Aug. 3, 2006
NEW YORK CITY—The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is pleased to unveil Volume IV in its Master Series of educational videos. This newest volume, featuring the artistry of GERRE HANCOCK, is available in DVD format from the AGO Book Store for $25 (plus shipping). Orders for the video may be placed online at www.agohq.org/store or by telephone, (212) 870-2310 or (800) AGO-5115.
The professional and personal sides of Gerre Hancock are celebrated in the five chapters of this Master Series video. Interviews and performances offer insight into the brilliance, creativity, humor, humanity, and talent of Gerre Hancock. A special bonus features his performance of Fête by Jean Langlais. Major funding for the AGO Master Series Vol. IV featuring Gerre Hancock was provided by Saint Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, New York City, the Reverend Dr. Andrew C. Mead, Rector.
GERRE HANCOCK, FAGO, was organist and master of the choristers at Saint Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, in New York City from 1971 to 2004. Under his leadership, the Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys flourished and set the standard for the performance of Anglican church music in America. As a performer and church musician, Dr. Hancock is especially noted for advancing the art of improvisation with great skill and enthusiasm, both in practice and as the author of the highly acclaimed book, Improvising: How to Master the Art. Gerre Hancock and his wife, Judith, have worked together as a superb musical team for several decades. Presently, both teach and perform at the University of Texas at Austin, where they were recruited to re-establish a school of sacred music.
Designed for the 21st century, the Master Series is a video archive of legendary organist teachers Catharine Crozier, Marie-Claire Alain, Frederick Swann, and now Gerre Hancock, one of the world’s best known church musicians. Inaugurated in 2001 by the AGO Committee on Educational Resources, each volume of the Master Series features an interview with the artist and musical excerpts.
For further information about AGO Educational Resources, please call (212) 870-2310 or (800) AGO-5115, or e-mail resources@agohq.org. AGO members receive a 10% discount on all Guild products.
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, it sets and maintains high musical standards and promotes the understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music. The mission of the AGO is to enrich lives through organ and choral music. The Guild currently serves approximately 19,000 members in more than 300 local chapters throughout the United States and abroad. The American Organist Magazine, the official journal of the AGO and the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America, reaches an audience of more than 20,000 readers each month.
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.
