Angelic organ music plays at free Wednesday concert, St. John's, Lafayette Square

Sebastiano Ricci (Venetian, 1659-1734), The Ecstasy of Saint Francis, 1706-1720, National Gallery of Art, Washington. Saint Francis turns and sinks into the supporting arms of angels as he is pierced with rays from an apparition above, on view at the National Gallery's Heavenly Earth exhibition through July 8, 2018. 

Angels everywhere is the program set for the free noontime concert Wednesday, May 2, at  St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square.

Heralding their arrival will be a new arrangement of Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound  by Craig Phillips, the composer for much of the program which will begin at 12:10 p.m. and last about 35 minutes.

Michael Lodico, the organist and director of music ministry at St. John’s, will be the guest artist.

Michael Lodico, organist and director of music ministry, St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C.

The composer is the director of music ministry at All Saints’ Church in Beverly Hills whose works are performed throughout the world.  Dr. Phillips has won and judged many competitions and has received numerous commissions including that from the Washington National Cathedral.   He earned his master and doctoral degrees from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester. 

Craig Phillips, composer

Mr. Lodico, recently promoted to head St. John’s music ministry, is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and recipient of a Fulbright grant for graduate study in the Netherlands.

The program, part of St. John's First Wednesday Concerts, is:

Fugue sur le thème du Carillon des Heures de la Cathedrale de Soissons by Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986)

  

Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound  arrangement by Craig Phillips (b. 1961)

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (Lobe Den Herren)              arr. Phillips

Archangel Suite                                   Phillips                                                             

 I.  Michael  "...there was a war in heaven.  Michael and his angels fought          against the dragon."  - Revelations 12:7

  

II.  Gabriel  -  Messenger of God, and messenger of the Annunciation

III.  Raphael - Archangel of healing

  

IV.  Uriel - Archangel of Light

Fugue on the Carillon d'Alet                Phillips                       

St. John's Episcopal Church, Washington, D.C./Photo by Patricia Leslie

The church was founded in 1815 and is known to Washington residents as the yellow church at Lafayette Square. It's often called the “Church of the Presidents” since beginning with James Madison, who was president from 1809 to 1817, every president has attended services at the church, and several have been members. A plaque at the rear of St. John's designates the pew where President Abraham Lincoln often sat when he stopped by the church during the Civil War.

Benjamin Latrobe, known as the "father of American architecture" and the architect of the U.S. Capitol Building and the White House porticos, designed St. John's Church in the form of a Greek cross.

The church bell, weighing almost 1,000 pounds, was cast by Paul Revere's son, Joseph, in August, 1822, and was hung at St. John's that November where it has rung since. Wikipedia says two accounts report that whenever the bell rings on the occasion of the death of a notable person, six male ghosts appear at the president's pew at midnight and quickly disappear.

Dolley Madison, wife of President Madison, was baptized and confirmed at St. John's, according to the National Park Service, which calls the church "one of the few original remaining buildings left near Lafayette Park today."

For those on lunch break Wednesday, food trucks are located at Farragut Square, two blocks away.

Who: Organist Michael Lodico plays heavenly angels in a Craig Phillips concert

What: First Wednesday Concert

When: 12:10 p.m., May 2, 2018

Where: St. John’s, Lafayette Square, 1525 H Street, NW, at the corner of 16th, Washington, D.C. 20005

How much: No charge

Duration: About 35 minutes

Wheelchair accessible

Metro stations: McPherson Square (White House exit), Farragut North, or Farragut West

For more information: Contact Michael Lodico at 202-270-6265 or Michael.Lodico@stjohns-dc.org or 202-347-8766
 

The last First Wednesday concert of the season, beginning at 12:10 p.m. and lasting until 12:45 p.m., is:

June 6: Music by Women Composers, including Margaret Sandresky's Dialogues for Organ and Strings by Ilono Kubiaczyk-Adler, organist, with the U.S. Air Force Strings
 

Attend May 2 and come away with joyful music and a sprinkling of angel dust to savor.

