JOY AT THE METHODIST CHURCH
I was excited to return to the North Bethesda United Methodist Church today to hear an organ recital from Hector Olivera, an internationally-acclaimed organist. The recital was celebrating the installation of the new Allen Organ at the church. Our ward did a service project for NBUMC four months ago where 30 of us spent a Saturday morning cleaning up around the grounds of their church. It was greatly appreciated and this gave me a chance to return and see my friends.
A World-renowned Organist at the Methodist Church
World-renowned organist at the Methodist Church!
With that, meet internationally acclaimed organist Hector Olivera. Introduced to the organ at the age of 3 by his father, he was named organist of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Buenos Aires at the age of 5. Then, at age 6 he entered the Buenos Aires Conservatory to study harmony and improvisation. After that, by 9 he had composed a suite for oboe and string orchestra which was performed by the Buenos Aires Symphony Orchestra.
At 12 he entered the University of Buenos Aires. By 18 he had performed more than 300 concerts. Finally, the Julliard School of Music then offered him a scholarship so he moved to the US. Three years later he won the National Improvisation Contest, launching his professional career.
His venues include the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, Carnegie Hall in New York, and Royal Albert Hall in London, among numerous others. Tonight he performed a concert at North Bethesda United Methodist Church to celebrate their acquisition of a new church organ.
It was an honor to meet him. As for the frog? He sets it on the organ during his concerts. It’s a tribute to his wife and gives her the best seat in the house at all of his concerts–always.
What’s Next?
So what does this have to do with missionary work?
After the concert there was a reception with refreshments in the lounge. After talking with some recognizable friends from a few months earlier, I saw one man who looked familiar but I didn’t know his name. I walked over to him and said hi. He told me his name and after finding out I was the public affairs specialist for our congregation, he said, “I’m originally from Utah!” I asked him where. He said, “Moab.”
I told him a lady in our ward is originally from Moab. I told him who it was but he didn’t know her. He left Moab when he was 16.
I said, “Well, you must know all about Mormons, having grown up in Moab.” To me it was a foregone conclusion. His next answer surprised me.
“Actually,” he began, “…no one ever told me much about the Church. I was surrounded by Mormon friends everywhere, but I really don’t know much about it.” I then gave him an Articles of Faith card.
“There you go,” I said, pointing to the back of the card. “That’s what Mormons believe. With this, you’re way ahead of most people regarding our beliefs!” He thanked me with enthusiasm. I also gave him one of my public affairs cards so he could contact me if he wanted to.
In summary, you never know when you’re going to get an opportunity to help someone learn more about our church. In this case, it happened at a Methodist church.
And if you ever get a chance to hear Hector Olivera in concert, by all means go. He’s outstanding!
follow the spirit, god, hastening the work, inspiration, jesus christ, joy, love, Methodist, organ recital, service, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
