The University of Dubuque will dedicate its new custom-crafted pipe organ in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center on Saturday, May 15, 2021, with a special performance by the Columbus (Ohio) Symphony and world-renowned organist Alan Morrison.

A beautiful instrument with 3,000-plus pipes, the John and Alice Butler Pipe Organ will expand students’ musical horizons and enhance campus events for generations to come. It was gifted by UD Trustee John Butler (DHL’17) and his spouse, Alice (DHL’17). The John and Alice Butler Pipe Organ Dedication featuring the Columbus (Ohio) Symphony will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 15, 2021.

The in-person performance will be by invitation only to adhere to campus COVID-19 protocols. A free livestream will be available at http://bit.ly/21CSOYT. Conducted by Columbus Symphony Music Director Rossen Milanov, the performance’s repertoire will include music from Léon Boëllmann, Edward Elgar, Alexandre Guilmant, Camille Saint-Saëns, and William Grant Still. A special dedication ceremony honoring John and Alice Butler will be held before the performance at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 15, 2021, via livestream at facebook.com/UDubuque and YouTube.com/UDBQMedia.

“We are excited to celebrate the dedication of the John and Alice Butler Pipe Organ with the Columbus Symphony and organist Alan Morrison. The performance will not only bring joy to our lives at a time when joy is needed, but it will do so in a very special way to honor all that John and Alice have done and continue to do in support of the University’s Mission,” said University of Dubuque President Jeffrey F. Bullock. “We are fortunate to have an organ program and a gifted organist, and grateful to John and Alice Butler for their investment in the University and its students.”

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