Adam J. Brakel has been described as ... an absolute organ prodigy, with the technique and virtuosity that most concert pianists could only dream of, and of having the potential to be the leading organist of his generation. Adam's education was at Duquesne University, The Juilliard School, and The Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University where he recently completed a Master's Degree in Organ Performance under Mr. Donald S. Sutherland and is continuing his education towards The Graduate Performance Diploma. Past teachers have included Dr. John Walker, Dr. David Craighead and Ms. Rebecca Rollett. He is a laureate of a number of national and international competitions and has received awards including the Andre Marchal Award for Performance Excellence from Duquesne, The John Dexter Bush and Alice Tully award from the Juilliard School, and most recently the deCourt Prize in organ from the Peabody Conservatory.

Adam is now Music Director and Principal Organist of The Cathedral of Saint Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and is one of the youngest music directors of an important prominent cathedral in the country. Previous positions have included Associate Organist at St. Paul's Cathedral, Pittsburgh, Assistant Organist at St. Ignatius Loyola, New York, Organist of St. Jane Frances deChantal in Bethesda, Maryland and Guest Visiting Organist at The Basilica of the National Shrine of The Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C.  Adam has a number of upcoming concerts in the USA and a European tour will take place in the summer of 2009. He performed the complete organ works of César Franck at Peabody in the Fall of 2008 for the International Year of the Organ. Further information on Adam Brakel can be found at  www.adambrakel.com

The Cathedral music department is still looking for Cantors to lead congregational singing for various masses.  If you feel called to this ministry, please contact Adam Brakel, Director of Music at the Cathedral office at 622-2565.

The Cathedral Choir will resume their rehearsals beginning at the end of August, and start singing at the beginning of September for the 10:30 Mass.  If you enjoy singing, and have a commitment to attend the Thursday rehearsal from 7:30-9:00, and Mass at 10:30, please contact Adam in the Music office at 622-2565. This is a volunteer choir, so a willingness and commitment is all that is necessary.

The Cathedral Schola is a select group of singers to enhance various liturgies at the cathedral.  This is a select group of singers, placed by audition to sing for the high masses of the cathedral. The ability to read music is necessary.  Please feel free to contact Adam in the Music office to schedule an audition.

Adam J. Brakel,
Director of Music/ Principal Organist