Organ Recital by Gavin Klein

On Sunday, May 15, 2022, 18-year-old Bolton resident Gavin Klein performed a program of classical and Shaker music at the Harvard Historical Society for the society’s Organ Celebration program.

Klein has been an artist-in-residence at the society over the past two years, keeping the newly restored 1870 Stevens organ in tune during the height of the pandemic. The society has paid Klein a stipend for helping to get the organ up and running and for the concerts and services he performed over Zoom and, when possible, in person. The last of the stipend was funded by a donation from the Pat Shaw family in memory of Pat’s dedicated service on the board of HHS.

Klein won a full, four-year scholarship to The College of the Holy Cross, where he will have the honor of being the only organ performance major at the school. “Music will always be a big part of my life,” Klein said.

Highlights of the May concert included “The Cuckoo” by Franz Schmitt; three variations on Shaker Themes, composed by Klein; and Introduction and Allegro “The Royal Fireworks” by Handel, who Klein said is his favorite composer.

This was the program

March in G Major – Walter Smith

Fugues on the Magnificat – Pachelbel

Sheep May Safely Graze – JS Bach BWV280

The Cuckoo – Franz Schmitt

Three Variations on Shaker Themes – Gavin Klein

Introduction and Allegro “The Royal Fireworks” – Handel