On Friday, October 17, 2014, the UVAGO chapter held an inspiring member recital to honor our friend and colleague, Dr. Douglas E. Bush, who passed away on October 4, 2013. The recital was held at the Oak Hills Stake Center, 925 E. North Temple Drive, in Provo. Doug had a significant and lasting influence in the lives of many of the chapter members, many of whom honored him and celebrated his life and music by playing some of his hymn arrangements and Bach pieces that Doug loved so much.
The video below was recorded by Scott Mills on May 9, 2013–the last German organ tour of Doug’s. The video was a well-kept secret until it was shown at the recital to the surprise of almost everyone. Doug played Johannes Brahms’ Organ Chorale Prelude, Opus 122, No. 11, O Welt, ich muss dich lassen (O World, I Now Must Leave Thee)–a poignant foreshadowing of what was to befall Doug five months later. Doug is playing the Knauff organ at St. Phillippus und Jakobus Kirche in Geisa, Germany.
Below is Scott Mills’ statement he gave just before the video was shown:
I had always wanted to go to Europe on a tour with Dr. Bush and had made two or three attempts over the years. When the e-mail came that he would be giving his last tour, I was determined to go with him to Germany. This would be Doug’s 65th tour. Twenty of us were on the tour, which left on April 29, 2013, and returned on May 11. On Thursday, May 9, we travelled through the Thuringen forest to the little town of Geisa to visit the historic Knauff organ, which was originally built in 1846. This was the last organ that we played on our tour. Doug wanted us all to experience this Mendelssohn-style instrument. After all of us had a chance to play, Doug concluded by playing for us. I was able to capture a video of his playing. Little did I know then the significance of what I was recording.
- A Memorial Tribute in Honor of Dr. Douglas E. Bush (narration)
- Printed Program
- Photos by Kari Nay
Performers L-R: Mike Carson, Ruth Ann Hay, Scott Mills, Jack Stoneman (narrator), David Chamberlin, Linda Rehart, Carol Dean, Becky Azera, Walter Whipple, Judy Wright, Levente Medvecsky, Joan Stevens (narrator), Sheri Peterson, Sandra Mangum, Jan Clayton, Lorelea Anderson, Jay Goodliffe