October 12, 2014  

Ken Cowan 
(Rice University, Houston, Texas)

A native of Thorold, Ontario, Canada, Ken Cowan is one of North America’s finest concert organists. Praised for his dazzling artistry, impeccable technique and imaginative programming by audiences and critics alike, he maintains a rigorous performing schedule which takes him to major concert venues in America, Canada, Europe, and Asia. In 2012 Mr. Cowan joined the keyboard faculty of the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University as Associate Professor and head of the organ program. Previous positions have included Associate Professor of Organ at Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, NJ, where he was awarded the 2008 Rider University Distinguished Teaching Award, and Associate Organist and Artist in Residence at Saint Bartholomew’s Church in New York.

Program 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Fantasia in F Minor, K. 608 (Peters edition, arr. Alfred Glaus)

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Ach bleib bei Uns, Herr Jesu Christ, (O Stay With Us, Lord Jesus) BWV 649       
Von Gott will ich nicht lassen, (I Will Not Abandon God) BWV 658
Nun freut euch, lieben Christen gmein (Rejoice, Beloved Christians) BWV 734

Louis Vierne (1870-1937)
Feux follets, Op. 53 No. 4    

Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Mephisto Waltz No. 1 (arr. K. Cowan)

Intermission

Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986)
Prélude et Fugue sur le nom d'Alain, Op. 7            

Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Canon in A-flat major, Op. 56, No. 4           
Canon in B minor, Op. 56, No. 5       

Max Reger (1873-1916)
Fantasy on the Chorale “Hallelujah, Gott zu loben, bleibe meine Seelenfreud", 
(Alleluia, May the Praising of God be My Soul's Delight) Op. 52, No. 3