Holtzhauser Appointed Diocesan Director of Music, Cathedral Musician

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Bishop David J. Bonnar has appointed Ralph Holtzhauser as diocesan director of music and cathedral musician. Holtzhauser will serve as the principal musician, organist and choir director for cathedral and diocesan liturgies. In an expansion of the position, he will serve as diocesan director of music, providing guidance and support for liturgical music throughout the diocese.

His tasks include formation and training programs for parish musicians, assistance to pastors in recruitment and hiring of musicians, and acting as a resource for pastors and parish musicians on issues related to liturgical music and the development of parish music programs.

Holtzhauser grew up in Rocky River, Ohio, and has been a liturgical musician from a young age. Having started playing the piano at the age of two, he was accompanying the entire Mass on organ beginning in the second grade and had served three parishes by the end of high school. Holzhauser is a 2016 graduate of Baldwin Wallace University, with majors in organ performance and composition, and is currently completing his master’s degree in organ performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Holtzhauser has served as a liturgical musician for 21 years at parishes in the Diocese of Cleveland. His parish music ministry has included service as a music teacher in Catholic schools.

He succeeds Daniel Laginya, who retired as cathedral musician on Sept. 4 after 40 years of service. During his tenure, he developed a widely respected music program for cathedral and diocesan liturgies.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.