Join us for a performance by the dynamic LA-area organist Weicheng Zhao, co-sponsored by the San Francisco Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.  Zhao’s program will include “Revelations of St. John the Divine,” a transcendent work for organ and electronics by Larry King, and his own arrangements of Chinese film music including his wife Fang Gao on violin.

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 program for the recital can be found here.

Please note there is an admission fee for visitors on Sundays from 1 to 5 pm. Those wishing to attend the organ recital must register in advance to avoid paying the fee. Thank you for your understanding. 

Event Details

The concert will also be livestreamed here and on Facebook.  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 glass doors on Taylor Street or from the cathedral garage. Masks are strongly encouraged inside the cathedral. 

Program

Saga No. VI (Icare)
Jean Guillou (b. 1930)

Revelations of Saint John the Divine, for organ and tape
Larry King (1932 – 1990)

Symphony in the Teapot
Qi Zhang (b. 1984)

The Butterfly Lovers
Gang Chen (b. 1935), Zhanhao He (b. 1933)
Transcr. Weicheng Zhao and Fang Gao
Fang Gao, violin

A Soldier Returns to His Love
Changcheng Zhang, Ye Yuan
Transcr. Weicheng Zhao and Fang Gao
Fang Gao, violin

Variations sur un Noël, Op. 20
Marcel Dupré (1886 – 1971)

About the Organist

Dr. Weicheng Zhao is the first Chinese native to win top prizes in international and US national pipe organ competitions, with the added honor of receiving the Audience Prize each time. He was a featured recitalist at the American Guild of Organists West Regional Conventions. He has performed concerts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He was also invited by the LA Phil to be a featured artist on their Chamber Music Series concerts. As a transcriber, he has arranged over 60 pieces including solos, concertos, and chamber music. 

Dr. Zhao also plays the Electone Organ (which features orchestral and newly developed electronic sounds). He was the first Chinese to win the Yamaha International Electronic Organ Competition in its 43-year history. He was selected to perform as a soloist at significant celebrations, such as the National Day of China, and the World Economic Forum Summer Davos.  

Currently, Dr. Zhao is the Director of Music/Organist-Choirmaster at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California where he conducts two 50-voice adult choirs. Additionally, he serves as a faculty member and the College Organist at Pomona College. In 2018, he was awarded his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music, where he studied with Cherry Rhodes. 

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