Dr. David Hurd, one of the premier concert organists and church musicians in the nation, will kick off the 2011-12 St. James’ Concert Series Sunday afternoon, Nov. 13, in Greenville.
A native of Brooklyn, NY, Hurd is a prolific composer and has a long list of awards, prizes, honors and achievements to his credit. He has provided dozens of choral and organ works published by a number of major houses, 13 of which are contained in our 1982 Hymnal. He is currently the professor of church music at General Seminary, a post he has held since 1976.
Hurd studied both at the Preparatory Division of the Juilliard School and at Manhattan’s High School of Music and Art. Later he attended Oberlin College in Ohio, graduating with a music degree in 1971, and went on for further study at the University of North Carolina and, back in New York, at the Manhattan School of Music.
“We are very excited to bring David to St. James’, The Delta and the Diocese of Mississippi,” said The Rev. Susan K. Crawford, St. James’ rector. “There is none better when it comes to church music and pipe organs. It will be a concert to remember and cherish for years to come.”
He has been recognized as a major virtuoso and following his concert in Canada, The Calgary Herald, reported he “gave arguably the finest organ recital to be heard in the city for some time . . . One can only hope he comes again soon.”
After a concert in Kansas City, The Kansas City Star reported, “It was an impressive display of virtuosity.”
The St. James’ concert will begin at 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public. It is made possible through the generous support of the Betty and Hodding Carter Foundation. St. James is located at 1026 S. Washington Ave. For more information call 662 334-4582 or email betsy@stjamesgreenville.com
Betsy Bostic is a communicant of St. James’, Greenville.