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Free noon organ recital today at St. John's, Lafayette Square

Michael Lodico at the Lively-Fulcher Pipe Organ, St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C./photo by Patricia Leslie

Michael Lodico, newly appointed director of music ministry and organist at St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, will present a free program of German and French organ music today at the church beginning at 12:10 p.m.

Mr. Lodico who began his musical career at age six with piano lessons, is a North Carolina native who graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia where he studied organ, harpsichord, improvisation, and piano.

A Fulbright Scholar to the Netherlands who completed a master's degree in music at the Amsterdam Conservatory, Mr. Lodico has presented concerts throughout the world, including a cathedrals tour in Scotland and England where he played the organ in holy places.

Mr. Lodico is also a critic who writes about musical festivals and performances he attends around the globe.

His concert today is part of St. John's First Wednesday Concert Series, presented from October through June at no cost to the public.

  St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C./Photo by Patricia Leslie

St. John's was founded in 1815 and is known to Washington residents as the yellow church at Lafayette Square.  It's often called the “Church of the Presidents” since beginning with James Madison who was president from 1809 to 1817, every president has been a member of St. John's or has attended services there. A plaque at the rear of St. John's designates the pew where President Abraham Lincoln often sat when he stopped by the church during the Civil War. 

First Wednesday concerts begin at 12:10 p.m. and last about 35 minutes. Food trucks are located at Farragut Square, two blocks away.

Who: Michael Lodico playing German and French organ music

What: First Wednesday Concerts

When: 12:10 p.m., November 2, 2016

Where: St. John’s, Lafayette Square, 1525 H Street, NW, at the corner of 16th, Washington, D.C. 20005

How much: No charge

Duration: About 35 minutes

Wheelchair accessible

Metro stations: McPherson Square (White House exit), Farragut North, or Farragut West

For more information: Contact Michael Lodico, St. John's director of music ministry, at 202-270-6265.

Upcoming dates and artists of the First Wednesday Concerts are:

December 7: Madrigal Singers from St. Albans & National Cathedral schools will sing seasonal music under the direction of Brandon Straub

January 4, 2017: Concert organist Janet Yieh will play works by Mendelssohn, Messiaen, and the "Beatles" Toccata

February 1: Jazz vocalist Sara Jones will sing a Winter Escape, accompanied by the Dan Dufford Ensemble

April 5: Soloists from St. John's Choir will sing

May 3: Thomas Smith, the director of music at Christ Church, Georgetown, will play A Journey to Merrie Olde England - A Recital of English Organ Music

June 7: Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 will be played by the U.S. Air Force Strings with trumpeter Mary Bowden
 
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Free noon harp and organ concert March 2, St. John's, Lafayette Square

Michael Lodico and Rebecca Smith/St. John's Episcopal Church

The Washington, D.C. premiere of Peter Mathews' Fantaisie for Harp and Organ will be presented in a noontime concert Wednesday at St. John's Episcopal Church by the Lafayette Square Duo with organist Michael Lodico and harpist Rebecca Smith.

The performance is part of the church's First Wednesday Concerts series and shall include this Wednesday a set of Irish jigs (for an early start on St. Paddy's Day) and "colorful" hymns.
 
The musicians are dedicating Fantaisie to Ms. Smith's mentor, Jeanne Chalifoux Goddin, and Mr. Lodico's daughter, Florence Asha Lodico. 

Ms. Smith and Mr. Lodico first teamed up in 2010 when they performed with the choir at St. John’s where Mr. Lodico is interim director of music ministry and organist. The duo have played at many area venues and at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston.

Mr. Lodico is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and a 2004 recipient of a Fulbright grant for graduate study in the Netherlands on historic instruments.

