May 7, 2009
NEW YORK CITY—The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is pleased to announce the release of Volume V in its Master Series of educational videos. This new DVD, featuring the artistry of MARILYN MASON, is available from the AGO Book Store for $20 (plus shipping). Orders for the video may be placed online at www.agohq.org or by telephone, 212-870-2311 (ext. 4318) or 212-870-2310.
The lifetime achievements of Marilyn Mason are celebrated in this Master Series video. The 166-minute DVD presents her many activities through an interview, reminiscences by her faculty colleagues and former students, solo organ performances, and through student lessons. "This extraordinary DVD will be a revelation for organ students, organ teachers, and organ music aficionados of all ages. It belongs in the music library of every school with an organ department, and in the private library of every organ teacher," declared AGO Councillor for Education, Joyce Shupe Kull, FAGO, CHM, DMA.
Video locations include Hill Auditorium and the Blanche Anderson Moore Hall at the University of Michigan. Marilyn Mason performs W.A. Mozart: Andante für eine Walze in eine kleine Orgel, K. 616; Maurice Duruflé: Prélude sur l’Introït de l’Épiphanie; Nadia Boulanger: Prélude; and Alexandre Guilmant: March on a Theme of Handel.
MARILYN MASON, university organist and chair of the organ department at the University of Michigan, has enjoyed a distinguished career as concert organist, teacher, and church musician. After more than six decades at the university, she is the longest tenured faculty member in the school’s history. She was the first American woman organist to perform in Westminster Abbey, and has concertized throughout the world. Her dedication to and support for contemporary music is evidenced by the 70 organ works she has commissioned and premiered. In 1987, Marilyn Mason was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree by the University of Nebraska. In 1988, she was named International Performer of the Year by the New York City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
The AGO’s Master Series is a video archive of legendary organist teachers Catharine Crozier, Marie-Claire Alain, Frederick Swann, Gerre Hancock and now Marilyn Mason. Inaugurated in 2001 by the AGO Committee on Educational Resources, each volume features an interview with the artist and musical excerpts.
For further information about AGO Educational Resources, please contact Harold Calhoun at 212- 870-2311 (ext. 4318) 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.
