Medina concert at St. Mary’s on Nov. 16 includes music on organ and harpsichord

Provided photos: (Left) St. Mary’s Church organist Aaron Grabowski built this harpsichord, which he will play during a concert Nov. 16 at the church. Grabowski is a builder and restorer of organs by profession for Parson’s Pipe Organ Restoration. (Right) Aaron Grabowski will play in concert Nov. 16 at St. Mary’s Church in Medina. The concert, titled “Echoes of Elegance,” will begin at 7 p.m. and feature French Baroque and classical music.

MEDINA – Aaron Grabowski’s love of music is equaled only by his talent.

The Medina resident will be featured in a musical program, Echoes of Elegance, on Nov. 16 at St. Mary’s Church (Holy Trinity Parish).

Grabowski,  who studied music at the University of Buffalo, is music director and principal organist at Holy Trinity. By profession, he is a builder and restorer of organs for Parsons Pipe Organ Restorations.

His musical career began when he was in college and studied under David Fuller, musicologist, organist and harpsichordist, who studied with noted organist E. Power Biggs.

“That’s where I got my penchant for studying harpsichord,” Grabowski said. “During my course of study, I would house sit for him when he went to Europe. He had a French made harpsichord in his house and I got a chance to play it and fell in love with it.”

Recently, through a colleague of his, Grabowski had the opportunity to purchase a harpsichord kit and he has spent the last year and a half building it in his living room and basement, with his wife’s permission. His instrument is modeled after the French design of the 18th century. He is three-fourths of the way done, but it is very playable, although it still needs more cosmetic and tonal work, he said.

Grabowski explained a harpsichord has a rich sound and the type of music played on them is very attractive to him.

“I love presenting music people have never heard or rarely heard before,” he said.

That will be the focus of the concert Nov. 16, which will be played on St. Mary’s organ and the harpsichord.

“My goal is to present music of the Court of King Louis XIV and XV,” Grabowski said.

The music will span early Baroque to early classic.

“I intend to set a mood of reflection, away from modern concepts of listening.,” he said. “We will turn the lights down and encourage the audience to use their imagination to the best of their ability.”

He explained organ music can be very sacred and sometimes bold, but also sometimes tender.

There is no admission charge, but a free will offering will be accepted. The concert will support the music program of St. Mary’s Church, Grabowski said.

Grabowski has been St. Mary’s organist since 2007. He said he was raking leaves in front of his house one day when the church organist walked by and stopped. He mentioned he was available to substitute if they needed one.

“She said, ‘You can have the job,’” Grabowski said. “I interviewed with Father Vatter and here I am.”

Grabowski added they have a Christmas concert in the planning with St. Mary’s, St. Joseph’s in Albion and St. Mary’s in Holley. Further information will be forthcoming.