by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
Lola Wolf, originally from St. Joseph, will perform an organ concert at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 11, at the Sacred Heart Chapel at St. Benedict’s Monastery.
The concert will feature music written by female composers and the world premiere of “Quia Ergo Femina” written by Yiğit Kolat of Seattle, Wash.
Sister Karen Rose, director of mission advancement at the monastery, said Wolf heard a composition by Kolat and experienced it to be “hauntingly beautiful.” She commissioned him to write an organ work in honor of Mother Benedicta Riepp, foundress of the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict.
Kolat’s composition for amplified pipe organ and voices was inspired from a chant by the 12th century Benedictine abbess, Hildegard of Bingen, saint and doctor of the Church.
Wolf’s world premiere of her performance will be recorded by Michael Barone of Minnesota Public Radio for Pipedreams, a nationally distributed weekly radio program that began in 1982 and explores the art of the pipe organ.
Wolf, who now lives in Seattle, Wash. attended the College of St. Benedict and is well-known in the area. Her family had a local band and she played the organ at the Church of St. Joseph Catholic church from the age of 11 until her early 20s from 1961-74.
Rose said Wolf was a child prodigy on the organ and has a long connection with the sisters. Organist Sister Dolores Super has known Wolf since she was in grade school. Wolf was in one of Super’s classes when she attended the College of St. Benedict and majored in music.
Wolf began her music studies at the St. Benedict’s Monastery studying piano, organ and Gregorian Chant. She debuted as a guest soloist with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Leonard Slatkin. After completing a graduate degree with Delbert Disselhorst from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Wolf moved to the Seattle area and continues to teach in a private studio. She has performed in the United States, Europe and Japan.
Although her performance has been her passion, Wolf’s mission and vision include introducing children to the music of Bach.
Kolat, who also resides in Seattle, earned his Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Washington in Seattle, studying with Joël-François Durand. Kolat’s music has been featured throughout the United States, Europe and Asia by leading ensembles and soloists, and he has been recognized by many prestigious international organizations.
There will be a reception in the Gathering Place after the concert.
contributed photo
Lola Wolf, originally from St. Joseph, will perform an organ concert at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March, 11 at the Sacred Heart Chapel at St. Benedict’s Monastery. The concert will feature music written by female composers and the world premiere of “Quia Ergo Femina” written by Yiğit Kolat.
Author: Cori Hilsgen
Hilsgen is a contributing reporter for the Newsleaders. The central Minnesota native is a wife, mother and grandmother. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management and Communication from Concordia University – St. Paul, MN and enjoys learning about and sharing other people’s stories through the pages of the Newsleaders.