Organist Damin Spritzer in Concert
Mar
1
3:00 PM15:00

Organist Damin Spritzer in Concert

World-touring organist, Damin Spritzer, plays a solo recital in the expanded Holtkamp-Pasi organ at the Saint John’s Abbey and University Church.

3:00 pm
Saint John’s Abbey and University Church
Collegeville, Minnesota
csbsju.edu/music/events-new

Free will offering
An ARTE event

The world famous organist,  Damin Spritzer, has performed at historic churches and instruments in Belgium, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Norway, and Scotland, and has been honored to contribute to regional and national convention performances and lectures in Austin, Kansas City, Denver, Dallas, Cincinnati, Columbus, Minnesota, and Seattle. Performance venues in 2024 included St. Paul’s Cathedral (London), the University of Glasgow (Scotland), Exeter College Chapel (Oxford, England), and St John the Evangelist (Islington, London), as well throughout the US. Critics have described her performances as “spellbinding.” She received her doctorate from the University of North Texas, her Master of Music from the Eastman School of Music, and her Bachelor of Music from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.

CSB/SJU and Saint John’s Abbey is honored and excited to host her. 

Her performance is Sunday, March 1, at 3:00 on the magnificent Holtkamp-Pasi Pipe Organ at the Saint John’s Abbey and University Church.  A freewill offering will be collected.

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VocalEssence and Greg Zelek
Apr
11
4:00 PM16:00

VocalEssence and Greg Zelek

April 11
400 PM
Saint John’s Abbey and University Church

Tickets Available Now

VocalEssence and organist Greg Zelek Saturday, April 11, 2026, 4:00 PM

We welcome VocalEssence, an internationally famous Minneapolis-based choral ensemble directed by Philip Brunelle, with organist Greg Zelek.
Founded in 1969, Minneapolis-based VocalEssence has decades of history as one of the world’s premier choral music organizations. But despite its global influence, VocalEssence has kept its focus local—consistently pioneering ways to strengthen Minnesota’s community through thrilling musical experiences.

Greg Zelek is no stranger to the Holtkamp-Pasi pipe organ in Saint John’s Abbey Church. At 31, Zelek is an organ prodigy and has played all over the world. He is one of a handful of full-time symphony organists in the US. His concerts at Saint John’s have always concluded with enthusiastic standing ovations.

 

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The Great Pumpkin Returns
Oct
30
8:00 PM20:00
Organ

The Great Pumpkin Returns

8:00 pm
Saint John’s Abbey Church

"The Great Pumpkin Returns" is free and open to anyone who wants to attend. The Abbey Church can accommodate all, and based on the popularity of this show last fall, we expect a remarkable turnout: students, faculty, staff, neighbors, alumni, and friends! All are welcome to get into the Halloween spirit!

A Halloween spectacular featuring jazz artist George Maurer, pianist and organist Bob Koopmann, OSB,  Jacob Berns, OSB, David Klingeman, OSB, David Jenkins, Anthony Ruff, OSB, and other pop and jazz artists.

This is a Free Event
Free-will Offerings are accepted

 
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Greg Zelek: A program of Mostly Bach
Sep
28
3:00 PM15:00

Greg Zelek: A program of Mostly Bach

3:00 pm, Saint John’s Abbey & University Church

Praised as “extraordinary in the classical music world” (Jon Hornbacher, PBS Wisconsin Life) and a “musical star” (Bill Wineke, Channel 3000), Greg Zelek is the Principal Organist of the Madison Symphony Orchestra and Curator of the Overture Concert Organ. In this role, Greg performs and oversees all of the MSO’s organ programming. The MSO Organ Series regularly attracts over one thousand ticketed audience members for each of Zelek’s creatively curated and performed concerts. Since September 2017, Greg has proudly held the Elaine and Nicholas Mischler Curatorship.

In addition to his unique position in Madison, Zelek is the Curator of the J.F. Bryan Concert Organ Series for the Jacksonville Symphony and the new Northrop Organist at the University of Minnesota.

