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John Walker (organist)
Encyclopedia
John C. Walker more familiarly known as John Walker, is an American
concert organist
, choirmaster
, and CD
recording artist. Walker has performed throughout the United States, Canada
, Asia
, and Europe
. He is "widely recognized for his flawless technique and execution as well as his controlled and passionate playing", said Duke University
in announcing a John Walker recital at Duke Chapel
. He is currently minister of music and organist at Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church
in Baltimore, Maryland, appointed in 2004. Walker is also vice-president of the American Guild of Organists
, elected on June 25, 2008.
. As a child growing up in Spring Hill, Pennsylvania
, and, later, Fredonia, Pennsylvania
, he said that he "always wished that I could be the church organist". He began fulfilling his wish while a high school freshman in Fredonia, playing as a substitute church organist at his father's church when the regular organist became ill for a month. He studied at Westminster College, Pennsylvania
, and at the American Conservatory of Music
in Chicago
, where he earned two Master of Music
degrees cum laude: organ and church music in 1965 and music theory in 1969. Walker then earned a Doctor of Musical Arts
degree from Stanford University
in 1972. One of his teachers, Robert Lodine, "molded and nurtured" his career, wrote Walker.
, San Jose, California
, in the mid 1970s, before becoming assistant organist at New York City
's famed Riverside Church
in 1979. He subsequently succeeded Frederick Swann
as director of music and organist at Riverside Church (1983 – 1992). While in New York, Walker chaired the organ department of the Manhattan School of Music
. In 1992, he became minister of music and organist at Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
(1992–2005).
Music critics have praised Walker's organ concerts, a New York Times
reviewer saying of his recital of American organ music at Riverside Church: "His registrations were colorful and imaginative, his technical command impeccable." A Kansas City Star
review of Walker's performance at the RLDS Auditorium
there said, "Anyone harboring notions of organ recitals as dull, churchy affairs obviously hasn't heard John Walker... A high-profile musical personality was never in doubt, and there was virtuosity to burn".
In addition to solo organ appearances, Walker has often performed with notable orchestras, such as the San Francisco Symphony
, conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas
. He also accompanied the New York Philharmonic
in a 1990 recording of Gustav Holst
's The Planets
.
Walker told a radio interviewer in 2006 that performing an organ recital for a large audience is a "great thrill", but he finds it "more fulfilling" to play the organ for worship services. Playing for a congregation "singing with its full heart and soul", he said, "is moving beyond measure... through the way I interpret the texts in the hymns... it's a combination of being an organist, a composer, and a pastor". He told one magazine interviewer, "Service players create something meaningful and artistic by providing leadership in the liturgy as well as congregational participation in worship".
He wrote in 2010 of "the transcendence of sacred music," calling it "... decidedly counter cultural. In contrast with the popular media, which equates music with star personalities, sacred music seeks only to bring worthy worship to God." The music of worship, said Walker, has "different and nobler criteria than music merely intended for the concert hall or television".
Walker currently serves as professor of organ performance at Baltimore's renowned Peabody Institute
. Previously, he was adjunct professor of organ and sacred music at Duquesne University
(1997 – 2006), adjunct professor of music at Westminster College
(1993 – 1998), and chairman of the organ department at the Manhattan School of Music
in New York City
(1984 – 1992).
(AGO), the highest level of certification granted by the organization. He also sits on the AGO Board of Examiners. On June 25, 2008, he was elected to a two-year term as AGO vice-president (July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2010). In 2010, he was re-elected to a second two-year term expiring June 30, 2012.
Walker received the Professional Achievement Award from Westminster Choir College
in 1984. In 1999, he was the recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship
grant for a lecture series at a college in Taiwan
, to teach organ repertoire and hymn improvisation, along with giving weekly organ recitals. Shortly before he was to begin, the devastating 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake hit Taiwan on September 21, measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale
. Walker's performances became benefit concerts instead, helping to raise money for disaster relief between October, 1999, and February, 2000. A recital by Walker, originally intended to be part of a 50th anniversary celebration of Taiwan's current government, was transformed into a memorial service for the earthquake's victims. He made a return appearance in Taiwan in 2009.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
concert organist
Organist
An organist is a musician who plays any type of organ. An organist may play solo organ works, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers or instrumental soloists...
, choirmaster
Conducting
Conducting is the art of directing a musical performance by way of visible gestures. The primary duties of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, and to listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble...
, and CD
Compact Disc
The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,...
recording artist. Walker has performed throughout the United States, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
, and Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
. He is "widely recognized for his flawless technique and execution as well as his controlled and passionate playing", said Duke University
Duke University
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Founded by Methodists and Quakers in the present day town of Trinity in 1838, the school moved to Durham in 1892. In 1924, tobacco industrialist James B...
in announcing a John Walker recital at Duke Chapel
Duke Chapel
Duke University Chapel is a chapel located at the center of the campus of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. It is an ecumenical Christian chapel and the center of religion at Duke, and has connections to the United Methodist Church...
