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The appointment of Thomas Savoy as music director for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany marks a fresh start in culture, liturgy, outreach and equipment.

"Music is our best tool of evangelization," said Mr. Savoy, a well-regarded musician and composer. "Good sacred music really is a window to heaven; it connotes a different sense of time. You're in the presence of God and of beauty and it's our gift to the world as a Catholic Church."

His hiring coincides with plans to resurrect the Cathedral's organ, still awaiting sufficient donations. The building itself, after an extensive restoration, will be rededicated Nov. 21.

Mr. Savoy spent the last 11 years as music director for Blessed Sacrament parish in Albany - where his brother, Edward, has now replaced him.

A husband and father of five, Thomas Savoy studied music education at The College of Saint Rose in Albany; attended the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, N.Y.; and received his Master's degree from Excelsior College in Albany. He has been an organist and music director at many parishes since 1972.

Et cetera
Additionally, Mr. Savoy founded and directs the New York Catholic Chorale. He is currently composing an opera based on the life of St. Joseph.

He now assumes the duties of organist, choirmaster and organizer of all aspects of the Cathedral's expanding music program.

"The Cathedral is the terminus, the final career goal of any music minister," said Mr. Savoy. "I feel as if there was a definite ministerial call to it. I think I'm here for a reason and it gives me a whole new energy to be a good musical influence on the Diocese. It's a challenge, but I haven't had any second thoughts. All I am is thankful."

Rev. William Pape, rector of Cathedral, said the appointment is perfectly timed: "Mr. Savoy brings great talent to the music program here. Both the organ and the director will have a stabilizing effect and will raise the standards for musical performance."

The organ to which Father Pape referred has had its own journey.

David Vredenburg, a member of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission and organ consultant to the Diocese, explained that the Cathedral's original organ dates to 1852, with additions made in 1947.

Organ woes
However, in the mid-1960s, construction of the Empire State Plaza nearby left silt and dust settled into the organ pipes. Mr. Vredenburg said that, when the damage was discovered, the pipes fell into disuse. An electronic substitute that was meant to be temporary was put into place in 1972.

The first step of the organ restoration efforts was to dismantle and store the old pipes for the restored organ. Mr. Savoy will be meeting with builders to decide the final specifications and design.

Father Pape noted that this restored instrument is not merely an add-on to the Cathedral restoration, but an integral part of the musical and cultural future of the Cathedral.

High hopes
"This organ will bring back the voice of the church and restore the full glory of the cathedral," the rector stated.

The restored organ, added Mr. Savoy, "will be the cornerstone of that building. It will be brilliant, versatile, artistic and pragmatic."

He recalled the oft-neglected richness of Catholic music: "I don't think Catholics have been made aware of their musical tradition."

The music director hopes to evangelize by building the Cathedral's choir; organizing presentations, arts, and concerts; offering Sunday vespers; welcoming national and international groups to perform; and expanding the prayer life of liturgical music in general.

"The restoration of the Cathedral and of this organ will elevate the music and the worship to its finest quality," said Mr. Savoy. "It will bring about what we set out to do in the liturgy, which is [to] create an atmosphere of prayer."

(10/28/10) [[In-content Ad]]

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