Pittsburgh Chapter
of the
American Guild of Organists

Pittsburgh Chapter
American Guild of Organists

Pictures Of Recent Events

Recent Events - 19-Nov-2006 - Organ Artists Series Concert featuring Ken Cowan, concert artist and Assistant Professor of Organ at Westminster Choir College in Princeton.

Ken Cowan (right) arrived in Pittsburgh on Friday the 17th to get ready for the concert on the 19th. Alan Lewis (left), Music Director and Organist at Calvary Episcopal Church arranged the logistics for his arrival and made sure that he was settled in and ready to go.

This also meant spending some time to chat, talk about the instrument, space and program to get some ideas for the pre-concert work ahead.

Which organist pictured below has to spend the weekend preparing for a demanding
concert and which one only has to play the Sunday service?

You guessed it! Alan gets to wave "bye" so Ken can get to work!

So it's stash the bag, change out of street shoes to organ duds and have some hot coffee ready for the long night ...

Time to start exploring the console and getting everything set up.

A lot of contemplation, trying to take in all the complexities of the instrument and how it
sounds in the space. As the night goes on that coffee comes in handy!

Will this stop do the trick...	...with something in the swell...	...and will it blend?
A bit in the pedal..	...contemplate the sound...	...and make more adjustments.
Ken labored long into the night, most of Saturday and part of Sunday to put the finishing touches on the upcoming performance.

Calvary Episcopal was busy on Sunday, with Alan Lewis coordinating last minute details for the concert.	Alan (left) and Louise (aka Weezie) make sure things are set for the reception.	Other Calvary staff members were on hand to help with programs and assisting patrons.
Pat Gibbons (left) and Stan Yoder (right) get ready for the throngs of people. And, there were throngs! Over 250 came to hear the concert! A lot of excited people were coming to hear....

While the audience was growing, Ken was practicing and warming up on the piano with amazing dexterity!

The audience hushed, the lights dimmed and the performance began when Ken appeared at the console.

The crowd was enraptured with the performance!

The program ended with a standing ovation for the great performer
as well as a wonderfully whimsical encore!

There was a rush to the reception, where everyone was delighted to be able
to meet the performer who was so very personable and engaging.
Ken was more than happy to take time with everyone who wanted to chat.

Slowly, the happy crowd disbanded, leaving only remnants of the wonderful musical day.

James, the Sexton, was vigilant as always, ready to put things back to right for the next day.

Thanks to all of those at Calvary who helped make the event a success as well
as the generosity of the Donald C Mcvey fund enabling organ concerts at the church!

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