The series is supported each year through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), through its Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) regionalpartnership with the Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance.
The Saint Vincent College Concert Series presents world-class performances by internationally acclaimed artists during each academic year. The series emphasizes the traditional classical chamber music repertoire, and artists of other genres have been featured as well.
It was founded by Father Joseph Bronder, O.S.B., himself a concert pianist, in 1971 and guided by his vision until his retirement. In 2007, Brother Nathan Cochran, O.S.B., was named artistic director. After seven years of faithful leadership, Brother Nathan passed away suddenly in 2014. He was succeeded by Ann Holmes, and then by Father Cyprian Constantine, OSB. The present director is Thomas Octave, associate professor of music at Saint Vincent College.
Performers of the Concert Series have won top prizes in national and international competitions and have performed on many of the world’s greatest stages.
Events
Thomas Octave
Associate Professor of Music
Thomas Octave is associate professor of music at Saint Vincent College. He has degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and Duquesne University.
As a conductor, he is frequently seen presenting a multitude of varied genres of music including operas and musicals. He has collaborated with jazz legend Joe Negri in performances of “Mass of Hope,” The River City Brass Band, Highmark’s “The Caring Place” and renowned choreographer Maria Caruso.
A champion of new music, Octave has premiered several major works by composer Nancy Galbraith, including her “O Magnum Mysterium,” “God of Justice,” “Novena” and “Lumen Christi.”
He conducts the Saint Vincent College Singers and teaches courses in voice, music appreciation and opera. He is also the musical consultant to the archabbot. He is the Music Director of the Westmoreland Choral Society and the Director of Sacred Music for the Diocese of Greensburg.
