James Parrish Smith serves as the Director of Music at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, California.  

Our organ recital series features some of the finest organists playing one of America’s great organs. Grace Cathedral’s 7,466-pipe Aeolian-Skinner instrument, the Charles B. Alexander Memorial Organ (1934), is one of the first and finest American classic-style organs and is among the largest church organs in the West. Experiencing music in our gothic cathedral with its unique acoustics, soaring nave, and jewel-like stained glass windows is a feast for the ears, eyes, and soul.   

The concert will also be livestreamed here and on Facebook. Registration is encouraged but not required. 

Program

Tuba Tune 
C. S. Lang (1891-1971)  

Eleven Chorale Preludes, Op. 122 
Herzlich tut mich verlangen (“My heart is ever yearning”)
Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen (“Behold, a rose breaks into bloom”)
Johannes Brahms (1833 -1897)  

Fugue in E-Flat Major, BWV 552b 
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)  

We Shall Overcome: Suite for Solo Organ 
I. Rosa:  We Shall Overcome 
II. Martin and Ab: Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me’ Round 
III. Four Little Girls:  Jesus Loves the Little Children 
IV. Hope: Black and White Together 
Sharon J. Willis (1949-) (10)  

Elegy 
George Thalben-Ball (1896-1987)  

Symphony No. 5 in F minor, Op. 42, No. 1 
V. Toccata 
Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937) (8)  

Event Details 

The cathedral will open for seating at 3:30 pm. The entrance to the cathedral is at the top of the Great Steps. The accessible entrance is via the breezeway on Sacramento Street between Taylor and Jones Streets or via the garage elevator. 

About the Organist

James Parrish Smith serves as the Director of Music and Organist at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, California.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Dillard University and the Master of Music from Samford University.

James Parrish Smith has served in musical leadership in prominent churches in Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama, most recently serving the historic Third Baptist Church of San Francisco where he was Director of Music and Organist and Founding Director of the Bridge to Arts and Music Program in association with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

James Parrish Smith serves as Dean of the San Francisco Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. He is also honored to serve as Organist in Residence for the Interfaith Center at the Presidio Chape lnc.

Listen

We Shall Overcome

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