News Bulletin: Chautauqua confirms long-time Organist's death in car crash...

Chautauqua Institution President Michael E. Hill released the following statement regarding the untimely death of Jared Jacobsen, organist and coordinator of worship and sacred music at Chautauqua since 1996:  “We learned yesterday of the tragic passing of our beloved Jared Jacobsen, Chautauqua’s organist and coordinator of worship and sacred music for nearly 25 years, and someone who proudly proclaimed himself a lifelong Chautauquan. Jared was involved in a car accident in Geneva, Ohio.

“While we await formal word of Jared’s wishes, we know our community is grieving this unspeakable loss. Many have described Jared and the music he masterfully created with the iconic Massey Memorial Organ at the Chautauqua Amphitheater as the “heart and soul” of Chautauqua. This sentiment speaks not only to Jared’s talent, but of his ever-presence during our summer assembly season, his untiring love for music, and his generous willingness to share his passions with Chautauquans across generations. His music ushered in each day, heralded the noontime and afternoon hours, and closed each Sunday evening of the summer assembly, keeping the time of a timeless community.

“He played his final service and concert on Sun., August 25 — a service he curated and titled “Camp Meeting is Over.”

“Please join us for a memorial service at 11 a.m. Fri., August 30, in the Chautauqua Amphitheater, the Retired Rev. V. Gene Robinson presiding, with special guests and tributes to Jared's extraordinary life. For those unable to join us in person, we will livestream the service on our Facebook page. You may also want to visit the special tribute page we’ve established at chq.org/jared.”

We will have more when information is available.