Concert Organist - Ken Cowan

Regarded as one of North America’s finest concert organists and praised by audiences and critics alike for his dazzling artistry, impeccable technique, and imaginative programming, Ken Cowan maintains a rigorous performing schedule that takes him to major concert venues throughout the world. Recent performances have included appearances at Verizon Hall in Philadelphia with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonie, Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, Vienna Konzerthaus, Maison Symphonique in Montreal, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, and Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. In addition, Mr. Cowan has been a featured artist in recent years at national conventions of the AGO in Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Houston. He has performed at many regional conventions of the AGO, several conventions of the Organ Historical Society, and conventions of the Royal Canadian College of Organists. Numerous critically acclaimed compact disc recordings by Mr. Cowan are available. Most recently, he was organ accompanist for Maurice Duruflé: Complete Choral Works (Signum Records), recorded with Robert Simpson and the Houston Chamber Choir. This recording was was awarded a GRAMMY in 2020 for Best Choral Recording; Dynamic Duo, (Pro Organo), featuring Mr. Cowan and Bradley Welch in a program of original works and transcriptions for duo organists; Ken Cowan Plays The Great Organ (Pro Organo) recorded at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York; Works of Franz Liszt (JAV); and Ken Cowan Plays Romantic Masterworks (Raven), recorded on the 110-rank Schoenstein organ at First Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. In 2012 Mr. Cowan joined the keyboard faculty of the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, where he is Professor of Organ and head of the organ program. He is also Organist and Artist-in-Residence at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston. His previous positions included Associate Professor of Organ at Westminster Choir College, where he was awarded the 2008 Rider University Distinguished Teaching Award, and Associate Organist and Artist in Residence at St. Bartholomew’s Church in New York City. PROGRAM Carillon de Westminster – Louis VIERNE Poème Symphonique pour le temps de l'Avent (2015) – Rachel LAURIN Prelude and Fugue in E Minor, BWV 548 – J. S. BACH Sonata in G: III. Andante expressivo; IV. Presto (comodo) – Edward ELGAR Le banquet céleste – Olivier MESSIAEN Scherzo II (Yoik) from Cathedral Music – Gunnar IDENSTAM Mephisto Waltz No. 1 (“The Dance in the Village Inn”) – Franz LISZT (arr. K. Cowan)

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