Mormon Tabernacle Organist to perform in Sarasota next Spring

Richard Elliott is right at home at the massive console of the Tabernacle organ, having previously served as an assistant organist for the world's largest functioning pipe organ in Philadelphia's Lord and Taylor (formerly John Wanamaker) department store. His background in jazz and popular music has likewise prepared him well for his role as accompanist for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, with its broad range of repertoire.


Richard Elliott will be in recital at Faith Lutheran Church, 7750 Beneva Road, in Sarasota, on the Sunday afternoon following Easter, April 15, 2012 at 4 o'clock. Tickets can be reserved at the church (924-4664) for $15 and AGO members with membership cards will be admitted free.


On Saturday, April 14th, at 10 AM at the church, Elliott will conduct a workshop on hymn playing, choral accompanying, and other issues related to the church musician. This event is $10 and is open to anyone.

As Principal Tabernacle Organist, Richard Elliott performs, tours and records with the Choir. He also plays for the weekly Music and the Spoken Word broadcasts and joins with his fellow organists in presenting daily 30-minute organ recitals in the Tabernacle. He works alongside the rest of the Choir's musical staff to ensure perfect balance among the singers' voices, the organ and the Orchestra at Temple Square, thus producing the Choir's signature sound. In addition, Elliott performs widely as an organ recitalist and has recorded on the Tabernacle organ for several record labels.

Prior to his appointment in 1991 as a Tabernacle organist, Elliott was an Assistant Professor at Brigham Young University, where he taught courses in organ and music appreciation. His early musical studies were undertaken at the Peabody Conservatory and the Catholic University of America. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the famed Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and later received Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.

Elliott is a Fellow of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) and was a featured performer in the Guild's national convention held in 1992 in Atlanta. He is a published composer and has also written articles for several music journals. Elliott currently sits on the advisory boards for the Friends of the Wanamaker Organ and for the Eccles Organ Festival at Salt Lake's Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Birmingham POE still on!

Despite the unsettling weather that has hit recently Alabama, the Birmingham Pipe Organ Encounter is still a 'go!' Student attendees will get a wonderful great chance to spend time at Samford University and explore the Birmingham area. Jamie McLemore, director of the 2011 POE, recently told me that applications are still being accepted and registration will not close until June 6th. I'll be there, too! So, please encourage young organists and pianists to join us in Birmingham!

Thinking of our Region IV colleagues

Having seen the news footage of the terrible tornado damage that has crossed the southeast in the past few weeks, I pause each evening to think of our Region IV colleagues who may have suffered damage and/or loss. What a violent spring Mother Nature has given us. Please join me by keeping fellow organists, choir directors, singers, congregation members, and churches in daily prayers. (Phil 4:13)

Margaret Smith McAlister honored

Margaret Smith McAlister, a member of the Tampa, FL, chapter of the AGO since 1940, was honored during the chapter's annual "Bach Bash" on Tuesday, March 22, 2011. In recognition of Margaret's commitment to young organists, the chapter named their organ scholarship fund in her honor. The first recipient of the "Margaret Smith McAlister Scholarship for Beginning Organists" was Benjamin Parker.

On behalf of the membership of Region IV, Laura Ellis, Councillor, joined in the festivities by presenting Margaret with a "Distinguished Service Award." 

Margaret is in her 65th year as organist at First Presbyterian, Tampa. Not only was she honored during the evening, she performed a Bach chorale prelude as well! Margaret -- thanks for being such an inspiration!

Margaret Smith McAlister, seated

From left to right:

Nancy Callahan, Tampa AGO Dean;

Michael Hunter, Florida District Convener; 

Scholarship recipient Benjamin Parker;

Laura Ellis, Councillor, Region IV

Jackson AGO/Quimby Competition

The Jackson, Mississippi, Chapter held its AGO/Quimby RCYO Competition on Saturday, March 26th. Congratulations to winner David Harrison (pictured)! David will travel to Greensboro this June to compete in the regional competition. Special thanks to competition coordinator, Donald Messer, and judges Dr. John Paul (St. Andrew's Cathedral, Jackson), Michael Beattie (Chapel of the Cross, Madison, MS) and BIlly Trotter, Northminster Baptist Church, Jackson). 

   

Revered Composer Robert J. Powell to Present Recital at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Tryon, NC

Holy Cross Episcopal Church is honored to present Robert J. Powell, organist and composer, in a lecture recital on Sunday, May 15, 2011, at 5:00 p.m..

 

Having composed over 300 works for chorus, solo, organ, handbells, and instrumental ensembles, Robert Powell is one of the most well known and respected of American church music composers today. A member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, he has received the Standard Music Award from ASCAP for the past 35 years.

 

In addition to two of his own compositions, Powell's program will include works by J. S. Bach, Herbert Howells, Buxtehude, Karg-Elert, and others. Powell will also share with the audience a glimpse of what inspires the writing of a musical composition and how the musical composition process evolves.

 

Powell will perform on Holy Cross's 43 rank organ, rebuilt by The John Dower Company in 1994-1995. This recital, free and open to the public, is made possible by the William E. Seifert Memorial Organ Recital Fund. Holy Cross Episcopal Church is located at 150 Melrose Avenue, Tryon, NC 28782. For more information, please call Susie Mahnke at 864-982-1014. 

Charlotte AGO/Quimby Competition

The Charlotte, North Carolina Chapter held its AGO/Quimby RCYO Competition on Saturday, March 26th.  The single competitor, Gregory Zelek, from Coral Gables, Florida, and a freshman at The Juilliard School, played brilliantly!  He was awarded the chapter’s first prize of $350 plus expenses to the Region IV Convention in Greensboro, NC, this summer.  Pictured are the jurors with Mr. Zelek (from left to right):  Dr. Joby Bell, Appalachian State University; Gregory Zelek, competitor; Jane Arant, Minister of Music at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Charlotte; Dr. Timothy Olsen, North Carolina School  of the Arts. (submitted by Dr. Florence Jowers)