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DiggRobert Ridgell Named Director of Music at Cathedral of St. Paul in Minnesota
Robert Ridgell, Trinity organist and director of the Trinity Youth Chorus, has announced that he has accepted the position of director of music at the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Saint Paul, Minnesota, beginning in June 2011. Below is a letter from Ridgell to the Trinity community about his new work and the work he has done at Trinity Wall Street since 2005.
Dear Trinity Family,
After prayerful discernment through my vocation as a church musician, I have decided to accept the call to be the Director of Music at the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This was a difficult decision, because I love Trinity Wall Street so very much.
Since I arrived in 2005, I have felt extremely proud of our accomplishments in music and the arts -- most notably, our community of more than 200 youth musicians. Without the support of the congregation, parents and students, clergy, staff, and our directors of music (past and present), I would have never had such a wonderful opportunity to build community and make such beautiful music. I was called to Trinity to create a youth music program that would enhance the lives of children and be valued by the wider community. The Trinity Youth Chorus and Youth Orchestra programs are thriving, and Trinity Wall Street's commitment to children's musical education will remain as strong as ever after my departure.
I am most grateful to the leadership of Jim Cooper and Anne Mallonee for their pastoral support and encouragement during my tenure.
My last Sunday will be Trinity Sunday in June, 2011. With the terrific musical and administrative direction of Julian Wachner, I will continue to strengthen and guide the youth music programs and will continue to offer my organ music and accompaniments to the glory of God. However, most importantly I will continue to embrace and rejoice in our moments together as family.
Our work together will never end. In keeping with our mission and ministry of being near and far for a world of good, I feel it's just the beginning. Be assured of my prayers for you and I ask you to pray for me. Thank you for your love and support.
With gratitude,
Rob Ridgell
Comments
I'm broken-hearted, Rob! but all the best to you and your family in your new position at the Cathedral. You will leave behind a wonderful legacy...
Susan Garcia on December 17, 2010
I've been tuning in by internet for about the past year to Trinity's worship services, and your organ accompaniments to congregational hymns have been inspirational, motivational, and simply beautiful, especially. I love your text painting and interludes, improvs. for the gradual and moments between the Gospel and sermon, etc. Thank you for your musical work/praise. May God continue to give you glimpses of glory with which to perfect the Church's praise here on Earth!
Matthew Lineberger on December 27, 2010
I am truly heartbroken at this news, Robert is one of the best service players in the US today I hope Trinity will find someone who can rise up the the extraordinary talent that has been Roberts legacy. I wish you all the best in your new post.
JERRY F BACON on January 27, 2011
I join many others in saying that this news is really heartbreaking. I have been a participant in the 11:00 Eucharist and many special programs for many years now. One of the main reasons I enjoy being a part of these concerts and services is:Rob Ridgell. He has brought great talent to this position. His improvisations are truly phenomenal. He has a marvelous style of playing and I believe he can play Anything that exists in the entire organ literature and beyond. Although we have never met personally, I feel that I know him as a friend. He has done several favors for me over the years. I will truly miss this fantastic musician and I will pray for his new ministry and wish him my best wishes and many blessings. I wish his new position had services broadcast on the internet like Trinity, but that is being selfish. It has been a really phenomenal experience hearing your service playing and improvisations all this time. Thank you very much for all these blessings,Rob. May God bless you richly in St. Paul.
D.C. Rhoden on February 2, 2011
The announcement of Robert Ridgell's transition from New York city to St. Paul is starttling; who would have thought there was a better job out there-. But let's not miss the point. For him, the Trinity position was not 'a job', it was a calling. His service playing and accompaniments have been unmatched. But: There's no underestimation here; If anyone can rise to the challenge, it will be a man named Ridgell. God bless Trinity Church, St. Paul Cathedral and all who hear his music.
Len Sullivan on May 1, 2011
Your hymn playing has been an inspiration to me as a church musician and your ministry through music has been a comfort and support in many moments in my life. I wish you all the best in your new ministry.
Theodore Feldmann on May 22, 2011
im really going to miss you Rob, choir will never be the same!
Elisa Sikula on June 20, 2011
I was blessed by the music you played. Much blessings as you continue with your Ministry. You are greatly missed.
Anesia Protain on June 25, 2011
I just found this. Rob,you play so well and I can tell you get into it as well. I am a former organist at a Catholic Cathedral in the deep south. Best wishes to you. You should think about coming to the south. Minnesota winters are not nice...we are.
mark mccrary on August 8, 2011
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