Ms. Smith is a former principal harpist for the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra and teaches at St. Mary's College and Anne Arundel Community College. She graduated from Dickinson College and received a M.M. from the Peabody Conservatory of Music. Ms. Smith studied at the Salzedo Summer Harp Colony and at Tanglewood Institute. In 2008 she recorded Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols with the Washington National Cathedral Girls Choir.

 St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C./Photo by Patricia Leslie

 

St. John's is known to many Washington residents as the yellow church at Lafayette Square and is often called the “Church of the Presidents” since beginning with James Madison who was president from 1809 to 1817, every president has been a member of St. John's or has attended services at the church. A plaque at the rear of the church designates the pew where President Abraham Lincoln often sat when he stopped by St. John's during the Civil War.

This year the church celebrates its bicentennial, and its history and stained-glass windows are described in books and booklets available at St. John's.

First Wednesday concerts begin at 12:10 p.m. and last about 35 minutes. Food trucks are located two blocks away at Farragut Square.

Who: Rebecca Smith and Michael Lodico in concert

What: First Wednesday Concerts

When: 12:10 p.m., March 2, 2016

Where: St. John’s, Lafayette Square, 1525 H Street, NW, at the corner of 16th, Washington, D.C. 20005

How much: No charge

Duration: About 35 minutes

Wheelchair accessible

Metro stations: McPherson Square (White House exit), Farragut North, or Farragut West

For more information: Contact Michael Lodico at 202-270-6265.

Future dates and artists of the First Wednesday Concerts are:

April 6: Soloists from St. John's Choir will sing.

May 4: The U.S. Air Force Strings Chamber Orchestra with harpsichordist Brandon Straub will play Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 5.

June 1: Concert organist Roderick Demmings, Jr., will play works by Bach, Wammes, and Widor.

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Grammy nominee to play free noon concert, Nov. 4, St. John's, Lafayette Square

Noah Getz
Grammy nominee, composer, musician-in-residence at American University, and worldwide performer, Noah Getz will play saxophone with organist Michael Lodico in a free noontime concert Wednesday at St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square.

On the program is Esprit de la Lune (Spirit of the Moon, 2012) by Australian composer Andrian Pertout (b. 1963, Santiago, Chile) which Mr. Getz co-commissioned for a performance at King's Chapel in Boston. 

Michael Lodico/Photo, St. John's Episcopal Church

Mr. Lodico, a Fulbright Scholar, is the interim director of music ministry and organist at St. John's.  He teaches at St. Anselm's Abbey School and performs with harpist Rebecca Anstine Smith as the Lafayette Square Duo who will play at St. John's March 2.

These free noon concerts are monthly presentations of the church's First Wednesday series held every month through June.

St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square/Photo by Patricia Leslie

St. John's known to many Washington residents as the yellow church at Lafayette Square, is often called the “Church of the Presidents” since beginning with James Madison who was president from 1809 to 1817, every president has been a member of St. John's or has attended services at the church. A plaque at the rear of the church designates the pew where President Abraham Lincoln often sat when he stopped by St. John's during the Civil War.  

This year the church celebrates its bicentennial, and its history and that of its stained-glass windows are told in books and booklets available at St. John's.

First Wednesday concerts begin at 12:10 p.m. and last about 35 minutes. Food trucks are located at Farragut Square, two blocks away, for those on lunch break.

Who:   Saxophonist Noah Getz and organist Michael Lodico will present Esprit de la Lune by Andrian Pertout
   
What:  First Wednesday Concerts

When: 12:10 p.m., November 4, 2015

Where: St. John’s, Lafayette Square, 1525 H Street, NW, at the corner of 16^th, Washington, D.C. 20005

How much: No charge

Duration: About 35 minutes

Wheelchair accessible

Metro stations: McPherson Square (White House exit), Farragut North, or Farragut West 

For more information: Contact Michael Lodico at 202-270-6265.

Future dates and artists of the First Wednesday Concerts are:

December 2: Madrigal Singers from St. Albans & National Cathedral schools will sing seasonal music.

January 6, 2016: Concert organist Janet Yieh will play works by Brahms and Widor.

