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March 15, 2018
St. Mary’s Cathedral, Geary Boulevard at Gough Street, San Francisco, features local and international artists in weekly performances on most Sundays at 4 p.m. as well as on additional dates. Freewill donation requested at door except as noted. (415) 567-2020, ext. 213, www.stmarycathedralsf.org. Below are a few upcoming performances.
Wednesday, April 18, 7 p.m.: Katelyn Emerson, organist, performing works by Bach, Mozart, Rheinberger, Alain, Langlais and Dupre. The artist performs throughout North America and Europe, showcasing repertoire spanning the 14th-21st centuries in concerts, master classes and lectures. She holds degrees in organ performance and French, as well as minors in historical performance and music history from Oberlin College and Conservatory. Ticketed reception to follow. Admission $10-25, San Francisco members of American Organist Guild free.
Sunday, April 22, 4 p.m.: The concert by St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir is in honor of longtime cathedral cantor Stephen Walsh who died Jan. 8. Walsh, 61, had been leading song at the cathedral for almost 25 years. Beyond his musical expertise – the baritone was a much sought-after Bay Area soloist – Walsh had tremendous respect and affection for his role as cantor. “I love being a cantor at St. Mary’s Cathedral,” he told Catholic San Francisco in April 2017, noting he wanted Mass-goers to feel “at home” at the cathedral. “I want them to feel like it is their church because it is, in fact, their cathedral.” The Mass was very close to Walsh’s heart. “I love to lead the music, to sing the Psalms, to be at the liturgies, to be a part of the team that keeps the liturgy flowing smoothly and effortlessly,” he said. “It is called the celebration of the Eucharist for a reason and I love to be a part of the celebration with enthusiasm.”
Sunday, May 13, 4 p.m.: Festival of Marian Hymns by newly established choir The Benedict 16. Under the direction of John Renke, the ensemble will perform Marian motets in a performance of hymns, readings and choral literature. Sponsored by the Benedict XVI Institute. See Catholic San Francisco, March 8, 2018, for more on the Benedict XVI Institute.
Sunday, May 20, 4 p.m.: “For the Beauty of the Earth,” performed by the St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir School under the direction of Christoph Tietze. Program to include music from the California Missions.