News

Celebrated alumnus organist to perform at IC

2.10.2020

As part of its Fine Arts Series, Illinois College welcomes back virtuoso organist Stephen Tharp ’92 to give a lively performance at Rammelkamp Chapel on Friday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

A magna cum laude graduate of Illinois College’s music program, Tharp has been described as “one of the most brilliant concert organists around these days” by  Dallas Morning News and “the best organist in America” by The Diapason magazine. 

Tharp has become a consummate musician, renowned for his insightful and exciting performances. His performance at Illinois College will include a wide variety of organ music, written from the eighteenth century to 2019, including works by J.S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn and Louis Vierne (whose last two organ symphonies are on Stephen’s new CD from St. Sulpice, Paris), plus several Romantic era virtuosic masterpieces. The newest work on the program will be a new Berceuse dedicated to the renowned American organist Fred Swann, composed in 2019 by Dallas-based composer George Baker.  

Tharp has performed throughout the United States and Europe and was the official organist for the New York visit of Pope Benedict XVI in 2008. He was also awarded the International Performer of the Year in 2011 by the New York City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. 

Individual tickets for the Illinois College Fine Arts Series are $15 each and season tickets are available for $70 each. Students of all ages receive free admission. Tickets are available for purchase in advance by phone at 217.245.3260 or at the door.

For a complete listing of Fine Arts Series concerts visit www.ic.edu/fas.
 

About Illinois College

Founded in 1829, Illinois College is a residential liberal arts college fostering academic excellence rooted in opportunities for experiential learning while preparing students for lifelong success. The college is located in Jacksonville, Illinois. With an enrollment of more than 1,000 students, the college offers over 50 undergraduate programs. In 1932, the society of Phi Beta Kappa established a chapter at Illinois College, and it remains one of only 11 in the state.

Illinois College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

Visit www.ic.edu for more information.

Media Contact Information
Emily Titsworth '19, Writer
Office of Marketing and Communication
217.245.3219 | emily.titsworth@ic.edu