Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1931

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

Frederick Swann is a renowned American organist and conductor who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 28, 1931, in West Virginia, Swann showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He later switched to the organ and became a prodigious talent, winning numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Swann's early musical education was under the tutelage of his mother, who was a pianist and organist. He later studied at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in organ performance. He also studied with some of the most prominent organists of his time, including Marcel Dupré, Jean Langlais, and Fernando Germani. Swann's career as a professional musician began in 1952 when he was appointed as the organist and choirmaster at the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented performer and was soon in demand as a soloist and accompanist. In 1956, he was appointed as the organist and choirmaster at the Riverside Church in New York City, a position he held for 25 years. During his tenure at the Riverside Church, Swann became known for his innovative programming and his commitment to commissioning new works for the organ. He also established the Riverside Church Organ Music Library, which contains over 10,000 pieces of organ music from around the world. Swann's performances at the Riverside Church were widely acclaimed, and he became one of the most sought-after organists in the United States. In addition to his work at the Riverside Church, Swann was also active as a conductor. He served as the music director of the New York Philharmonic's Young People's Concerts from 1970 to 1977 and was the conductor of the American Boychoir from 1977 to 1980. He also conducted numerous orchestras and choirs throughout the United States and Europe. Swann's career reached new heights in 1982 when he was appointed as the organist and choirmaster at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. The Crystal Cathedral was one of the largest and most technologically advanced churches in the world, and Swann's performances on its massive pipe organ were broadcast to millions of viewers around the world. He also conducted the Crystal Cathedral Choir, which was one of the most renowned choirs in the United States. During his tenure at the Crystal Cathedral, Swann continued to innovate and push the boundaries of classical music. He commissioned numerous new works for the organ and collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including jazz pianist Dave Brubeck and rock musician Rick Wakeman. He also established the Crystal Cathedral Organ Conservatory, which provided training and education for young organists from around the world. Swann's contributions to the world of classical music have been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Distinguished Service Award from the American Guild of Organists, the Cultural Achievement Award from the City of Los Angeles, and the President's Medal from the University of Redlands. He has also been inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame and the International Who's Who in Music. Despite his many accomplishments, Swann remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and record, and he is a sought-after teacher and mentor for young musicians.

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