John West, organ

Education: initial studies of the organ began at the age of 13 under the tutelage of Richard Purvis at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco; Master of Music degree with Honors from the New England Conservatory of Music

Solo appearances: the New York Philharmonic, Pasadena Symphony; featured artist at the American Guild of Organists’ Region IX Convention and the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Guild of Organists; international recitals in Russia, Canada, and South America; clinician for the American Guild of Organists’ 2004 National Convention

He has played: all the major instruments in Southern California including the Hazel Wright Organ at the Crystal Cathedral, the organ at First Congregational Church Los Angeles and a 2004 mini-recital at Walt Disney Concert Hall

Radio appearances: featured solo artist for the longest running radio show for the organ, Pipedreams, with Michael Barone, February 2000

Compositions: Fanfare on ‘Sine Nomine’ and Now Thank We All Our God published by Augsburg Fortress; Choral works published by Lawson-Gould, NY

Recordings: solo organ discs: Rev’d Up Organ! and The Roar of The Furies & The Sounds of Sirens

Current position: Organist in Residence at St. Thomas The Apostle, Hollywood

Upcoming: Featured Organist for the 100th year celebration of the American Guild of Organists, Los Angeles. June 2010

On the web: http://www.jdoubleu.com/organbio.html

Other musical accomplishments: accomplished session singer on hundreds of movie soundtracks and television shows; served as Chairman of the Singer Committee at the Screen Actors Guild, 2003-2006

back to top