ at Salem College. The first-prize winner of the 2002 AGO National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance, he has performed solo recitals at venues in twenty-eight states. Dr. Olsen has recorded for the Naxos and Raven labels, and one critic said of his most recent CD that “these are magisterial performances . . . so complete and uniformly impressive is his identification with the music” (Organ Australia). His program on the Flentrop organ, “Dancing through the Centuries,” will include works by J. S. Bach, Guy Bovet, Calvin Hampton, and others.
Guest Organ Scholar Recital: Josiah Hamill
Sunday, November 17th, 2019
5:15 p.m.
Free
Josiah Hamill is an organist, violinist, and pianist who exudes passion, musicality, and virtuosity in every performance. In the world of classical music, Hamill has cemented his reputation as a solo performer, collaborative musician, and church organist, who creates memorable performances for audiences of all walks of life. Hamill has received numerous recent recognitions and awards in both organ and violin. He is currently a doctoral student at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, studying with Dr. Chris Young. He received his Master of Music from Yale School of Music and Certificate in Church Music Studies from the Institute of Sacred Music, under the tutelage of Dr. Martin Jean. Hamill received his Bachelor of Music with dual concentrations in organ and violin from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver.
The Marvel of this Night: Lessons and Carols for Christmas
Sunday, November 24th, 2019
4 p.m.
Free, but tickets are required
The annual Christmas Eve service of Lessons and Carols is a beloved holiday tradition at Duke Chapel. This year, the Chapel has been invited to pre-record a special Christmas service for national television broadcast on CBS, creating an opportunity to celebrate the mystery of Christmas even before the holiday season has officially begun.
Join us as the Chapel’s pastoral staff, all three choirs and their conductors, and a host of guest musicians revel in The Marvel of This Night through music, readings, prayers, and carols for all to sing.
This event is ticketed, but tickets are free. Tickets will be available through the Duke Box Office for students beginning October 24 and for the general public beginning October 29.
Duke Chorale Christmas Concert
Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019
7 p.m.
Free
The Duke Chorale, directed by Rodney Wynkoop, presents its annual Christmas Concert featuring seasonal selections by the Duke Chorale as well as traditional carols for the entire audience to sing and stories and special treats for the children. This family holiday event is a long-standing tradition for many area residents. *Pre-concert music on the carillon and organ begins at 6:30 PM
