Zeeva Haviland ‘30
Contributing Writer
Are you looking for something to do on Thursday afternoons? I would like to introduce you to Lunchtime Thursdays: free 30-minute organ recitals on the first Thursday of every month at 12:45 p.m in the Trinity Chapel, highlighting organists from around North America.
On Oct. 1, 2026, I happily sat down in the chapel to watch Mary-Katherine Fletcher, the Minister of Music at Christ Church in Needham, Massachusetts. Walking in, I thought: how interesting can an organ be? I sat down wondering if this 30-minute recital would drag on for what felt like an eternity. However, I was very quickly and happily surprised by the unique and lively music echoing through the chapel. As I listened to Fletcher, I was mesmerized by the beautiful yet haunting melodies that filled the air.
Traditionally, the organ is thought of as a boring instrument that accompanies church services; however, I was quickly captivated by the versatility of this seemingly boring instrument. It wasn’t just an instrument that played simple church melodies, but an instrument that was able to fill the chapel with complex and intricate melodies that transcend time. It is an instrument that puts the entire orchestra in the hands of the organist, allowing it to feel grand, haunting and dramatic while simultaneously being light and elegant.
As the chapel filled up with over 30 members of the community, I was struck by the love and appreciation of organ music connecting individuals of all generations together. From Trinity students to retired members of the community, this was an event that connected all ages through a love of music. The excitement in the air was evident as individuals walked through the door, pausing their days for a recital. I watched friends meeting up at the chapel, spending time together, laughing and updating each other on their lives while enjoying the beautiful music being played. This was so much more than a simple recital; it was a place of community and connection.
The program consisted of pieces from James H. Rodgers Sonata No. 1 in E minor and René L. Becker’s Toccata in D, Op. 32. As I listened, I felt transported into a fairy tale, looking for magical fairies around the corner as I danced around a ballroom. The energetic and majestic melody transfixed the audience. The room vibrated with the organ’s power, and the audience became captivated, with many closing their eyes and swaying along. The chapel was enthralled by the musical battle between a haunting low pattern and the light, energetic, high-pitched melody.
In an interview for the Tripod after the recital, I talked with Fletcher, and she expressed her love for the versatility that the organ offers, stating she loves its power and its ability to play softly and elegantly. To her, “everyone should experience an organ concert at least once.”
While the Lunchtime Thursday performances are significantly shorter than the Albert Schweitzer Organ concert that happened on Sept. 26-27, these short recitals introduce the beauty of the organ and offer students and the community the opportunity to connect over a love of music. Future lunchtime performances include Sarah Kennedy on Nov. 5, 2026, Madison Thompson on Feb. 4, 2027, John Abdenour on March 4, 2027, and Ted Babbitt on April 1, 2027. Next year’s Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival will be from Sept. 24-25, 2027.