September 16, 1999

MARIE-CLAIRE ALAIN TO RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM THE AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS NEW YORK CITY — The National Council of the AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS (AGO), Philip Hahn, President, will present its Lifetime Achievement Award to MARIE-CLAIRE ALAIN for her outstanding contributions to the organ. Mme. Alain will also be given an honorary membership in the AGO. The award presentation will occur during her only New York City performance this season on Friday, October 29, 1999 at 8:00 pm at the Church of the Holy Trinity (Episcopal), 316 East 88th Street, New York City. General admission to the recital is $15 for adults, and $10 for students and senior citizens. Marie-Claire Alain is one of the great legends of the organ-playing profession. She has performed more than 2,000 concerts throughout the world. Critics are unanimous in praising the luminous clarity of her playing, her exquisite style, the intense and lively musicality of her interpretations, and her outstanding skill in the art of registration. A very sought after pedagogue, she has based her teaching on in-depth musicological studies that she continues to pursue. Mme. Alain has made more than 200 recordings, including two series of the complete works of Bach. Her recordings have been awarded 15 Grands Prix du Disque. Mme. Alain has received honorary doctorates from Boston Conservatory, Colorado State University, and from Southern Methodist University, as well as numerous awards from Germany, Denmark, and Hungary. She was given an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Organists, and the titles of Commander of the Légion d'Honneur and Commander of the Ordre National du Mérits from the French Government. The AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS is the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. Founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization, the AGO seeks to set and maintain high musical standards and to promote understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music. The mission of the AGO is to promote the organ in its historic and evolving roles, to encourage excellence in the performance of organ and choral music, and to provide a forum for mutual support, inspiration, education, and certification of Guild members. The Guild currently serves more than 20,000 members in 340 local chapters throughout the United States and abroad. This information is submitted by F. Anthony Thurman, Director of Development and Communications at the National Headquarters of the American Guild of Organists and the American Organist magazine. For further information, please contact Dr. Thurman by TEL (212) 870-2310, FAX (212) 870-2163 or E-MAIL <fathurman@agohq.org.>