August 19, 2012

August 19, 2012

Today we remember organist Carlo Curley who passed away a week ago Saturday at the age of 59. Organist Cherry Rhodes, Carlo’s North American Manager Keith Pendergraft and Carlo’s friend Lee Maloney join us to share their memories and stories of Carlo. Listen to this episode here:

podcast link

The music heard in this episode came from Carlo’s private recordings performed on the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ in 2000 and 2004, with the exception of the last track. We actually don’t know where that was recorded, but we’re tracking it down.

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1 Response

  1. Jim Dedera says:

    Brent:
    This was the first I was able to find the website and listen to the program tribute to Carlo Curley. Carlo became friends of St. Elizabeth in Granite City, IL. when he presented his first concert with us in 2006. Our Community Concert Series was new and several close friends ( John Romeri, Pat Partridge, etc.) were kind enough to give me advice and present concerts in our new nave…blessed with wonderful acoustics and a phenomenal new organ that I was privileged to help design. Carlo came, played a concert, and returned on year later when the building was standing room only – and out of the doors!! What a talent and what a person. Carlo returned 3 more times to a “packed house” and was to have returned for an unprecedented FIFTH concert (at his request) scheduled for November 17, 2012. Of course his passing was cause for many to weep and more. Carlo loved our instrument and, at my asking, was involved in completely re-voicing it in 2010. His knowledge, gift of the finest ears, hearing every nuiance and patience in producing only the BEST he could whether playing, consulting, or voicing, etc. was as astitute as his loyalty to friendships he developed. I wanted to share all this, because the “wealth” of Carlo’s career can be heard in his expertise of the re-voice of our instrument!! He loved our space, our concert attendees, our hospitality….but not more than we loved him! He loved St. Louis and his close friend Stan Kann. John Romeri ask me to bring him to the Cathedral Basilica where he enjoyed the console for several hours – the same experience the following day at Christ Church Cathedral and with Pat Partridge. The music world has lost a “giant” in talent, musical expression, and friendship. Thanks for reading this posting and THANKS, Brent, for the wonderful tribute to a giant in the organ world.

    Jim Dedera
    Director of Liturgy and Music
    St. Elizabeth Church
    2300 Pontoon Road
    Granite City, IL. 62040

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