Cathedral hosts Stations of the Cross meditation concert

The Sioux City Cathedral Parish Cathedral Arts Series is hosting a special concert meditating on the Stations of the Cross, fitting for the Lenten season of the church.

Organist Stephen Hamilton will perform Le Chemin de la Croix, Op. 29 will be offered April 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Cathedral of the Epiphany. The concert features music coupled with poetry. Music is by Marcel Dupré (1886-1971) with poetry by Paul Claudel (1868-1955). The concert is open to the public and admission is free.

Le Chemin de la Croix is a symphonic poem that conveys through music the suffering and agony of Jesus’ Passion. Dupré employs twelve melodic themes and six rhythmic motives, each symbolizing a different element of the Way of the Cross. Dupré explained the origin of these thematic ideas: 

“The themes are not only symbolic, but also traditional, one might say. Certain intervals, certain melodic shapes form part of the musical inheritance. I have studied how the masters have agreed upon certain formulae, like the double leap of a fourth for the Cross. It is found in Bach, Handel, and Schütz. The theme of the Redemption, formed of four conjunct notes, is found in Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s St. John Passion, Franck’s Beatitudes, and Wagner’s Parsifal. 

Stephen Hamilton is Minister of Music Emeritus at the historic Church of the Holy Trinity (Episcopal) in New York City. As organist, he also conducted the semi-professional Holy Trinity Choir and was Artistic Director of Music at Holy Trinity, the church's subscription concert series for 20 years. 

An avid educator, Hamilton was professor of organ and chairman of the fine arts division (music, dance, theater, and art) at Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Virginia, from 1972 to 1986. In New York City he served on the artist faculties of Hunter College, Manhattan School of Music and Queens College. In demand as a clinician for master classes and workshops, he frequently lectures on topics related to church music as well as organ pedagogy, performance, and interpretation. 

His church music repertoire classes have been presented at seven National Conventions of the American Guild of Organists.  The Pipe Organ Encounters program of the AGO has often engaged Hamilton as a clinician and teacher.

A native of Iowa, Hamilton began his private organ studies in the fourth grade with Russell Saunders at Drake University. His bachelor’s and master’s degrees were earned at Southern Illinois University. His study with John Walker earned him the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Manhattan School of Music. He also pursued rigorous private studies with legendary organists Arthur Poister and Marie-Claire Alain.
 
Stephen Hamilton now makes his home in Minneapolis, where he is actively engaged in the rich cultural life of the Twin Cities, while continuing to concertize internationally. In July of 2023 he accepted the position of Director of Music and Organist at Olivet Congregational Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.