The route to Springfield began in Decatur and ran through New England, Russia, Latvia and England for the new director of music and liturgy at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Dr. G. Fredrick Guzasky has served as adjunct professor at Bridgewater State University, an affiliated artist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and organist and choirmaster at several parishes in Massachusetts. He has performed in recitals throughout New England, Russia, Latvia, and England. A recipient of Boston University's Outstanding Performance Award and the EMACT Award in conducting, Guzasky has taught master classes at the St. Petersburg Conservatory in Russia.
"St. Augustine reminds us that 'a Christian should be an Alleluia from head to foot.' May we strive together in our ministry of music," Guzasky said. "On a lighter side, I am looking forward to leaving Boston and becoming, what I believe is termed, a 'flatlandah' [sic]."
Guzasky holds a doctorate in music from Boston University, a master's degree from Eastern Illinois University (EIU) and a bachelor's in music from Millikin University. While at Millikin, he served as organist at St. Patrick and at St. James churches in Decatur.
As a composer, Guzasky's credits include Masses, choral anthems, including a series based on Russian Orthodox texts and several instrumental works. He has also authored Gregorian Chant Handbook, Gradus Ad Parnassum: A Handbook and The Organ Sonatas of Josef Rheinberger for the Organist. His recordings include Comes Autumn Time, G. Fredrick Guzasky – LIVE, and the recently released Isn't It Romantic.
In addition to teaching, Guzasky served as the director of The Boston Conservatory Satellite School in Cohasset, which has developed into The Music Academy. He teaches organ, piano, harpsichord, cello, and voice. On the college level, he taught piano, music theory, music history, Russian studies and keyboard fundamentals.
Another aspect of his career includes working for Berghaus Organ Builders, where he had specialized in tuning and woodworking. He was also director of the Slava Chorale, a Boston based group of professional singers that specializes in Russian music. Besides composing music, Guzasky enjoys swimming, scuba diving and writing. He will begin his duties at the cathedral on Nov. 30, the first Sunday of Advent.