St. John’s Episcopal Church Music Series: Paul Fey

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – St. John’s Episcopal Church will welcome internationally acclaimed organist and composer Paul Fey for a special afternoon recital this Saturday, March 21 at 3 p.m.
St. John’s has held their own St. Cecilia’s Music Festival — an international celebration of the patron saint of music on or around her feast day, November 22 — for some time.
“Every year we do a little something different,” Church member Kyle Mary Ruud said. “Our lead organist, Christian Stromley, somehow met up with Paul, and we are now one of the stops on his American tour.”
Ruud said Fey was eager to perform at the church after Stromley told him about their organ, an English-built Walker Tracker Organ, which is one of the few organs Fey has never played.
Born near Leipzig, Germany, Fey has quickly become one of the most sought-after and critically acclaimed organists of his generation. His prodigious talent, combined with a rigorous education in the European classical tradition, has propelled him onto the international stage.

Fey’s extensive concert career is marked by a profound dedication to the repertoire and a mesmerizing stage presence. He has graced the console of historic pipe organs in some of the world’s most revered venues, including magnificent cathedrals, acoustically pristine concert halls and venerable churches across the globe. His performance schedule regularly takes him throughout Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, as well as the United States.
Across continents, audiences and critics alike consistently laud Fey for two key qualities: his technical brilliance and his expressive musicianship. His technical mastery allows him to execute even the most demanding compositions with effortless clarity and precision, while his deep-seated understanding of musical form and emotional nuance ensures that his performances are not merely displays of virtuosity, but truly moving and insightful interpretations of the masterworks for the organ.
In addition to his performances, Fey maintains a vibrant online presence; his popular YouTube channel attracts over three million viewers monthly, serving as a global connection point for those interested in the power and beauty of organ music.
As a composer, he has published numerous collections for the church year — including music for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, weddings, funerals and general worship — making his work both artistically compelling and deeply rooted in the life of the Church.
Saturday’s recital will feature original compositions and beloved repertoire performed on St. John’s English-built Walker tracker organ. Tickets can be reserved by calling 715-423-2332. The performance will take place Saturday, March 21 at 3 p.m., at St. John’s Episcopal Church, located at 320 Oak St., Wisconsin Rapids.