Thomas Wikman Fund for Liturgical Music

Thomas Wikman was an extraordinary musician who passed away on Oct. 10, 2023 in Chicago. You can read about him on the website of Music of the Baroque, which he founded in 1971 and led for 30 years. His memorial service was held two months ago at the Church of the Ascension.

Tom's friends and fans asked whether there was a preferred charity to which memorial donations could be made. Now there is.

The aim of the Wikman Fund is to propagate knowledge and skill in the performance of music for traditional religious ceremonies. Liturgical music was the foundation of Tom's career, as it was for Bach and many other legendary musicians.

Tom’s work was deeply rooted in Anglo-Catholic music. He was rigorously trained in Gregorian Chant by his mentor and predecessor at the Church of the Ascension, Benjamin Hadley. Given this background, the funds will likely to be used to promote expertise in Gregorian Chant – a body of knowledge and skill that is near extinction. Here is a sound sample of chant Tom conducted using the technique, burnished by centuries, of chironomy.

You could help save chironomy from extinction! Or otherwise revivify a tradition of fine worship music.

Thank you for considering a donation to support a sort of music-making that was close to Tom’s heart. And please let others know about the Wikman Fund.

Above: Tom conducting the schola at the Church of the Ascension