Amarillo entertainment in brief for March 17, 2024

World-class organist to play world-class organ at First Presbyterian Church in April

First Presbyterian Church of Amarillo invites the public to hear one of the world’s acclaimed organists on one of the world’s largest organs.

The concert will take place on Sunday, April 7, featuring world-traveled concert organist Ken Cowan. The free performance will be at 4 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 1100 S. Harrison St. A reception will follow the concert. Tickets are requested and may be acquired through: https://www.firstpres.com/pipe-organ .

According to his Rice University biography, Cowan is regarded as one of North America’s finest concert organists and is praised for his dazzling artistry, impeccable technique, and imaginative programming by audiences and critics alike. He maintains a rigorous performing schedule that takes him to major concert venues in America, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

Norman Goad, Director of Music and Organist for the church and owner of NEG Keyboard Services, is the builder of the organ, two years in its manufacturing and installation. According to Goad, based on its 117 ranks and 135 speaking stops, of the approximately 120,000 organs, this is among the 50 largest organs in the world, as well as one of the most technologically advanced. One can actually feel the 32-foot bass stops played by the organist’s feet. 53 of the ranks come through the 3,965 pipes. The remaining 64 ranks are digital and are computer-generated through 31 speakers in four chambers, via 14 channels of audio, sampled at 192 kilohertz – more than 4 times that of CD audio, a news release notes.