Guest organ recital

Grammy-nominated organist Gail Archer to perform at the University Church

Grammy-nominated international concert organist Gail Archer will give a guest recital at the Walla Walla University Church on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 5 p.m. The concert will be hosted by the WWU Department of Music and will feature pieces by female composers.

Archer is the founder of Musforum, an online magazine for women organists, and is an advocate for female composers and musicians. It is in that spirit of advocacy that she recorded her latest CD, “The Muse’s Voice.” During the summer of 2014, she promoted the disc throughout Europe. Her work has been acclaimed by The New York Times and has taken her all around the world. She currently directs the music program at Barnard College, Columbia University, where she also conducts the Barnard-Columbia Chorus.

“She is a dynamo and has lots of energy,” Kraig Scott, professor of music, said of Archer. “She’s a fun person to be around.”

“Dr. Archer will present a fascinating and varied program of music composed by women,” Scott also said of his colleague. “Join us for an exciting event of music.”

The recital will feature composers including: German violinist Johanna Senfter; American pianist Mary Howe; famed French teacher, composer, and conductor Nadia Boulanger; French organist, pianist, and composer, Jean Demessieux; Grammy-winning American pianist and composer Joan Tower; and American composer Libby Larsen.

This program will be free and open to the public. The University Church is located at 212 SW Fourth St., College Place.

Posted Feb. 5, 2016

Gail Archer is a professor of professional practice at Barnard College and is director of the Barnard-Columbia Chorus and Chamber Choir. She is also an international concert organist.