Organ Donor

"Every organ is different," says Luis Cuza, and he should know. The FIU student is getting his bachelor's degree in music with a concentration in the organ, a passion he has translated into this Saturday night’s choral concert of Christmas favorites — A Holiday Dream — at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Cuza is the lead tenor at the church, where he discovered the beauty of the instrument. "Most churches use a digital [organ] because it's cheaper," he says, "but theirs is a pipe [organ]. The pipes literally breathe." Which is why he is pairing the instrument with 22 singers to perform a slate of favorite carols such as "Joy to the World" and "First Noël." The concert is the first one sponsored by his brand-new nonprofit organization, The Reve, the stated goal of which is to increase Miamians’ exposure to music, organ or otherwise, via a mix of professional and amateur performers.

Unlike Florida Grand Opera, anyone can audition to perform in The Reve. Cuza hopes this formula will attract larger and more-spirited audiences. Despite the holiday theme of the show, Cuza isn't limiting the scope of The Reve's repertoire or the size of the choir. "There's no limit to how big it can grow," he says. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost five dollars in advance or 10 at the door.
Sat., Dec. 20, 2008