February 3: Bob McDonald and Friends will sing to celebrate the crooner's centennial in "Sinatra Turns 100."
 
March 2: The Lafayette Square Duo with Rebecca Smith on harp and Michael Lodico on organ will play a composition by Peter Mathews. 

April 6: Soloists from St. John's Choir will sing.

May 4: The U.S. Air Force Strings Chamber Orchestra with harpsichordist Brandon Straub will play Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 5.

June 1: Concert organist Roderick Demmings, Jr., will play virtuosic works by Bach, Wammes, and Widor.

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An ethereal concert at St. John's, Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C.

Jared Denhard with his bagpipes and  Michael Lodico on the organ at the First Wednesday concert at St. John's Episcopal Church.  The eagle landed and approved/Photo by Patricia Leslie

It wasn't that I had died and gone to heaven; I had just gone to heaven at St. John's Episcopal Church, listening to Jared Denhard's bagpipes and Celtic harp, and Michael Lodico on the organ at the church's mid-day First Wednesday concert.

I still breathed, but barely, and floated in the tranquility of the moment, hearing the celestial sounds which carried me far away to peaceful places, a respite for any soul seeking truth and beauty. 

Michael Lodico played at the First Wednesday concert at St. John's Episcopal Church/Photo by Patricia Leslie

 

The presentation began with Pipe Dreams and then My Shepherd Will Supply My Need, followed by Highland Cathedral, O'Carolan Suite for Celtic Harp, Maids of Morn Shore for Celtic Harp, and to finish, Over the Hills Medley which included Amazing Grace whose beauty still remains in my mind for which I am grateful.

At the end of the performance I found myself wanting to buy the artists' CD, but none was offered.

Jared Denhard on the bagpipes at the First Wednesday concert at St. John's Episcopal Church/Photo by Patricia Leslie

 

The crowd continues to grow at these concerts (I estimate about 200 attended last week), and it's no wonder since, in just 35 minutes, they can embrace you quickly and carry you off to just about anywhere you want to go.

Only three concerts remain in this year's First Wednesday series, and April 19th's will be on a Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. when the St. John's Choir will sing.

The May and June Wednesday performances will begin at 12:10 p.m. Food trucks are located at Farragut Square, two blocks away, for those on lunch break.

Who:  St. John's Choir

What: Spring Concert

When: 4 p.m., April 19, 2015

May 6, 12:10 p.m. The U.S. Air Force Strings accompanied by Benjamin Hutto on the organ will play a Handel concerto and other works.

June 3, 12:10 p.m.  Benjamin Straley, organist at the Washington National Cathedral, will perform.

Where: St. John’s, Lafayette Square, 1525 H Street, NW, at the corner of 16^th, Washington, D.C. 20005

How much: No charge

Wheelchair accessible

Metro stations: McPherson Square (White House exit), Farragut North, or Farragut West

For more information: Contact Michael Lodico at 202-270-6265 or 202-347-8766

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Free bagpipes and organ concert at St. John's, Lafayette Square, March 4

Bagpiper Jared Denhard

The Highland piper and Celtic harper, Jared Denhard, will join organist Michael Lodico in a free noontime concert, Pipes and More Pipes, Wednesday at St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square.

Organist Michael Lodico

Mr. Lodico is the associate organist and choir master at St. John's who teaches organ and is a music critic.  Mr. Denhard also teaches, composes, and performs at Celtic, jazz, and classical events throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and is a member of the rock band, O'Malley's March, among other groups.   

St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C./Photo by Patricia Leslie

St. John's, known to many Washington residents as the yellow church at Lafayette Square, is often called the “Church of the Presidents.” Beginning with President James Madison, who was president from 1809 to 1817, every president has been a member of St. John's or has attended services at the church. A plaque at the rear of St. John's designates the pew where President Abraham Lincoln often sat when he stopped by the church during the Civil War.

