Jennifer and I went to hear my friend Ron perform his 20th annual Pipe Organ Extravaganza. He is also an internationally acclaimed concert organist. It was a great concert. This will be the 4th time I have attended his recitals.
He performed:
Carillon-Sortie, by Henri Mulet
Pastorale, BMV 590, by Johann Sebastian Bach
Sonate III, by Paul Hindemith
Concert Variations on the Austrian Hymn, by John Knowles Paine
The Nutcracker Suite, by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Ronald Wyatt's Bio:
Mr. Wyatt holds degrees from the University of Texas and Trinity University, where he was awarded the Master of Arts degree in organ. He spent a year in Europe as a student of the celebrated Marie-Claire Alain, with whom he performed on network television. He was also a student of Marie- Madeleine Duruflé, the noted concert organist and wife of one of the twentieth century's greatest composers, Maurice Duruflé.
Mr. Wyatt has played numerous recitals throughout the United States and Europe, in addition to holding professional posts in churches of various denominations. He was a founder of the first statewide organ playing competition in Texas, which draws students to San Antonio each year to compete for scholarships. He has also been featured in a weekly radio series, and has participated in oratorio accompaniment and master classes at colleges and universities.
The scope of his musical activities ranges from performing Bach's Brandenburg Concerti on the harpsichord with orchestra to playing the calliope in a parade celebrating the birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.
"He plays with a totally sensitive, yet articulate style that few concert organists have mastered," wrote one music critic. "It is apparent that he has a total comprehension of the works he performs."