Performed on the Schantz organ of Second Presbyterian Church, Saint Louis

This large 4-manual, 60-rank, organ, built by the Schantz firm in 1965, and restored by them in 2012, is put through its paces in this wide-ranging survey of American organ music from the late nineteenth century to the present day.

In addition to well-known extrovert works in variation form by Percy Buck and Charles Ives which frame the recital there are lesser-known works in a wide variety of styles, including first recording of works by three female composers.

Aaron Copland is represented by a masterful transcription for organ of his monumental Passacaglia for solo piano. The remainder of the works are originals for solo organ and provide a fascinating survey into the breadth and quality of recent writing for the organ in the US, played on a authentic American organ.

Organist and conductor Andrew Peters serves as organist and minister of music at Second Presbyterian Church in Saint Louis. At the church he directs the choral groups and handbell choir, plays the recently restored organ, and oversees the church’s Couts Music Series as artistic director. He plays with the Saint Louis Symphony as ensemble organist and is assistant conductor of the Metropolitan Orchestra of Saint Louis.

A recipient of numerous awards, Peters is known for both his organ recitals and accompaniments to silent movies, especially those starring Harold Lloyd. Past performances include appearances at the Cathedral of St John the Divine and St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, St Philip’s Cathedral in Atlanta, Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, St Olaf College, DePauw University.