09/20/2024
Franciscan University Student Performs “Modal Musings” Concert & Lecture in Franklin, PA
Cecilia Grace Burchlll performed an original organ concert and lecture, entitled “Modal Musings” at famed DeBence Antique Music World in Franklin, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
The entertaining and educational afternoon program included musical performances by student artist Cecilia Grace Burchill of composers Johann Speth’s (1661-1720) Magnificat Octavi Toni, traditionally sung at Vespers from his only surviving work, Ars Magna Consoni et Dissoni, and selections from Flor Peters’ (1903-1986) 35 Miniatures, and the program’s finale work by Dietrich Buxtehude (c.1637-1797), “Praeludium in C Major”, the “Prelude.”
Original keyboard improvisations by student artist Burchill, representing four historic musical modes, were featured. Demonstrations of Gregorian Chant Modes, performed in duet vocally by Gracie Burchill and her mother, Sharon Burchill, further enhanced the program’s thematic nature and musical performances. Vocal performances included “Jesu Dulcis, Pange Lingua, and Adoremus in Aeternum.” Program notes and translations were provided to the audience.
Cecilia Grace Burchill, a Beaver County, PA resident, is a rising sophomore at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio where she is enrolled as a double major in Sacred Music studies, concentration in organ, and Classics. She is a soprano member of the top tier choral ensemble, the Schola Cantorum Franciscana, and also serves as a rehearsal accompanist and soprano member of the Women’s Choir of Franciscan. The eldest of four children, Cecilia began her interest in music at age 5 with studies on the harp. She also plays piano, flute, piccolo, and ukulele, and began her organ studies at 15, currently studying with Mr. Ralph Holtzauser and Dr. Nicholas Will. She sings in the Schola Cantorum of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Parrish in Pittsburgh, and is a graduate of both the Pueri Cantorum and Gradus Cantorum children’s choirs of the parish, as well as the High School Apprentice Program. Cecilia Grace Burchill is a graduate of Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh, where she sang in the Aquinas Academy High School Choir and Chapel Choir. While in middle school and high school, she sang in the Beaver Valley Choral Society, played in the orchestra, and was a founding member of the Treble Youth Chorale. Current appointments include a Vocal Fellowship at the Pittsburgh Oratory of St. Philip Neri, and Organ Scholar at Most Precious Blood of Jesus (as the first recipient). Most recently, Cecilia Grace Burchill was chosen to be one of only three young organists to perform as part of an Organ Master Class with celebrated organ superstar Anna Lapwood, M.B.E.
The organ featured in the concert was donated to the DeBence Antique Music World by Mr. and Mrs. Rod and Anita Adams. (Pictured seated for the concert)
The DeBence Antique Music World, located at 1261 Liberty Street, Franklin, PA, is a museum whose collection contains more than 100 antique mechanical musical instruments, including music boxes, band organs, player pianos, a nickelodeon piano, as well as a number of other antiques.