Swann, Frederick (Lewis)

Swann, Frederick (Lewis), notable American organist and composer; b. Lewisburg, W.Va., July 30, 1931. He received training in piano and organ in his childhood, and later pursued his education at Northwestern Univ. (Mus.B., 1952) and at the School of Sacred Music at Union Theological Seminary in N.Y. (M. of Sacred Music, 1954). In 1958 he became organist and in 1966 director of music at the Riverside Church in N.Y., positions he retained until 1982. He also was director of music and organist of the Interchurch Center (1960-67) and chairman of the organ dept. at the Manhattan School of Music (1972-82). In 1981 he was chosen to inaugurate the organ at Orchestra Hall in Chicago. Swann became director of music and organist at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Calif., in 1983, where his performances via its televised services brought him global recognition. In 1984 he was soloist for the new Ruffatti organ at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. He was a featured recitalist at the American Guild of Organists Centennial Convention in N.Y. in 1996. Upon his retirement from the Crystal Cathedral in 1998, he was made organist emeritus. In 1998 he assumed the position of organist-in-residence at the First Congregational Church in Los Angeles. As a recitalist, he has made numerous tours of North America. In 1998 he made his 12^th tour of Europe. Swann has also been active as an organ consultant. As a composer, he has written various choral and organ pieces.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire