Lawrence University senior Daniel O’Connor will be one of four student organists featured in this week’s nationally syndicated radio program Pipedreams. The program highlights four award-winning organ students who have earned recognition for their musical virtuosity.
The program includes a recording of O’Connor’s May, 2012 performance of Stephen Paulus’ “Concerto for Organ, Strings, Timpani and Percussion” with the Lawrence University Chamber Orchestra under the direction of conductor David Becker.
“It’s certainly an honor to be featured on ‘Pipedreams’ and it was a privilege to play with the Lawrence Chamber Orchestra,” said O’Connor of Dallas, Texas. “It’s a testament to the orchestra and the leadership of David Becker to be featured on such a prestigious classical music program.”
Multiple Award-Winner
O’Connor has enjoyed great success during his Lawrence career, winning the following competitions:
• 2012 Paul Manz Organ Scholarship sponsored by Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minn.
• 2009 American Guild of Organists’ regional competition for young organists in Albuquerque, N.M.
• The Twin Cities Chapter of the American Guild of Organists’ 2010 young artists organ regional competition in Minneapolis.
• The 2011 Wisconsin National Federation of Music Clubs’ Biennial Student/Collegiate Competition.
O’Connor has enjoyed great success during his Lawrence was the winner of the 2012 Paul Manz Organ Scholarship sponsored by Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minn., the 2009 American Guild of Organists’ regional competition for young organists in Albuquerque, N.M., the Twin Cities Chapter of the American Guild of Organists’ 2010 young artists organ regional competition in Minneapolis, and the 2011 Wisconsin National Federation of Music Clubs’ Biennial Student/Collegiate Competition.
Last month, O’Connor earned second-place honors in the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Federation of Music Club’s organ competition. On Sunday, April 7, O’Connor will perform in Boston as a finalist for the prestigious Frank Huntington Beebe Fund for Musicians. He is a student of university organist Kathrine Handford.
Produced by American Public Media and hosted by Michael Barone, a member of the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, Pipedreams is the only nationally distributed radio program that explores and celebrates the full range of the pipe organ’s art and potential.
The program airs on radio stations at different days and times throughout the country. It also can be heard online.
About Lawrence University
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It was selected for inclusion in the Fiske Guide to Colleges 2013 and the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.” Individualized learning, the development of multiple interests and community engagement are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,500 students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries. Follow Lawrence on Facebook.
