A Sanctuary of Sound
in the Heart of the City

Opus 414 Events

The events detailed below involve Opus 414 or the efforts behind its restoration.

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events are currently scheduled.

Past Events

Midday Organ recital

When: Tuesday, October 1 - 12:15 p.m.

Where: FUMC at The Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602.

What: Organist Phillip Kloeckner will present a free organ recital featuring works by J.S. Bach, George Whitfield Andrews, and Denis Bédard.

He will reprise Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 547, and Andrews’ “Con Grazia,” from the September 29 Centennial Concert.

He will also play the dynamic, jazz-inflected “Suite du premier ton” by Bédard, a contemporary French-Canadian composer. Its four movements showcase the organ’s various tonal possibilities. “Plein jeu” brings forth a rich sound. “Dialogue” sets up a musical conversation between the organ’s different instrumental voices. “Récit” features a solo organ voice in a distinctive, expressive melody. “Grand jeu” has the organist literally pull out the stops for a dramatic and powerful effect.

Tickets are not required for this 30-minute performance.

Centennial Concert

When: Sunday, September 29 - 2:30 p.m.

Where: FUMC at The Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602.

What: The signature event of the Chicago Temple Building’s upcoming centennial celebration will be a brass and pipe organ concert at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday September 29. The performace will feature music by Giovanni Gabrieli, André Campra, Eugène Gigout, Geoge Whitfield Andrews, Anthony DiLorenzo, Johann Sebastian Bach, Aaron Copland, Michael Thorn, and Charles-Marie Widor.

Artists are Dr. Phillip Kloeckner, First United Methodist Church organist, and the Chicago Brass Quintet.

The concert is also a fundraiser for the $3.25 million restoration of the church’s historic E. M. Skinner pipe organ, Opus 414. Installed in the ground-floor sanctuary in 1924, the instrument boasts 5,589 pipes and is among the largest in downtown Chicago. Proceeds will also help fund public concerts after the restoration is completed in December of 2026.

To purchase tickets ($25 each) for this exciting afternoon of inspiring music, please visit the TicketLeap website or use the QR code at left.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The Pipes are Calling!

When: Wednesday, August 30 - 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: FUMC at the Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602.

What: A live voice recital to benefit the Organ Restoration, accompanied by organ and piano, featuring music by J.S. Bach, Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns, Verdi, Donizetti, and others.

Musicians include soprano Ayla Langer, tenor Grant Papastefan, pianist Karina Kontorovitch, and organist Philip Kloeckner.

Cost: Free admission with a suggested donation to the Opus 414 restoration.

More Information: Program (PDF)

Bach 337

When: March 20, 2022 - 2 p.m.

Where: Streamed live on the church's Youtube and Facebook channels or in person at The Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602.

What: A recital of organ music composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, presented in celebration of the 337th birthday of the much-admired genius composer. The event will showcase the kaleidoscopic sounds of Opus 414, the large symphonic-style organ at the church.

Cost: Free will offering to support the organ restoration project.

More Information: News Release (PDF) | Program (PDF)

Opera & Organ (featuring Grammy winner Mark S. Doss)

When: September 14 - 6 p.m.

Where: First United Methodist Church at Chicago Temple, 77 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602

What: An enchanting evening of music featuring classic arias and choruses from masters including Verdi, Mussorgsky, Mozart, Puccini, Wagner, Smetana, Gruenberg, Bizet and Joplin.

Cost: Advance tickets $40; Day-of ticket: $55; Senior Rate: $40; Children 18 and under are free but still require ticket.

Tickets: Online at brownpapertickets.com or by phone at (800) 838-3006

More Information: Flier (PDF) | Program (PDF)