On March 8, Professor of Organ and Harpsichord Judy Congdon will be presenting her valedictory lecture. This lecture is part of a series from faculty in a variety of disciplines, providing an opportunity for faculty, staff, students, and community members to learn from local experts.
At Houghton, Congdon is well known as the chapel organist, and has performed in venues across the United States. She holds degrees from a variety of universities: Wheaton College, the University of Colorado, Eastman School of Music, and Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies, according to her faculty profile on Houghton’s website. In 1996, Congdon was featured as soloist in Poulenc’s Organ Concerto with the Buffalo Philharmonic orchestra.
She frequently uses her musical talents for worship: she served for eight years as Organist and Choirmaster at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Olean, NY, and presently serves as organist at Houghton Wesleyan Church. She also served as presenter, recitalist, and service organist at the January 2006 Calvin Symposium on Worship.
Congdon has served as Dean and Board Member of the Allegany Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) and member of the Music Commission for the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York. She currently serves on the board of the Portageville Chapel, a national retreat for organists. In recent years, Congdon has presented workshops by invitation for several AGO chapters on topics of organ pedagogy, organ repertoire, and use of the organ in contemporary worship styles. Additionally, she has been a judge at numerous organ competitions, both local and national.
Congdon’s organ performance is featured on two compilations recorded on Houghton’s Wesley Chapel Holtkamp organ. These are With Heart and Hands and Voices: Hymns and Chorales for Organ and Love So Amazing: Organ Hymns for the Church Year. Congdon is also featured in two CD recordings on the James Louder organ at Houghton Wesleyan Church: Jesus Priceless Treasure is a recording of her all-Bach recital presented during the inaugural series for the organ and In Sweet Rejoicing features a bouquet of organ works for the Christmas season. All CDs are available through the Houghton Campus Store.
Congdon’s valedictory lecture will take place in Library 323 from 4:25 to 5:30. All are welcome to attend.