Organist James Kealey to Perform at John and Alice Butler Pipe Organ Recital Series

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Organist James Kealey, MM, will perform at the third annual John and Alice Butler Pipe Organ Recital Series at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 15, 2023, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center on the University of Dubuque campus. The recital is part of the 11th annual Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series.

A prize-winning young artist of great distinction who is a native of Great Britain, Kealey has appeared in recitals in England, the United States, and Europe at locations including Westminster Abbey in London and St. John the Divine in New York City. In 2021, he was named one of The Diapason magazine's "20 under 30." Kealey was also the first prize and audience prize winner of the 2022 National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance, the premier organ competition of the American Guild of Organists.

In summer 2023, Kealey's debut CD, Rhapsodic, was released on the Pro Organo recording label. Performed on the E. & G. G. Hook & Hastings/Andover organ at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Buffalo, New York, the CD features works by Percy Whitlock, Frederick Delius, Florence B. Price, Herbert Howells, Louis Vierne, William Grant Still, and Cesar Franck.

Kealey serves as the full-time interim director of music/organist at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, New York, and is a candidate for the doctor of music arts degree at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester. His superb technique and complex rhythm will appeal to audiences of all ages.

The day before his recital, on Saturday, October 14, 2023, Kealey will host a masterclass at 9:30 a.m. in Butler Hall. Those interested in playing should contact Charles Barland, DMA, university organist and professor of music at UD, at CBarland@dbq.edu or 563.589.3564. The masterclass is free and open to the public to attend.

The John and Alice Butler Pipe Organ was dedicated in May 2021. The custom-crafted instrument has 3,033 pipes - some of metal construction and others of wood. The pipe organ has enhanced campus events such as convocations and has been utilized as a practice and recital instrument. UD Trustee John Butler (DHL'17) and his spouse, Alice (DHL'17), gifted the instrument. Dobson Pipe Organ Builders built and installed the pipe organ - the 97th new organ built by the firm.

Tickets may be purchased by visiting the Farber Box Office, Heritage Center, University of Dubuque, 2255 Bennett Street; by calling 563.585.7469; or by visiting www.dbq.edu/HeritageCenter. Patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets online for reduced ticket handling fees

The Farber Box Office is open 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 90 minutes prior to events.

In its second year, the Heritage Performing Arts Loyalty System (H-PALS) continues to allow patrons to earn rewards with most ticket purchases. For every $200 spent on eligible events, patrons will receive one free ticket (valued up to $50) to their choice of eligible event. Reward points are redeemable for Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series events only. Please visit www.dbq.edu/HeritageCenter and click on "PURCHASE TICKETS" for more details.