John S. Duss Conservatory Presents Concert

February 6, 2003. Duluth, Minnesota

St. Francis Church provided the setting for the Bach concert performed by the John S. Duss Conservatory Choir recently in Duluth. Selections included the Magnificat in D by Johann Sebastian Bach and three movements of the Mass in B Minor by Bach. One of the orchestra members recalled that the Mass in B Minor was last performed in Duluth 25 years ago.

The orchestra was a full Baroque orchestra: strngs, flutes, oboes, trumpets, timpani and continuo (cello, bass, bassoon and keyboard).

St. Francis Church held special memories for Sister Bernardone Rock, FSE, director of the Conservatory who conducted the concert. It was the first place the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist held music positions when they came to Duluth in July of 1974. Sister Rose Cecile Korst taught in the school and Sister Bernardone also taught and was the parish music director.