20th Anniversary Organ Concert

Sunday, November 9 at 4:00PM

This autumn marks a remarkable milestone in the musical life of Grace. Our beloved Reuter pipe organ—Opus 2222, with its three manuals and forty-one ranks of pipes—turns twenty years old. For two decades, this magnificent instrument has given voice to our worship, lifting hearts through its grandeur, subtlety, and unyielding power. On Sunday, November 9 at 4:00PM, we will gather to honor this legacy with a 20th Anniversary Organ Concert that promises to be both joyful and inspiring.

Grace Principal Organist, Josè Rosado

The program will bring together artistry of the highest order. Our principal organist, Josè Rosado, will be joined by the distinguished concert organist Stephen Buzard, who currently serves as Director of Music at Chicago’s historic St. James Cathedral. Their performances, together with the Chancel Choir, will offer a tapestry of sound that reflects both the majesty of the instrument and the devotion of those who have played and sung with it. Several congregational hymns will invite all present to add their voices to this celebration, uniting the community in one powerful chorus of thanksgiving.

Concert Organist, Stephen Buzard

The afternoon will begin with a pre-concert talk at 3:15PM, led by Dean Christian, who has tuned and cared for the Reuter since its installation. Drawing upon his deep knowledge of the instrument’s history and design, he will be joined by members of the original organ committee and Josè Rosado to share insights into the organ’s creation, its continuing significance, and the artistry that has allowed it to flourish for two decades. A freewill love offering will be taken to support the ongoing care of this grand instrument.

Following the concert, the Organ Celebration Committee will host a reception in the Gathering Space, offering light refreshments and a chance to continue the conversation with fellow music-lovers. For those who wish to reflect on the beginnings of this journey, the original program from the Consecration Concert of November 13, 2005 is available here.

As we pause to mark twenty years of music, majesty, and ministry, this anniversary reminds us that an organ is more than an instrument: it is a living voice of the church, capable of inspiring awe, joy, and renewal. We invite you to join us in celebrating the life of our Reuter organ and the enduring power of sacred music.

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About Stephen Buzard:

Stephen Buzard is one of the leading organists of his generation, serving as Director of Music at historic St. James Cathedral in downtown Chicago. His playing is both thoughtful and heartfelt, dazzling audiences with his technique and engaging programming.



Stephen Buzard grew up in a household filled with organ music. His father is the president and founder of Buzard Pipe Organ Builders, and his mother is an Episcopal organist and choirmaster. Buzard attended Westminster Choir College where he studied organ performance with virtuoso Ken Cowan. During this time, Buzard recorded his first solo album "In light or darkness" and won the prestigious Arthur Poister Competition.

After graduation, Buzard became senior organ scholar at Wells Cathedral in the UK where he accompanied for daily choral services and assisted in the training of the boy and girl choristers. He returned to the United States to study with Thomas Murray at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music.

In 2013, Buzard became Assistant Organist at Saint Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue in New York City. Following the tragic death of Director of Music John Scott, Buzard became Acting Organist and Director of Music, leading the church's world-renowned choir of men and boys.

In 2016, Buzard was called to St. James Cathedral in Chicago, following in the footsteps of Dudley Buck, Clarence Dickinson, and Leo Sowerby. In addition to maintaining the church's excellent musical heritage, he founded a chorister program for boys and girls and an organ scholarship to train the next generation of church musicians. His career was highlighted in the AGO monograph series "The Making of an Organ Virtuoso."

Mr. Buzard is under exclusive management of Karen McFarlane Artists, Inc.

About José Rosado:

José was born and raised in Chicago, and is of mixed Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage. His love for classical music, the piano and the organ, was evident at a young age. At age 11, he and his mother attended Easter mass with some members of the Roman Catholic side of the family. José knew well that this would be a rare opportunity to finally see and hear a pipe organ in person. From that moment on, he knew what he had been called to do. After mass, as they exited the church, he said to his mother, "Yo voy a tocar uno de esos cuando yo sea grande." / "I'm going to play one of those when I grow up."

José began private piano studies at age 13 and soon discovered a knack for playing by ear. His quest for knowledge was further aided by general music classes in high school.  At age 16, he met Dr. Louis Playford, who was impressed by the knowledge that José had attained in such a short period of time and was so moved by his enthusiasm and interest in the organ, that he took it upon himself to teach and mentor him in organ technique and hymn playing for about five years.

José has played countless services, weddings, funerals, and recitals in many churches spanning a total of nine denominations. This has taken him far and wide across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. José's love for sacred and liturgical music is deeply rooted in the Lutheran tradition of robust congregational singing and the great Anglican / Episcopal tradition of choral music and chant. This has greatly influenced his approach to solo organ playing and accompanying.

José currently works full time in the aerospace industry. Aside from his passion for sacred music, he enjoys cooking, learning about cuisines from around the world, architecture, science, history, languages and cultures.