Dr. Gerre Hancock (above) died last week at the age of 77. He was choirmaster and organist at Saint Thomas Fifth Avenue in New York from 1971 until 2004. Often he was accompanied at the organ by his faithful wife Judith. His time there was spent enhancing a beautiful tradition of music spanning back nearly 100 years. Gerre was known for his inspired improvisations, and overall energy with the choir which he dearly loved.
Saint Thomas is having a Solemn Requiem Service on Saturday featuring music from the choir. The service will start out with nine (yes, nine) organ preludes. Works spanning from Bach to Dr. Hancock’s own pieces and more. The sung service will be the Duruflé Requiem. More information will be posted on the church’s website throughout the week.