All concerts start at 12:10 p.m. (with an exception in April), and last about 35 minutes. Food trucks are located at Farragut Square, two blocks away, for those on lunch break.

Who:  Organist Michael Lodico and bagpiper Jared Denhard 

What: Pipes and More Pipes, First Wednesday Concerts

When: 12:10 p.m., March 4, 2015

Where: St. John’s, Lafayette Square, 1525 H Street, NW, at the corner of 16^th, Washington, D.C. 20005

How much: No charge

Duration: About 35 minutes

Wheelchair accessible

Metro stations: McPherson Square (White House exit), Farragut North, or Farragut West

For more information: Contact Michael Lodico at 202-270-6265 or 202-347-8766

Future dates and artists of the First Wednesday Concerts are:

April 19 (Sunday), 4 p.m.: Spring Concert by St. John's Choir

May 6: The U.S. Air Force Strings accompanied by Benjamin Hutto performing a Handel organ concerto and other pieces

June 3: Benjamin Straley, organist at the Washington National Cathedral


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Free noon concert and world premiere Nov. 6 at St. John's, Lafayette Square

Bianca Garcia

Thi

The world premiere of a work for flute and organ featuring Native American music will be played November 6 at St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, and the public is invited to attend at no charge.

Bianca Garcia, a member of the New Hampshire state assembly, will play the flute, and Michael Lodico will play the organ for Stephen Cabell's Kokopelliana, starting at 12:10 p.m., in a First Wednesday Concert Series performance at St. John's.

Also on the program are a special arrangement of the Titanic Theme Song with glass flute, a shepherd song for piccolo and organ by Hans-Andre Stamm, and Frank Martin's Sonata da Chiesa.

Mr. Cabell, Mr. Lodico and Ms. Garcia are graduates of the Curtis Institute of Music.  Mr. Cabell teaches at the Manhattan School of Music, and Ms. Garcia, a recent Fulbright Scholar, has performed in 16 countries. Mr. Lodico, the associate organist and choir director at St. John's, is also a Fulbright Scholar.

The presentation was originally scheduled for last March, but a sudden snowstorm canceled it then. 
 

St. John's, known to many Washington residents as the yellow church at Lafayette Square, is

often called the "Church of the Presidents" since every president beginning with James Madison (1751-1836)

has either been a member of or attended services at St. John's. A plaque at the rear of the church designates the Lincoln pew where President Abraham Lincoln often sat when he stopped by St. John's during the Civil War.

St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C./Patricia Leslie

 

 

Who: Bianca Garcia and Michael Lodico performing Stephen Cabell's Kokopelliana

What:  First Wednesday Concerts

When: 12:10 p.m., November 6, 2013

Where: St. John’s, Lafayette Square, 1525 H Street, NW, at the corner of 16^th and H, Washington, D.C. 20005

How much: No charge

Duration: About 35 minutes

Wheelchair accessible

Metro stations: McPherson Square, Farragut North, or Farragut West

Food trucks: Located two blocks away at Farragut Square

For more information: Contact Michael Lodico at 202-270-

6265, Michael.Lodico@stjohns-dc.org.







Other St. John's First Wednesday concerts, all starting at 12:10 p.m., are:

December 4: Madrigal Singers from St. Albans & National Cathedral schools directed by organist Benjamin Hutto, performing seasonal music

January 8, 2014 (2nd Wednesday): Organist Richard Fitzgerald improvises on themes from the stained glass windows of St. John's

February 5: Soloists from St. John's Choir perform baroque music for Valentine's Day

March 12 (2nd Wednesday): Virtuoso Organist Dongho Lee performs Charles Ives's Variations on "America" and other works

April 2: The U.S. Air Force Strings conducted by 2nd Lt. Shanti Nolan, with organist Michael Lodico, perform Francis Poulenc's Organ Concerto

May 7: Easter music for trumpet and organ with A. Scott Wood and Benjamin Hutto

June 4: Organist Alan Morrison

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