The LA AGO Podcast

Remember that moment when you were first captivated by an organ? When the sounds and sensations drew you in and piqued your curiosity? When you saw an organ console up close for the first time and was overwhelmed by its complexity? When you just knew you wanted to learn how to play one? We all have memories like this and stories to tell about them. In each episode of The LA AGO Podcast, host Thompson Howell speaks with a different member of the Los Angeles Chapter, and occasional special guests, about their own love affair with the organ and how that passion informs their particular involvement with the organ world today. It's not just about what you've done; it's about why you do what you do. Whether you’re a church musician, a concert organist, a teacher, an organ builder or technician, a composer who writes for the organ or simply a fan of the organ and its music, you’ll enjoy hearing the stories of people who are passionate about the organ at every level.

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The LA AGO Podcast

Episode 8 (David Ball)

March 06, 2021 • Host: Thompson Howell • Season 2 • Episode 5

We're rolling through 2021...and our next online virtual concert comes up at 7pm on Monday, March 22nd streamed live via the LA AGO YouTube channel and Facebook page. David Ball, Organist & Acting Director of Music at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA will be performing from St. Edmund's Episcopal Church in San Marino on its Aeolian Skinner/Rosales organ.

David's effervescent personality and the joy he derives from his work clearly shine through in this episode. Host Thompson Howell also introduces a fun new segment!

David chats with Thompson about his early years in St. Louis and his time at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis as a chorister and eventual organ student of Dr. John Romeri who would later become the most recent Director of Music at Christ Cathedral; his memories of his time at The Juilliard School studying with Mr. Paul Jacobs; when he learned which particular moment in his Juilliard audition earned his admission to the school; his love of collaboration with other musicians and artists in other disciplines; why he continues to commission new works for organ; the challenges he's had to face at Christ Cathedral during the pandemic especially after the departure of Dr. Romeri in the middle of 2020; his opinions about the use of virtual choirs; his favorite stop on the Hazel Wright Organ; an update on the re-dedication plans for "Hazel"; his proudest accomplishment at Christ Cathedral so far; the fun way he chooses to relax after a busy weekend of services; his comments on his planned program for March 22nd from St. Edmund's Episcopal Church; and a lot more!

Listen at LAAGO.org...or wherever you get your podcasts.

LINKS:

David's website
Listen to episodes of "Sounds from The Sanctuary"
Information about the St. Edmund's organ
The LA AGO Facebook page
The LA AGO YouTube channel