Zelek also performs frequently as a soloist throughout the United States. Always playing his solo programs from memory, Zelek has played and premiered many of the large works of the organ canon, as well as new works that showcase the versatility of the instrument.

Alongside various orchestras, Greg has performed the organ concertos of Barber, Poulenc, Rheinberger, and Jongen. Greg has also been the organist for works such as Mahler’s 8th Symphony, Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass, Saint-Saëns’s Organ Symphony, Strauss’s Alpine Symphony, Respighi’s Pines of Rome, Foss’s Phorion, and Gounod’s Faust.

Zelek is known for his inventive programming and collaborations. He has performed a classical and gospel concert with counter-tenor Reginald Mobley, arranged and commissioned works for cello and organ with cellist Thomas Mesa, performed in a Latin-American concert with a Cuban band from Miami, FL, and collaborated with electronic trombonist Mark Hetzler, in a concert featuring new music for organ, trombone, and percussion. He has also performed with the Canadian Brass in his continued role as Visiting Guest Artist at St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, MN.

In 2016, Greg was chosen by The Diapason magazine as one of the top “20 Under 30” organists and has won prizes in numerous organ competitions. Zelek released a recording on the Overture Concert Organ in the Fall of 2022. A recipient of the inaugural Kovner Fellowship, he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, as well as an Artist Diploma, from the Juilliard School as a student of Paul Jacobs. Greg, who is Cuban-American and a native Spanish speaker, grew up in Miami, FL and resides in Madison, WI with his wife and daughter.

A Program of Mostly Bach

Léon Boëllmann

Suite gothique, Op. 25

     Introduction - Choral

     Menuet gothique

     Prière à Notre-Dame

     Toccata

 

J.S. Bach

Sinfonia from Cantata BWV 4

Fugue in D major, BWV 532

 

Trio Sonata No. 3 in D minor, BWV 527

     Andante

     Adagio e dolce

     Vivace

 

Pedal-Excercitium, BWV 598

Siciliano from Flute Sonata in Eb, BWV 1031

‘Little’ Fugue in G minor, BWV 578

 

Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV 543

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Triduum Retreat
Apr
17
to Apr 20
Retreats

Triduum Retreat

Come to Me All You Who are Burdened — the Goal of a Lenten Observance

Presented by Father Eric Hollas, O.S.B.

Jesus calls us to leave behind our burdens and take up his instead.  Despite his assurance that his yoke is easy and his burden light, we still clutch tightly to our own baggage, which has been accumulated over a lifetime.  This retreat will seek to inventory some of the baggage we carry, and learn how to place it in the hands of the Lord.

 

Reservation Information

The retreat begins with a conference at 4:00 p.m. on Holy Thursday and concludes after a Sunday morning conference and optional Easter Day Mass.

Cost: single-occupancy room, $375; double-occupancy room, $645; suite, $705, meals included.

To register for this retreat, contact the Spiritual Life Office at 320-363-3929, email us at spirlife@osb.org, or register online.

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Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Apr
13
11:30 AM11:30
Events & Liturgy, Liturgy

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

We invite you to join us for the celebration of the Mass in person or live-streamed from the Saint John’s Abbey Church.

PRAYER SCHEDULE

7:00 am – Morning Prayer
10:30 am – Sunday Mass (Blessing of the branches in the Great Hall, followed by a procession to the Church.)
5:00 pm – Evening Prayer

Watch the Livestream Here

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Vigil of Palm Sunday
Apr
12
7:00 PM19:00
Events & Liturgy, Liturgy

Vigil of Palm Sunday

7:00 pm Abbey Church

We invite you to mark your calendar for the Vigil of Palm Sunday service at Saint John's Abbey Church. On the evening of Saturday, April 12, we will offer an opportunity for friends, neighbors, students, parents, nearby parishioners, and all who would like to participate—to join us to begin their Holy Week in a special and inspirational way. The vigil prayer service features a lovely musical composition of the late Father Jerome Coller, O.S.B. Comprised of chant and organ music, the approximately one-half-hour service reflects on the solemn message of the Palm Sunday liturgy.

Following the vigil, all are invited to join the monks for a reception with light refreshments in the Great Hall.

