Daniel Cook Launched the Inaugural Organ Concert Series
The new concert organ in BYU’s Music Building has been the focus of notable programs and performances this fall. The inaugural organ concert series began with a concert by Daniel Cook, Master of the Choristers and Organist of Durham Cathedral in England and both a masterclass and lecture from Cook in the BYU Organ Alumni Conference that took place on Oct. 25-28.
Alumni came from across the county to attend the conference and see the new organ’s debut performance with Cook. Conference activities included lectures, a masterclass with current students, a reception after the debut performance and the opportunity for School of Music students to sign up to play the new organ.
“It was really interesting to see Cook’s English approach to playing,” said S. Andrew Lloyd, a BYU alum, Bess Hieronymus Endowed Fellow and assistant professor of organ and composition at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Lloyd said that Cook clearly demonstrated the acoustic acumen of a cathedral master, shared enlightening and entertaining anecdotes and offered students a unique opportunity to learn about an English approach to playing.
Lloyd also said the new organ “sounded incredible with the choir” and had a “spellbinding quiet registration.” Others in attendance, such as Lloyd’s cousin, Rebecca Lloyd, were happy to fly out and see their children studying at BYU as well as attend the Cook concert, faculty performance the night after and conference activities.
Rebecca Lloyd graduated from BYU with a B.A. in music, organ performance emphasis and has been a ward and stake organist for the past 20 years. She said, “Professor Neil Harmon’s performance highlighted the power and diversity of the instrument.” She noted that several Salt Lake Tabernacle organist, such as Andy Unsworth and Richard Elliot were in attendance at the conference’s opening reception. Her overall impression after attending both concerts and part of the masterclass was, “Wow. This is the real stuff.”
In the masterclass, Cook showed intimate familiarity with BYU students’ selected repertoire and understanding of the organ’s diverse powers. Students had the opportunity to receive feedback from a master and perform for him and alumni who attended the class.
Cook suggested overall principles such as, “We often default to legato but should see if the music suggests otherwise and articulate differently.” He reminded students of context, such as having a hymn’s text in mind when playing it and remembering the power of procession when playing a processional. To help illustrate the latter (and get the audience involved) he had listeners stand up and march during parts of one piece. He also made student-specific suggestions such as, using an energizing rhythm to heighten a sense of crescendo.
“It was great to hear ideas that help me internalize my piece differently,” said Macy Miller, a senior studying organ performance at BYU.
Stay tuned for the second half of the Concert Hall Organ Inaugural Series during the winter 2025 semester.
