Philharmonic organist returns to Smithfield Church

AMENIA — New York Philharmonic organist and acclaimed choir master Kent Tritle will bring his lively, personable and intimate performance style to The Smithfield Church in Amenia on Saturday, Sept. 20. The concert to benefit the Oratorio Society of New York, where Tritle serves as Music Director, will begin at 3:30 p.m.

This will be the 13th organ recital Tritle has performed on the Smithfield Church’s historic 1893 Johnson and Son tracker organ, meticulously restored and moved from its original location at the First Congregational Church in Kent, Connecticut.

Tritle has said that the “sweet sound” of the Smithfield instrument reminds him of one of the first organs he ever played as a youngster in Iowa. He will be performing works by J.S. Bach, Hindemith, and Widor, and, joined by virtuoso cellist Arthur Fiacco Jr., Vivaldi’s “Sonata for Cello.”

Fiacco appeared as one of a three-cello ensemble at Smithfield Church in July as part of the Bang Family Concert Series. He has years of experience performing in New York City with distinguished regional orchestras and ensembles, such as the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, New York City Ballet, and Orchestra of St. Luke’s. Fiacco plays a cello made by Venetian master Carlo Tononi, dated 1730.

Tritle serves as music director of several highly esteemed choral ensembles in New York City, including Musica Sacra and The Oratorio Society of New York. In addition, he is Director of Cathedral Music and Organist at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
Most recently, Tritle helped garner an Emmy nomination for The All Star Orchestra’s performance episode, A Symphonic Organ Spectacular.

The suggested donation is $25 at the door. A reception will follow. For more information, phone 718-473-4623 or email swebb00@icloud.com. The Smithfield Church, 646 Smithfield Valley Road, is handicapped accessible.