. He is currently minister of music and organist at Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church
Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church
Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church of Baltimore, Maryland, U.S., is a large, Gothic Revival-style church built in 1870 and located at Park and Lafayette Avenues in the city's Bolton Hill section...
in Baltimore, Maryland, appointed in 2004. Walker is also vice-president of the American Guild of Organists
American Guild of Organists
The American Guild of Organists, or AGO, is a national organization of academic, church, and concert organists in the U.S., headquartered in The Interchurch Center in New York City. It was founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization...
, elected on June 25, 2008.
Early years and education
Walker, the son of a Presbyterian minister, was born in Johnstown, PennsylvaniaJohnstown, Pennsylvania
Johnstown is a city in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States, west-southwest of Altoona, Pennsylvania and east of Pittsburgh. The population was 20,978 at the 2010 census. It is the principal city of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Cambria County...
. As a child growing up in Spring Hill, Pennsylvania
Spring Hill, Pennsylvania
Spring Hill is a census-designated place in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 970 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Spring Hill is located at ....
, and, later, Fredonia, Pennsylvania
Fredonia, Pennsylvania
Fredonia is a borough in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 652 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Youngstown–Warren–Boardman, OH-PA Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
, he said that he "always wished that I could be the church organist". He began fulfilling his wish while a high school freshman in Fredonia, playing as a substitute church organist at his father's church when the regular organist became ill for a month. He studied at Westminster College, Pennsylvania
Westminster College, Pennsylvania
Westminster College is a liberal arts college located in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1852, it is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church...
, and at the American Conservatory of Music
American Conservatory of Music
The American Conservatory of Music was a major American school of music founded in 1886 by John James Hattstaedt . The conservatory was incorporated as an Illinois non-profit corporation. It was located in Chicago until 1991 when its Board of Trustees — chaired by Frederic Wilbur Hickman...
in Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
, where he earned two Master of Music
Master of Music
The Master of Music is the first graduate degree in Music awarded by universities and music conservatories. The M.Mus. combines advanced studies in an applied area of specialization with graduate-level academic study in subjects such as music history, music theory, or music pedagogy...
degrees cum laude: organ and church music in 1965 and music theory in 1969. Walker then earned a Doctor of Musical Arts
Doctor of Musical Arts
The Doctor of Musical Arts degree is a doctoral academic degree in music. The D.M.A. combines advanced studies in an applied area of specialization with graduate-level academic study in subjects such as music history, music theory, or music pedagogy. The D.M.A...
degree from Stanford University
Stanford University
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San...
in 1972. One of his teachers, Robert Lodine, "molded and nurtured" his career, wrote Walker.
Professional career
Walker was professor of organ at San José State UniversitySan José State University
San Jose State University is a public university located in San Jose, California, United States...
, San Jose, California
San Jose, California
San Jose is the third-largest city in California, the tenth-largest in the U.S., and the county seat of Santa Clara County which is located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay...
, in the mid 1970s, before becoming assistant organist at New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
's famed Riverside Church
Riverside Church
The Riverside Church in the City of New York is an interdenominational church in New York City, famous for its elaborate Neo-Gothic architecture—which includes the world's largest tuned carillon bell...
in 1979. He subsequently succeeded Frederick Swann
Frederick Swann
Frederick L. Swann is a prominent American church and concert organist, recording artist, choral conductor, and former president of the American Guild of Organists . During his career spanning more than a half-century, he has performed on most of the well-known pipe organs in the world and made...
as director of music and organist at Riverside Church (1983 – 1992). While in New York, Walker chaired the organ department of the Manhattan School of Music
Manhattan School of Music
The Manhattan School of Music is a major music conservatory located on the Upper West Side of New York City. The school offers degrees on the bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels in the areas of classical and jazz performance and composition...
. In 1992, he became minister of music and organist at Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
(1992–2005).
Music critics have praised Walker's organ concerts, a New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
reviewer saying of his recital of American organ music at Riverside Church: "His registrations were colorful and imaginative, his technical command impeccable." A Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star is a McClatchy newspaper based in Kansas City, Missouri, in the United States. Published since 1880, the paper is the recipient of eight Pulitzer Prizes...
review of Walker's performance at the RLDS Auditorium
Auditorium (Community of Christ)
The Auditorium is a house of worship and office building located on the greater Temple Lot in Independence, Missouri...
there said, "Anyone harboring notions of organ recitals as dull, churchy affairs obviously hasn't heard John Walker... A high-profile musical personality was never in doubt, and there was virtuosity to burn".
In addition to solo organ appearances, Walker has often performed with notable orchestras, such as the San Francisco Symphony
San Francisco Symphony
The San Francisco Symphony is an orchestra based in San Francisco, California. Since 1980, the orchestra has performed at the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall. The San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus are part of the organization...
, conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas
Michael Tilson Thomas
Michael Tilson Thomas is an American conductor, pianist and composer. He is currently music director of the San Francisco Symphony, and artistic director of the New World Symphony Orchestra.-Early years:...
. He also accompanied the New York Philharmonic
New York Philharmonic
The New York Philharmonic is a symphony orchestra based in New York City in the United States. It is one of the American orchestras commonly referred to as the "Big Five"...
in a 1990 recording of Gustav Holst
Gustav Holst
Gustav Theodore Holst was an English composer. He is most famous for his orchestral suite The Planets....
's The Planets
The Planets
The Planets, Op. 32, is a seven-movement orchestral suite by the English composer Gustav Holst, written between 1914 and 1916. Each movement of the suite is named after a planet of the Solar System and its corresponding astrological character as defined by Holst...
.
He wrote in 2010 of "the transcendence of sacred music," calling it "... decidedly counter cultural. In contrast with the popular media, which equates music with star personalities, sacred music seeks only to bring worthy worship to God." The music of worship, said Walker, has "different and nobler criteria than music merely intended for the concert hall or television".
Walker currently serves as professor of organ performance at Baltimore's renowned Peabody Institute
Peabody Institute
The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University is a renowned conservatory and preparatory school located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland at the corner of Charles and Monument Streets at Mount Vernon Place.-History:...
. Previously, he was adjunct professor of organ and sacred music at Duquesne University
Duquesne University
Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded by members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne first opened its doors as the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost in October 1878 with an enrollment of...
(1997 – 2006), adjunct professor of music at Westminster College
Westminster College, Pennsylvania
Westminster College is a liberal arts college located in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1852, it is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church...
(1993 – 1998), and chairman of the organ department at the Manhattan School of Music
Manhattan School of Music
The Manhattan School of Music is a major music conservatory located on the Upper West Side of New York City. The school offers degrees on the bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels in the areas of classical and jazz performance and composition...
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
(1984 – 1992).
Awards and honors
Dr. Walker is a Fellow of the American Guild of OrganistsAmerican Guild of Organists
The American Guild of Organists, or AGO, is a national organization of academic, church, and concert organists in the U.S., headquartered in The Interchurch Center in New York City. It was founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization...
(AGO), the highest level of certification granted by the organization. He also sits on the AGO Board of Examiners. On June 25, 2008, he was elected to a two-year term as AGO vice-president (July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2010). In 2010, he was re-elected to a second two-year term expiring June 30, 2012.
Walker received the Professional Achievement Award from Westminster Choir College
Westminster Choir College
Westminster Choir College is a residential college of music, part of Rider University, located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States.Westminster Choir College educates men and women at the undergraduate and graduate levels for musical careers in music education, voice performance, piano...
in 1984. In 1999, he was the recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship
Fulbright Program
The Fulbright Program, including the Fulbright-Hays Program, is a program of competitive, merit-based grants for international educational exchange for students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists and artists, founded by United States Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946. Under the...
grant for a lecture series at a college in Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
, to teach organ repertoire and hymn improvisation, along with giving weekly organ recitals. Shortly before he was to begin, the devastating 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake hit Taiwan on September 21, measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale
Richter magnitude scale
The expression Richter magnitude scale refers to a number of ways to assign a single number to quantify the energy contained in an earthquake....
. Walker's performances became benefit concerts instead, helping to raise money for disaster relief between October, 1999, and February, 2000. A recital by Walker, originally intended to be part of a 50th anniversary celebration of Taiwan's current government, was transformed into a memorial service for the earthquake's victims. He made a return appearance in Taiwan in 2009.
Discography
John Walker has recorded on the Pro Organo, Gothic, and JAV labels. In addition to several choral recordings, his organ discography includes:-
-
- Reflections from Riverside, 2006
- Christmas Rediscovered, 2003
- Romance — John Walker plays the Shadyside organ, 1995
- John Walker & the Riverside Organ, 1989
- Carol Rhapsody, 1987
- John Walker, Organist — The Riverside Church, 1985
- MessiaenOlivier MessiaenOlivier Messiaen was a French composer, organist and ornithologist, one of the major composers of the 20th century. His music is rhythmically complex ; harmonically and melodically it is based on modes of limited transposition, which he abstracted from his early compositions and improvisations...
's L'AscensionL'AscensionL'ascension is a piece for orchestra, composed by Olivier Messiaen in 1932-33. Messiaen described it as "4 meditations for orchestra".The orchestral piece is in four brief sections:...
, 1981
-
External links
- "John Walker and the Choir at Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church", November 14, 2010, radio program on Sacred ClassicsSacred ClassicsSacred Classics is a weekly two–hour radio show originating from WBVM-FM in Tampa, Florida, featuring choral and organ music from international venues. Founded in October 1983, it is broadcast on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as streamed over the Internet at various times to accommodate...
.