MADISON — In memory of Dr. Patrick Gorman, the Madison Diocesan Choir is raising funds for musical works in honor of its distinguished, much-loved director who died on September 28 at the age of 58 after nearly 30 years of service to the diocese not only as choir director but also director of Diocese Office of Worship.
Leading the effort is Glenn Schuster, who worked closely with Gorman all those years as accompanist and associate director.
With approval and input from Denise, Gorman’s spouse for 29 years, and the support of the Office of Worship, Schuster initiated the fundraising effort.
On October 15, the Patrick Gorman Music Memorial was launched on the diocesan website, and contributions can be made online at that site. All contributors are welcome, whatever the amount.
Memorial pieces
Pleased with the initial response, Schuster set in motion two works, both brass, organ, and timpani arrangements.
One is an arrangement of “To Jesus Christ Our Sovereign King,” a favorite Gorman hymn. For this, he chose Sterling Procter, a renowned composer in Dallas whose works are part of the choir’s repertoire.
The other is an “Alleluia” from Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. For a setting of this, he has enlisted Carl Buttke, former music director at St. Paul University Catholic Center Church in Madison.
That’s the base. The capstone Schuster envisions for the memorial is four works drawing on a favorite Gorman prayer, St. Patrick’s Breastplate.
Schuster envisions four choral anthems, setting to music these lines and others in St. Patrick’s prayer, and he has asked a favorite composer, not only of Gorman but the choir, to do it if the fundraising effort succeeds.
The composer is William Beckstrand, from the Madison area, and his “Prayer of Saint Francis” has become almost a signature piece of the choir.
Also popular is Beckstrand’s “Blessed Are You,” a setting of the Beatitudes that Gorman requested in 2008.
The four choral anthems based on St. Patrick’s prayer would be works parish choirs in the diocese could perform on successive Sundays.
Indeed, Schuster wants two ready for distribution to parish music directors by August 2022.
When complete, all four could be performed as a concert and not just by the diocesan choir or parish choirs, but other groups, such as the Philharmonic Chorus of Madison, which Gorman also directed.
Continuing the ministry
“Pat Gorman was an outstanding person,” Schuster said, “a very kind, loving, very supportive individual who would give the shirt off his back to help anybody and everybody. He was always there when people needed help.”
As diocesan choir director and Office of Worship director, Gorman helped give voice to music, bring scripture to life, and increase the faith of so many throughout the diocese.
Now Schuster, the choir, and the Office of Worship hope others will join in supporting the Patrick Gorman Music Memorial not only in remembrance of him but to continue his music ministry.
To donate to the Patrick Gorman Music Memorial, go to https://madisondiocese.org/gormanmemorial