Kane County residents will have a rare opportunity to see one of the world’s great musicians perform at a free concert in West Dundee.

International organist virtuoso Diane Bish will perform a concert to dedicate the new Father Edward Seisser Memorial Organ at St. Catherine of Siena Church, West Dundee, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2.  The concert is free and everyone is welcome, and you can meet Bish at a reception immediately following the concert.

Bish is the most visible, influential and recorded concert organist of our time. She displays dazzling virtuosity and unique showmanship the world over to international acclaim. Her organ performances are hailed as “stunning,” “virtuoso,” “fiery” and “astonishing.”

With more than 500 episodes, her travelogue/music series, The Joy of Music, is broadcast worldwide to more than 300 million viewers weekly, including our own Catholic Network, EWTN.  The Joy of Music combines exhilarating organ and ensemble performances with informative, inspirational narrative and exciting world travel.

Bish has made more than 30 recordings of great organ masterpieces, original works and hymn arrangements. This tremendous outreach to the general public on behalf of the organ and Bish’s longevity as a leading recitalist distinguish her in the world of music.

Bish was awarded the National Citation by the National Federation of Music Clubs of America. Considered to be the federation’s highest honor, Bish shares this rare distinction with such luminaries as Leonard Bernstein, Eugene Ormandy, Van Cliburn, Robert Shaw, Irving Berlin and Fred Waring in receiving this award “for distinguished service to the musical, artistic and cultural life of the nation.”

This concert is being underwritten by the Allen Organ Company and Allen Organ Chicago, the manufacturer and local dealer of the new organ.

The late Rev. Edward Seisser, former pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Dundee and St. Mary’s in Gilberts, died suddenly one year ago. He began a project to replace the church’s obsolete 1980s organ. Donations are being raised for the major organ components. A memorial book will be created to record the gifts.

“We appreciate any help with this great and worthy project to enhance our Masses and provide a worthy instrument for area concerts in Father Seisser’s name,” said the Rev. Matthew DeBlock, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena and St. Mary’s Church.

A memorial Mass on Aug. 16 remembered  Seisser on the year anniversary of his death. Combined choirs from his former churches, and parishioners from all over the Diocese of Rockford were in attendance.

“Father Seisser provided great service to his vocation as a priest and to our diocese,” said  the Rev. Matthew DeBlock.  At the Mass, the new organ was played by organists Maurice Martin from St. Catherine of Siena Church and Vilmas Dydas from St. Mary, Elgin. Members of Edward’s family, who are from Elgin and the Fox Valley area, were present.

St. Catherine of Siena is located at 845 West Main St. (Higgins Road), West Dundee, IL 60118, one block West of the intersection of Route 31 and 72 across the street from Spring Hill Mall.  For Information, call  847-426-2217.