The Blessing of Opus 1
After three months of voicing, Opus 1 was solemnly blessed during a festive Easter Vespers at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish. Archbishop Shawn McKnight of Kansas City in Kansas presided over the liturgy, and a particularly powerful moment was the "Awakening of the Organ." In this dialogue with the Archbishop the organ’s voice gradually unfolded for the first time and filled the church with its rich and varied sound.
For the organ builders in attendance, it was a particular joy watch Kevin Vogt, St. Michael’s Director of Worship and Sacred Arts, simultaneously play and conduct the choir from the detached, reversed console. This moment marked the fulfillment of a vision he had carried for almost twenty years with Martin Pasi.
In mid-June, the team from Saint John's Abbey Woodworking will return to St. Michael's to install antiphonal choir stalls in the organ loft. Designed in close coordination with the instrument, this seating will support the choir’s ministry and the community’s prayer of the Divine Office.
We are deeply grateful to the members of the St. Michael community for their patience and hospitality throughout these past months, and we rejoice with them as this new voice takes its place in their chorus of praise.
Special thanks to Amy Wilken for photography.