Tribute Concert Honors the Late Heinz Chapel Organist Robert Lord

PITTSBURGH—A free public commemorative concert at the University of Pittsburgh’s Heinz Memorial Chapel at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, will pay tribute to the late Robert Lord, who was the University organist from 1962 through 1999. He passed away in July 2014.

The concert program, titled “The Sainte-Clotilde Tradition: A Living Legacy,” will include works by organist-composers who embody the Sainte-Clotilde tradition—an important style of 19th- and 20th-century French organ composition and improvisation. Lord was one of the tradition’s leading authorities. He had studied under Jean Langlais, organist at the Basilica of Saint-Clotilde in Paris from 1945 to 1987, and the relationship spanned 33 years. Last year, Lord’s family donated his professional and scholarly papers and recorded performances to the University Library System, and the materials are being used by researchers from around the world.

Guest organists for the concert include Steven Anisko, Robert Blevins, and Douglas Himes, all protégés of Lord, and special guest Marie-Louise Langlais, the widow of Jean Langlais. This concert commemorates the 25th anniversary of Langlais’ death and will be played in his memory as well.

In addition, from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 29, Langlais will teach a master class on the music of Jean Langlais, French organ music, and the music of the Sainte-Clotilde tradition at Epiphany Catholic Church, 184 Washington Pl., Uptown. Registration is $20 or $10 with a valid student ID.

Internationally renowned as an organist and teacher, Langlais served as assistant organist at the Basilica of Saint-Clotilde and has held teaching positions at the National Regional Conservatory of Marseille, Schola Cantorum in Paris, and National Regional Conservatory of Paris. Visit https://pittlanglais.wordpress.com for more information on the concert and master class.

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