1956 Aeolian-Skinner+ organ at Saint Thomas Church, New York, NY

It is a procession of hope, a progression from darkness into light, the weeks of Advent anticipation. But this week, we’ll rush the season a bit, mixing music of joyful abandon with other scores perhaps just a bit reticent and watchful. Joel Martinson, John Rutter, William Mathias and Richard Purvis give fresh interpretation to prophetic scripture, while organists John Gowens, Guy Bovet, Richard Cummins and Frederick Hohman apply the King of Instruments to a celebration of the King of Kings. Poetic reflections and exuberant outbursts proclaim a holy season, with overriding hopes for peace on earth. With carols and anthems, preludes and dances, let instruments and choirs lift your spirits in anticipation of Christmas as we Prepare the Way.

This week we pay tribute to Gerre and Judith Hancock, the talented husband and wife who have made marvelous music at Saint Thomas Church in New York City for more than 30 years.

Embellished by the pipe organ’s many colors, these compositions were inspired by African and Afro-American themes.

As always, glorious sounds result when a pipe organ teams up with other instruments.

A visit with the remarkable young blind British organist David Aprahamian Liddle.

…a modest miscellany of recent compact discs, a representative sampler of the incredible flood of current offerings.

…from Ann Arbor to Atlanta, whether on campus or at home, in church or theater, organ music for the season resounds with glad tidings!

…celebratory music for choirs and instruments in observance of the springtime Christian Easter.

…we celebrate composer Ned Rorem with performances of his music in anticipation of his 85th birthday. On this week’s show, we visit with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Ned Rorem and celebrate the remarkable and envigorating repertoire that he has composed for organists and choirs. Is it strange that an agnostic son of Quaker parents should write so compellingly for the church or is everything under the sun just a concert celebrating creativity? Insights from the artist with his art, it’s Rorem on Rorem.

…a few slices from the ‘new organ’, ‘new music’, and ‘live performance’ scenes in Manhattan.

…composers and performers blend their talents in a melodious tribute to the holiday season.

…a spring survey of some recent CD releases from American producers in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

…a focus on female practitioners of the organ art, featured as recital soloists and composers (sometimes simultaneously).

…great instruments and great music can be found in abundance in America's greatest city!

…in anticipation of our thoroughly American holiday, these works by some thoroughly American composers.

…a tribute to the artistry of English-born organist and choral conductor John Scott, who died unexpectedly at age 59 on August 12, 2015.

…recent selections from one of America's prime 'organ labels', and conversations with Raven's curator William Van Pelt.

…the Christmas festival is rich with pictorial implications that composers have interpreted with intriguing ingenuity.

…holiday music resounds coast-to-coast, from New York to California, Texas to Minnesota.

…with a good theme, variation sets provide organists and composers an exceptional opportunity to tour the tonal resources of any instrument.

…following a centuries-old tradition, these organists have created new music in the moment through artful improvisation.

…music for an Earth Day celebration of the world's splendor and the environment which is our life-support.

…a reflection on the diverse styles by which American composers express themselves.

…a reflection on the diverse styles by which American composers express themselves.