Dr. Albert Ahlstrom, music director at Holy Spirit Church in Atlanta, will discuss “Catholic Church Music—The Legacy, Our Future” on Thursday, Sept. 15, at Holy Spirit Preparatory School as part of the school’s lecture series.

The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Liberal Arts Building on the Upper School campus located at 4449 Northside Drive near the intersection with Mt. Paran Road. Refreshments are served at 7 p.m.

For centuries, the church has integrated music into the Mass and various forms of worship. This lecture explores the function of church music both in history and today. Ahlstrom shows how knowledge of this history can help deepen one’s faith and appreciation of the Mass.

Ahlstrom is the principal organist and director of the Cappella Antiqua Choir at Holy Spirit Church. He has composed extensively for diverse groups ranging from full orchestras to performers utilizing computers and synthesizers.

Ahlstrom received his doctor of musical arts degree in organ performance from The Juilliard School, New York City. He was a Fulbright Scholar studying organ performance, improvisation, and composition with Xavier Darasse at the Conservatoire National de Musique Superieure de Lyon, France. He also has masters of music degrees in organ performance and composition from the University of Oregon.

The lecture is free of charge and open to the public. Since space is limited, it is requested that reservations be made by calling (678) 904-2811, ext. 501.