Cameron Carpenter Set to Play Rodgers Custom 4 Manual in Missouri

Cameron Carpenter practices on a Rodgers four-manual Masterpiece organ for a recent concert in California. The instrument is similar to the one he will play at Missouri Western State in March. Photographer: Asa Mathat

February 10, 2009

Being in a small town has never stopped the St. Joseph (Missouri) chapter of the American Guild of Organists from thinking big.

Next month, the chapter will present a concert by organist Cameron Carpenter. Carpenter will perform in the auditorium of the Potter Fine Arts Building, Missouri Western State University, at 7:30 PM on March 13. A custom-built four-manual Rodgers Trillium Masterpiece organ with mechanical-action drawknobs will be shipped in for the performance.

At 27, Carpenter is a young performer whose talent and notoriety has made him a sensation in classical music circles. Carpenter, a Juilliard graduate who began playing the organ at age 4, was nominated for a Grammy for his first recording, "Revolutionary." With his undeniable virtuosity and eclectic personal style, he has captured the attention of media outlets ranging from The New Yorker magazine to National Public Radio.

Despite its modest membership, the St. Joseph AGO has managed to draw some of the biggest names in the organ world to its showcase recital every year since 1993. Among past performers are Frederick Swann, Diane Bish, David Higgs, Gillian Wier and Simon Preston.

"We enjoy doing it," said Bill McMurray, the chapter's concert chairman. "We love having the people come in, and we've developed an audience for it."

Tickets are available for $10.00 by contacting McMurray at 816-271-1442. For information about Cameron Carpenter, please see his website at www.cameroncarpenter.com.

Rodgers is the world's largest builder of stereo imaged church organs and pipe/digital organs. Rodgers is a member of the Roland Group, headed by Roland Corporation, a world leader in electronic musical instrument technologies and electronic musical instrument sales and manufacturing.