Joliet musician is known for spectacular piano and organ performances

JOLIET – Even when Rose Sochan’s father had dementia, he loved to hear her play piano.

Especially Christmas music. Especially “Silent Night.”

“And he still knew the words,” said Sochan, who recently celebrated 40 years as an organist at Messiah Lutheran Church in Joliet.

So when Sochan finally decided to record a third and final CD, she wanted it to be a Christmas CD. Sochan dedicated “A Christmas Rose” to the memory of her parents, Ray and Rose Sochan, who both died in 2011 within six months of each other.

But whereas Rose’s first two CDs featured only her piano solos, “A Christmas Rose” has additional elements – an organ and a string trio.

“I mentally heard all the strings, chimes, hand bells and organ parts and knew exactly where I wanted them to perform,” Rose said in a written statement. “My accompanists, Heather Godsey, Linda May, Jessica Kus and my daughter, Diane Santorineos, enhanced my music, and I am so grateful for their talent.”

Rose’s other daughter, Debbie Santorineos, did Rose’s hair and makeup for the CD cover. Rose calls her co-producer Kathy Carlson her “pillar of strength” and the woman who turned Rose’s dream of recording into a reality.

A musical beginning

Rose began taking organ lessons at age 9, eventually studying piano and organ at both Joliet Junior College and the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) in Joliet, and earning a bachelor’s degree in music from Lewis University in Romeoville.

When Rose was 15, her uncle, George Sochan, was killed in a boating accident. So Rose’s father, Ray, sold his business – Ray’s Food Mart – and took over George’s business, Sochan Music Center.

In 1976, when Rose was 23, Ray closed the music store. When Ray did, he gave Rose and each of her two siblings organs from the store. Because Rose also played piano, Ray gave Rose a baby grand, too.

Around this time, Rose’s career as a church organist blossomed.

While browsing through the former free weekly The Jolly Shopper, Rose read Messiah Lutheran Church’s advertisement seeking an organist. A Byzantine Catholic, Rose had no experiential knowledge of the Lutheran denomination. But she was willing to give it a try.

“I learned it was very, very close to Catholic, almost identical,” Rose said.

For a time, Rose played an upright piano until someone anonymously donated a Yamaha S4 grand piano to the church. That piano has the “musicality of a concert grand,” Rose said, and is “a joy and inspiration for me to play.”

The Rev. David Nygard, senior pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church, said Rose’s piano music is a major part of the church’s Sunday morning experience.

“I think pastors can come and go, and people would adjust,” Nygard said. “But I think, if she left, it would leave a big emptiness in our church and a hole in the worship service.”

Rose branches out

Eventually, Rose’s listeners urged her to record a CD. So 15 years ago Rose did, at the church, because the recording engineer of “Rose’s Garden of Faith” liked the acoustics, and Rose liked the space.

Rose picked a Sunday afternoon, thinking it would be quiet. She didn’t know about the motorcycle rally.

“Every time one went by, we had to start over,” Rose said. “And then an airplane would go by. We’d get up to the last song and have to start over.”

Rose dedicated her first CD to her daughters. She released her second CD – “Rose’s Petals of Faith” – in 2007. She dedicated that one to God.

Through the years, Rose has performed pop music at nightclubs, lounges and even in her brother’s rock band. In college, Rose played mostly classical compositions. At church, Rose played Christian music.

Starting 15 years ago, Rose also has played for weddings at the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate in Joliet. But the most difficult pieces Rose ever played were “Here I Am Lord” at her mother’s funeral and “Amazing Grace” at her father’s.

And yet – whenever Rose plays, she enchants her listeners. Sue Pritz-Bornhofen, owner of the Jacob Henry Mansion, said she can’t give enough accolades about Rose.

Pritz-Bornhofen said Rose consults with engaged couples about the types of music that will reproduce well in the 19th century Old Central Church that’s part of the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate.

“She’s very talented,” Pritz-Bornhofen said, “not only on the pipe organ in the church but on the grand piano in there. She brings the most beautiful sounds to the wedding.”

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KNOW MORE

“A Christmas Rose” CD is currently available at Messiah Lutheran Church for $12. a portion of CD sales benefits the church. Rose said she also has limited copies of her other two CDs.

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IF YOU GO

WHAT: “A Christmas Rose” CD release concert.

WHEN: 3 p.m Nov. 20

WHERE: Messiah Lutheran Church, 19901 Houbolt Road, Joliet

ETC: Rose Sochan on piano along with a string trio and other musical guests. Ice cream social will follow the concert. A portion of CD sales benefits Messiah Lutheran Church. The concert is free.

KNOW MORE: For more information, call the church at 815-741-4488.