The NH Chapter of the AGO met on May 17,2026 for our Annual Meeting and to hear Concert Organist Nicole Keller play a program on St. John Episcopal Church’s 3/47 Letourneau instrument, which incidentally celebrated its 25th year of installation.
The city of Portsmouth, founded in 1630, well before the Boston Tea Party, is not the only item of living history in the area for Chapter members to ponder. St. Johns church has its roots as Queens Chapel in 1732. There are numerous wall markers commemorating events and personages in the church’s history. One organ-worthy note is the church’s 1665 Brattle organ billed as the oldest playable organ in the US.
Attracting a crowd of about 80 listeners, we heard concert artist Nicolle Keller give an interesting program of organ pieces based on hymns or spiritual songs. A Te Deum by Max Reger led off followed by 5 pieces from Bach’s Little Organ Book. Turning to the 20th century, we heard a prelude and fugue by Ethel Emyth, 3 pieces by mid-century jazz pianist George Shearing, and ending with a Tournemire improvisation reconstructed by Maurice Durufle’.
The artist connected well with the audience, with her face larger than life on the screen with brief narration about the program. On a 100-inch screen at the front, we could observe Ms. Keller’s keyboard and pedal technique. We noted she played the pedals mostly with her toes, intentionally putting a slight space between notes. The Letourneau presented well with noticeable richness in the tenor register while maintaining favorable articulation.
Chapter members enjoyed an Italian meal at one of Portsmouth’s many restaurants within walking distance of the church. Ms. Keller jointed us along with the church’s musicians.