Cathedral Organ Concert Series: Ralph Holtzhauser and Craig Ziobert
This year, we are glad to feature some incredible artistry from around the diocese and beyond. Here is the lineup for the season:
Ralph Holtzhauser and Craig Zoibert: January 30th at 6:30pm
Jason Volovar: February 13th at 6:30pm
Anais Payerne (France) (U.S. Debut): March 13th at 6:30pm
Tim Elder: April 24th at 6:30pm
Maurice Clerc (France): May 1st at 6:30pm
Loreto Aramendi (Spain): June 26th at 6:30pm
These concerts are free and open to the public and there will be a reception after each concert.
Free will donations are appreciate to help continue this self sustained series.
For more information about Music Ministry in the Diocese of Youngstown, visit doy.org/music/ For more information about the Cathedral Concert series, please contact Ralph Holtzhauser at rholtzhauser@youngstowndiocese.org.
This month we begin with a bang with a duo concert of Craig Zoibert and Ralph Holtzhauser. Here are their bios:
Craig Zoibert
Craig grew up in the Mahoning Valley and graduated from Ursuline High School in 2008. From there, Craig attended Youngstown State, earning an undergraduate music degree in organ performance in 2013. Craig furthered his undergraduate and graduate studies in meteorology at Mississippi State University. Throughout college, Craig served as an assistant organist at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica in Youngstown, as a substitute organist at St. Columba Cathedral and assisted across the Mahoning Valley. Craig was the music director and organist for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica from 2016 until 2021. Since then, he has served as a substitute organist across the Dioceses of Youngstown and Cleveland. Craig is currently a full-time meteorologist for WKBN and WYTV in Youngstown. Craig is also currently working towards a master’s degree in theology from St. Mary’s Seminary and Graduate School of Theology, concentrating in Liturgy, and assisting as substitute organist for multiple churches.
Ralph Holtzhauser
Ralph Holtzhauser is a distinguished organist and pedagogue celebrated for his versatile performances, commitment to engaging new audiences, and dynamic collaborations across diverse musical genres. With a career spanning over twenty-six years as a liturgical musician, Ralph has held prominent positions at churches across Ohio, culminating in his appointment as the Diocesan Music Director for the Diocese of Youngstown and Music Director of the Cathedral of St. Columba in 2022. In 2023, he was appointed Professor of Organ in the Sacred Music Program at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he presently leads a vibrant organ studio, preparing the next generation of organists for both sacred and concert settings.
Ralph enjoys an international concert career with performances in some of the world’s most notable venues, including St. Rouen in Rouen, France; St. Eustache and Ste. Clotilde in Paris, France; the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, and National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C.; the Cathedral of St. Paul in Pittsburgh; and the Church of the Covenant in Cleveland.
In addition to his classical organ recitals, Ralph has ventured into a variety of other musical genres. He has collaborated with three-time Grammy-winning jazz trumpet player Graham Breedlove at the Kennedy Center and recorded progressive rock with the band Earthside at the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, home to the world’s largest church organ.
Ralph’s musical journey began at the age of two when he started playing the piano, and by five, he was already playing full masses on the organ every weekend. He earned his undergraduate degree in organ performance under the tutelage of Dr. Maggie Scharf and Nicole Keller, as well as a degree in composition with Dr. Clint Needham at Baldwin Wallace University. In 2022, Ralph completed his Master of Music in organ performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with world-renowned organist Todd Wilson, where he developed an abiding interest in the French organ school.
Ralph is currently preparing a recording of African American organ music, set for release through GIA at the AGO convention this year, highlighting works by African American composers, many of whom have never before been recorded. He has also been commissioned for several works this year, including a piece that will be a part of the prestigious King of Kings Vol. 5 published through GIA.
