Organist John West’s received
his Master of Music degree with Honors from the New England
Conservatory of Music, Boston Massachusetts. His initial studies
of the organ began at the age of 13 under the tutelage of Richard
Purvis at Grace Cathedral San Francisco. Throughout high school
and college years he won numerous awards as keyboard artist
and vocalist. Mr. West’s performances credits include
solo appearances with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra,
and featured artist of American Guild of Organists Region X
Convention 2002. He has performed at all of the major houses
in Southern California including the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion,
and the Hollywood Bowl. His organ performances have been heard
on the major instruments in Southern California including the
Hazel Wright Organ at the Crystal Cathedral and the Great Organ
of the First Congregational Church Los Angeles. As a clinician
and workshop advisor he will hold a workshop for the American
Guild of Organists National Convention 2004 titled “The
Organ In Contemporary Worship and Contemporary Times”.
In the traditional popular genre he performs on the theater
Organ and has been featured by the Los Angeles Theater Organ
Society. John’s successful career is exceptionally varied.
After arriving in Los Angeles he became a songwriter/producer for the legendary
recording company, MOTOWN. His songs have been heard in film and recorded by
world renowned artists such as jazz legend Nancy Wilson, and Jennifer Holiday.
John is also in demand as a vocalist for movies, television, commercials and
recordings and has performed and recorded with such artists as Bette Midler,
Ricky Martin, Celine Dion and many others. Films he worked on include “Matrix
II”, “Terminator III”, “Spider Man”, “Brother
Where Art Thou”, and “Meet the Parents”. Animated feature films
include “Legend of Mulan”, “Anastasia”, and “The
Lion King”. Television appearances include “Frasier”, and “Ally
McBeal” and the Academy Awards. In fall of 1995 he performed as a featured
vocalist in New York with “Patti LuPone on Broadway” and as Guest
Organist at the Famed Trinity Church, Wall Street.
Mr. West has toured throughout the world with performances spanning distances
from the Republic of Soviet States to the far northern reaches of Alaska, throughout
the entire United States including Puerto Rico, and countries in South America.
Currently Mr. West is Artist In Residence/Organist at Bel Air Presbyterian Church,
Los Angeles. In February 2000 he was featured solo artist for the longest running
radio show for the organ,”Pipedream” with Michael Barone. He has
many published works out of New York, Los Angeles and most recently has 2 pieces
published by Augsburg Fortress –Fanfare on “Sine Nomine and “ Now
Thank We All Our God”. His first solo organ compact disc, “Rev’d
Up Organ!” is already in its second pressing. Mr. West has a second CD
in production which will include selections from the Pipedreams broadcast as
well as the Casavant/Rodgers Organ at Bel Air.
Mr. West performed the Duruflé Requiem
with the Chorale on March 27, 2004.
Note: Biographical information is current as of the last Chorale concert date. Check on line for the latest updates!
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