Organ Festival This Spring in the AOD

In 1925, the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament commissioned Casavant Frères—one of North America’s finest and most respected organ builders—to create an instrument worthy of Detroit’s mother church. The result was a beautifully crafted pipe organ whose tonal design reflects the artistry and liturgical ideals of its time: warm foundations, expressive color stops, and a noble principal chorus that fills the cathedral with clarity and grandeur.For a century, this organ has shaped the spiritual life of our community. It has supported the Church’s chant, elevated choirs, and proclaimed the Gospel in sound at thousands of liturgies. Its voice has accompanied the faithful through moments of joy and sorrow, celebration and contemplation. It has also served as a cultural treasure for the wider community, inspiring generations of international organists, students, and concertgoers.In this 100th anniversary season, the Cathedral Cultural Series is proud to present an organ festival with three special programs.Sunday, March 15, 2026 - 4:00 PM - Concert for Organ & Orchestra with Dr. Sarah Simko, organist & Dr. Horst Buchholz, conductorSunday, April 26, 2026 - 4:00 PM - Organ Recital Dr. Fred Hohman featuring music from the period when the Casavant organ was built. Sponsored by the Casavant organ company.Monday, May 11, 2026 - 7:00 PM - Organ Recital Prof. Nicole Keller from the University of Michigan. Co-hosted by the Detroit AGO chapter.All concerts are FREE and open to the public.Dr. Horst Buchholz is Director of Sacred Music at the Cathedral of The Most Blessed Sacrament, and for the Archdiocese of Detroit, Michigan, and prior in a similar position in St. Louis. He received his first musical training in a boys choir in his native Germany. After studies in organ, church music, and composition, he graduated from the University of Arts in Berlin and continued his studies in conducting at Indiana University, where he earned the degree of Doctor of Music in Opera and Orchestral Conducting.Dr. Buchholz’ lifelong passion for and schooling in Early Music became a bedrock for later co-founding along with International Chant Academy Dean and Faculty member, Michael Rocchio, Pro-Arte Saint Louis, the only vocal ensemble dedicated to the performance of Early Music in the Midwest. Get full access to Epiphany at epiphanyradio.substack.com/subscribe