Music From The TowerPodcast

EPISODE #68
MUSIC FROM THE TOWER: GUEST IS CRAIG WILLIAMS

9/21/2019

Episode No. 68 Saturday, September 21, 2019 Craig S. Williams, Organist/Choirmaster of the West Point Cadet Chapel

Craig Williams is the Organist/Choirmaster at West Point Cadet Chapel, Craig enjoys the distinction of playing one of the world’s largest church pipe organ. some 23, 511 pipes in all (Hazel has just over 17,000) He is the fourth organist to hold the position of Organist/Choirmaster at West Point, where he has given numerous VIP demonstrations for royalty, cabinet members, generals, members of Congress, and other international government and military figures.  He holds degrees from Westminster Choir College, The Juilliard School, and the University of Southern California. A native of Souther California, Craig has had extensive experience as a concert performer at major venues throughout the United States, including the Crystal Cathedral and the Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts.

Mr. Williams earned a Master of Music in organ performance from Westminster Choir College of Rider University; Church Music Certificate with honors, Westminster Conservatory; M.M., piano, The Juilliard School; B.M., cum laude, piano, University of Southern California. Organ studies with Eugene Roan, conducting studies with Allan Crowell and Andrew Megill. First recipient of the Currin Scholarship (full graduate) in organ performance. Since August 2000 he has served as Organist and Director of Music, Cadet Chapel, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY; He is also adjunct professor of organ, Nyack College. Conservatory faculty since 1999.

Enjoy a fascinating visit with this very busy professional musician serving at this most prestigious post. All of the organ pieces on today’s show are performed by Craig. West Point Cadet Chapel Organ Recitals https://westpoint.edu/about/chaplain/chapels/cadet-chapel

MUSIC: Sonata No. 1 IV. Allegro assai Vivace Felix Mendelssohn (recorded on the Segerstrom Fisk Organ)
MUSIC: Christ Lag in Todes Banden Johann Sebastian Bach
MUSIC: Symphony No. 3 IV. Adagio Louis Vierne (recorded at West Point Chapel)
MUSIC: Symphony No. 6 V. Finale Charles Marie Widor (recorded at West Point Chapel)
MUSIC: Festal Flourish composed and performed by Craig Williams (recorded at West Point Chapel)