Experience Canterbury Concerts Series

Curtis Gene Schmitt age 83 of Dixon passed away on Thursday June 18, 2026 at the Citadel in Sterling. He was born on June 2, 1943 in Freeport, IL the son of Robert and Lois (Fox) Schmitt. The Schmitt family moved to Dixon, where Curt was raised. He subsequently received degrees from Dixon High School and Denver University. Curt developed an early love for music, and studied keyboard with Naomi Howell of Dixon. He went on to become an accomplished organist with a keen love of many forms of music. In 1984, he founded The Canterbury Concert series in Dixon, which continues to this day. Curt also owned H.A. Howell Pipe Organs, designing and building pipe organs for churches. In addition to his music occupations, he was professionally interested in education. Curt was a teacher and then administrator in DeKalb and finished his school career as Assistant Superintendent in Sterling District. An active philanthropist, Curt helped found The Canterbury Foundation in Dixon to support arts, education, and religion. Locally, Curt had an impact on several institutions, particularly The Dixon Historic Theatre, The Next Picture Show, and Dixon Stage Left.