Well-known organist to perform at Asbury church in Uniontown
Frederick Swann, recognized by many for his organ skills on the weekly “Hour of Power” television ministry broadcasts from the famed Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Calif., will perform at Uniontown’s Asbury United Methodist Church on Wednesday, March 5. Recently retired from church work, Swann has designed his 2003 tour as his “farewell season” as a touring recitalist. One commentator noted that Swann has probably presided over more ranks of pipes and stop knobs than any other organist in history. This is probably true given the size and prominence of the pipe organs, which his career has been most notably associated – Riverside Church in New York City (1957-82), the Crystal Cathedral (1982-98) and the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles (1998-2001).
During his tenure at the Crystal Cathedral, Swann was widely regarded as the most visible organist in the world and was seen by millions in every major city in more than 165 countries. Swann holds degrees from Northwestern University and the School of Scared Music at Union Theological Seminary, each granted “with distinction.”
In addition to church positions, he served for 10 years as chairman of the organ department at the Manhattan School of Music and served on the faculties of the School of Sacred Music at Union Theological Seminary as well as Teacher’s College of Columbia University, New York City.
In 2002, he was named 2002-03 Performer of the Year by the New York City chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Swann will perform at 7 p.m. on Asbury’s 42-rank, three-manual Austin pipe organ, a gift from the late Sarah B. Cochran.
Tickets may be purchased at the Fayette Chamber of Commerce offices on West Main Street, Judy’s Do-Re-Me Music Shop on Beeson Boulevard and the Ellis Music Store, all in downtown Uniontown, at Amend’s Jewelry in the Uniontown Mall or the White Picket Fence in Hopwood. Tickets may also be purchased two hours before the concert at the Dunbar Street entrance of Asbury Church. The sanctuary doors will open for all ticket holders at 6:15 p.m. A meet-the-performer reception in the church social hall will follow the recital. Group rates for 10 or more are available by calling 724-557-1119. Asbury United Methodist Church is located at the corner of South Beeson Avenue and Dunbar Street and is handicapped accessible. The final concert of the 2002-03 series will be Mozart’s “Requiem” performed by the Asbury Festival Choir and Greater Uniontown Chorale with orchestra and soloists at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 13.