Mary Natvig at the Caro, Mich., First Presbyterian Church's "Concert of a Century"
NATVIG HELPS CARRY ON 100–YEAR FAMILY TRADITION OF CHURCH MUSIC
In many larger communities and cities, church organists move locations frequently. But the small hamlet of Caro, Mich., is celebrating 100 years of organ playing by only two organists – one of whom was the grandfather of Dr. Mary Natvig, assistant dean and professor of musicology, composition and theory in the College of Musical Arts.
Natvig's grandfather, Frank B. Campbell, was the first organist at the church.
"My grandfather began playing there in 1915 and played there for 67 years," Natvig said. "The second organist has played there for 33 years." In honor of her grandfather, she made the trek to the upper thumb region of Michigan to take part in the First Presbyterian Church's "Concert of a Century" on Oct. 18.
She performed "Adagio" and "Allegro" from George Frideric Handel's "Sonata VI in E Major" on her violin, a piece of special significance to the church and her family.
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