No RSVP is required.

If you would like to extend your stay, go to the Abbey Guesthouse Reservation Form and secure a space today.

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The Westminster Cathedral Choir of London
Mar
29
4:00 PM16:00
Organ, Abbey Church

The Westminster Cathedral Choir of London

4:00 pm
Saint John’s Abbey Church

Tickets Now Available

Westminster Cathedral Choir is widely considered to be one of the finest choirs in the world. Since its foundation in 1901 it has occupied a unique and enviable position at the forefront of English church music, not least because of the ground-breaking work of its first Master of Music, Sir Richard Terry, who revived the great works of the English and continental Renaissance composers.

The choir’s fame grew under Terry as it presented this forgotten music, transforming attitudes to the repertoire. Innovation continued under George Malcolm who pioneered the development of the choir’s sound along continental lines, resulting in a choir that was truly revolutionary in both what and how it sang. The choir continues these traditions today, and it remains the only Catholic Cathedral choir in the world to sing daily Mass and Vespers. More recent holders of the post have included Colin Mawby, Stephen Cleobury, David Hill, James O’Donnell, and Martin Baker. Since September 2021, the choir has been directed by Simon Johnson.

The choir’s reputation continues to grow as it reaches new audiences through a series of acclaimed recordings on the Hyperion label, the two most recent being James MacMillan’s Tenebræ Responsories, and the three Masses of William Byrd. In 1998 the choir was awarded the Gramophone Awards ‘Best Choral Recording of the Year’ and ‘Record of the Year’ for the performance of Frank Martin’s Messe and Pizzetti’s Requiem.

The choir has a history of commissioning and performing new music, famous examples being Britten’s Missa brevis for boys’ voices, the Mass in G minor by Vaughan Williams and compositions by Wood, Holst and Howells. Over the last two decades, the choir has commissioned new Masses from James MacMillan, Peter Maxwell Davies, Judith Bingham, John Tavener, Matthew Martin and Stephen Hough, all of which were first performed in the context of the regular liturgies at Westminster Cathedral.

Westminster Cathedral Choir features frequently on radio and television. When its busy liturgical schedule permits it takes its music further afield. In addition to regular concerts around the UK, recent tours have included Hungary, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Italy and the USA.

(Source: westminstercathedral.org.uk/music)

 
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Greg Zelek and Caleb Hudson
Mar
9
3:15 PM15:15
Organ

Greg Zelek and Caleb Hudson

3:15 pm
Saint John’s Abbey Church

Caleb Hudson, former trumpeter with the world-famous Canadian Brass for over a decade, will present a concert with master organist Greg Zelek on March 9 at 3:15 PM in the Abbey & University Church. 

Uniting virtuosity and musical sensitivity, Caleb Hudson has carved out a unique space in the world of classical trumpet. A long-standing member of the esteemed Canadian Brass for over a decade, he has captivated international audiences. Caleb, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, earned both his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Juilliard School. The New York Times has praised his artistry as "brilliantly stylish."

In March 2024, Hudson released his debut solo album “Nothing Less,” a testament to the art of ensemble-driven dialogue. Featuring a distinct blend of solo trumpet, violin, cello, flute, and clarinet, the music allows virtuosity and collaboration to intermingle seamlessly. The album introduces fresh compositions by Remy Le Boeuf, Kyle Athayde, and Caleb Hudson himself while also offering innovative takes on classics by Corelli and Philip Glass.

(Source: https://hudsontrumpet.com)

Greg Zelek is among the most exciting young organists in the American organ scene. Praised for his “effortless facility on the instrument,” Greg has recently been hailed as “extraordinary in the classical music world” and a “musical star.” He is the Principal Organist of the Madison Symphony Orchestra and the Overture Concert Organ curator, overseeing all the MSO’s organ programming. Since September 2017, Greg has proudly held the Elaine and Nicholas Mischler Curatorship.

(Source https://www.gregzelek.com)

 
 
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A Duo Recital
Jun
12
3:00 PM15:00
Organ

A Duo Recital

3:00 pm June 12, 2024
Saint John’s Abbey Church

Free admission; a free-will offering will be received.

