All the right notes

All 2,310 pipes of the Baker Memorial Chapel organ trumpeted forth at the Oct. 2 dedication recital following a yearlong complete renovation and tonal regulations.

Ken Cowan, chair of the organ department at Westminster Choir College and one of the most sought-after organists in North America, performed works ranging from Wagner and Bach to Bartholdy and Liszt that earned Cowan a standing ovation from the audience.

Also earning applause was the generous benefactor, Louise Scott Widdup ’48, whose gift funded the needed renovation of the 50-year-old Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ. McDaniel President Roger Casey announced that Widdup has made an additional gift to create a new endowed fund for the maintenance and care of this organ and also the organ in Little Baker Chapel.

“Such generosity deserves our deepest thanks and our appreciation for the sweeter sound that will be heard for years to come,” said Casey.

Music Professor and department chair, Margaret Boudreaux, recognized guests from the Di Gennaro-Hart Organ Company who rebuilt the historic organ. She also recalled the legacy of music faculty who have taught and performed in Baker Memorial including Maude Gesner, Gerald Cole, Evelyn Hering Winfrey and Arleen Heggemeier.