St. Stephen’s Friends of Music Announces 2025–2026 Organ Recital Series at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

St. Stephen’s Friends of Music is proud to open its 2025–2026 Organ Recital Series with internationally acclaimed organist Christopher Houlihan on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 119 Main Street, Millburn, NJ 07041. All are invited.

Houlihan has earned worldwide recognition as a leading concert organist. Gramophone describes him as a “passionate and intelligently virtuoso musician,” while the Los Angeles Times praised his performances as “glowing, miraculously life-affirming.” The New York Times calls him “eloquent,” and The Wall Street Journal hails him as “dazzling.” His performances are celebrated for both technical brilliance and emotional depth, captivating audiences across the U.S. and Europe.

This recital provides the community an opportunity to hear Houlihan on St. Stephen’s renowned Rudolf von Beckerath organ, installed in 1970 and specifically designed for the church’s Gothic Revival sanctuary. With its fully mechanical tracker action and historic design, the instrument reflects the golden age of 17th- and 18th-century North German organ craftsmanship. For more than 55 years, it has drawn celebrated organists from around the world and remains a treasured cultural asset in Millburn.

The Friends of Music Fund at St. Stephen’s sustains these events through the generosity of donors. Contributions support the organ’s maintenance and the continuation of world-class music in Millburn.

The series continues on April 26, 2026, with Damin Spritzer, Associate Professor of Organ at the University of Oklahoma. Known for her “spellbinding” performances (Organists’ Review), Dr. Spritzer will present a program focusing on Johann Sebastian Bach.

Event Details:
• What: Organ Recital by Christopher Houlihan
• When: Sunday, October 26, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
• Where: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 119 Main Street, Millburn, NJ 07041
• Admission: General admission at the door; suggested $20 donation. Artist reception to follow.