Isabelle Demers and Damin Spritzer performing on the Abbey’s Holtcamp/Pasi organ

Dr. Isabelle Demers has appeared in recitals throughout Europe, Oman, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. She is in continual high demand by her colleagues, as witnessed by performances for numerous regional and national conventions of the American Guild of Organists, the Institute of Organ Builders and International Society of Organbuilders, the Royal Canadian College of Organists, and the Organ Historical Society. She has released multiple CD recordings.

A native of Québec and a doctoral graduate of the Juilliard School, Dr. Demers is an Associate Professor of Organ at McGill University (Montréal, Québec). She was formerly the Joyce Bowden Chair in Organ and Head of the Organ Program at Baylor University (Waco, Texas).

concertartists.com

Area Chair and Associate Professor of Organ Dr. Damin Spritzer has been with the University of Oklahoma since 2014. Formerly Adjunct Professor at the University of North Texas teaching Organ Literature and Sacred Music, she continues work with the Cathedral Church of Saint Matthew in Dallas as Artist-in-Residence for Cathedral Arts. For the Organ Historical Society, she serves on the Library Archives Committee, and for the Association of Anglican Musicians, on their editorial board. Previously she has participated with the Board of Directors for the Leupold Foundation, dedicated to the preservation of pipe organ music and culture, and is active in the Dallas and Oklahoma City Chapters of the American Guild of Organists.

daminspritzer.com

 
 
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HYMN FEST: All the Earth with Joy is Sounding
Apr
15
8:00 PM20:00
Organ, Events & Liturgy

HYMN FEST: All the Earth with Joy is Sounding

8:00 p.m.
Saint John’s Abbey Church

Hymn Fest with organ, percussion, jazz saxophone, Native American flute, and trumpet

With master organ improviser Tom Trenney
Mary Lara Ahles and Br. David Paul Lang, O.S.B., singers
Lynn Deichert, Trumpet
Maureen Putnam, percussion
Bruce Thornton, saxophone
Fr. Michael Peterson, O.S.B., Native American flute

Singing hymns of Easter season from the new Saint John’s Abbey Hymnal

FREE KEYBOARD LESSONS WITH TOM TRENNEY

Keyboard players of any level may sign up for a session with Tom Trenney to receive valuable tips on leading hymns and improvising on them. Lessons are offered on Monday, April 15, and Tuesday, April 16. Email Fr. Anthony Ruff, O.S.B. if you  wish to sign up: awruff@csbsju.edu

Watch the Livestream Here

View the Hymn Fest Leaflet Here

 

 This event is made possible through a Vital Worship Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.

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Organ Concert with Dr. Isabelle Demers
Nov
5
3:00 PM15:00
Organ

Organ Concert with Dr. Isabelle Demers

3:00 pm November 5, 2023
Saint John’s Abbey Church

Free admission; a free-will offering will be received.
Attend in person or watch the live-stream here

Dr. Isabelle Demers’ concert will feature the music of Daveluy, Prokofiev, Reger, and the world premiere of “Tone Poem in Honour of Saint Benedict” by Rachel Laurin, commissioned through the generosity of Michael Barone of American Public Media.

With playing described as having “bracing virtuosity” (Chicago Classical Review) and being “fearless and extraordinary” (Amarillo-Globe News), Dr. Isabelle Demers has enraptured critics, presenters, and audience members around the globe.

Isabelle Demers has appeared in recitals throughout Europe, Oman, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. She is in continual high demand by her colleagues, as witnessed by performances for numerous regional and national conventions of the American Guild of Organists, the Institute of Organ Builders and International Society of Organbuilders, the Royal Canadian College of Organists, and the Organ Historical Society. She has released multiple CD recordings.

A native of Québec and a doctoral graduate of the Juilliard School, Dr. Demers is an Associate Professor of Organ at McGill University (Montréal, Québec). She was formerly the Joyce Bowden Chair in Organ and Head of the Organ Program at Baylor University (Waco, Texas).

 
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