WEST DUNDEE—The dedication of the new Father Edward Seisser Memorial Organ at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, West Dundee, Oct. 2, was elevated by a performance from international organ virtuoso Diane Bish, who “christened the keys” and brought them to life.

More than 500 people attended the free concert to honor the memory of the late Father Edward Seisser, who died suddenly one year ago while serving as pastor of the church.

Father Matthew DeBlock, pastor, St. Catherine of Siena and St. Mary in Gilberts, blessed the new premier organ and expressed his appreciation to all who made it possible.

“I would especially like to thank the members of Father Seisser’s family, our generous donors, maestro Maurice Martin, the newly named coordinator of music ministry, and countless others,” he said.

Bish, considered by some “The First Lady of the Organ,” is among the most visible, influential, and recorded concert organists of our time.

She began the afternoon with the National Anthem, followed by 10 pieces ranging from her original hymn improvisations to “Carillon de Westminster,” by Louis Vierne, and “Toccata from Symphony V” by C.M Widor, perhaps the most famous organ piece ever written.

Both Vierne and Widor were French composers and Catholic organists in great Parish churches.
She played to the crowd with a smile, a wink and a few humorous anecdotes when she spoke between music selections.

“The more rhinestones you have on your shoes,” she quipped, “the faster your feet go.”

She talked of playing at the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Strasbourg Cathedral in France.

But in her opening remarks, she said, “It is a great pleasure to be here in this beautiful church and to play this very amazing organ.”

Her travelogue and music series, “The Joy of Music,” is broadcast worldwide to mpre than 300 million viewers weekly including on the Catholic network, EWTN.

The audicence for the concert included a couple from Delaware who have traveled more than 90,000 miles to hear Bish perform around the world.

Sylvia O’Connor, the organist at Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church in Janesville, Wis., ateended with her friend Susan Schmoekel.

“I traveled to Switzerland to hear the great music of Diane Bish,” she said, “and what an opportunity to drive to Dundee today.”

The late Father Edward Seisser began a project to replace the church’s obsolete 1980s organ. Donations are still being raised for major organ components.

“We appreciate any help with this great and worthy project to enhance our Masses and provide a worthy instrument for area concerts in Father Seisser’s name,” said Father DeBlock.

The event was underwritten by the Allen Organ Company and Allen Organ Chicago, the manufacturer and local dealer of the organ.