|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Douglas Major to Depart After 28 Years at Washington National Cathedral After nearly three decades of committed service to Washington National Cathedral, Dr. Douglas Major has announced his resignation from the Cathedral to focus his career on composition and performance. Dr. Major has been on the staff of Washington National Cathedral since 1974. He began as assistant organist and choirmaster and in July 1988 succeeded Canon Richard W. Dirksen as organist and choirmaster of the Cathedral. In that capacity, he directed the extensive music program of the Cathedral, including conducting the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys. The Cathedral Choirs, including the Girls Choir, sing for more than 200 choral services each season; their repertoire ranges from twelfth century Gregorian Chant to the most modern compositions. During Dr. Major's tenure, the Cathedral Music Program expanded its activities to include daily singing of Evensong, choir outreach tours to 25 cities in the United States, radio broadcasts, choir recordings and guest concert appearances. He was the first to introduce the synthesizer into the musical fabric of the Cathedral, continuing the tradition of incorporating cutting-edge compositions from living composers as well as presenting the great depth of the Church's musical heritage. As a composer, Major's works include anthems, canticles and psalms for chorus; organ solo music; and music for synthesizers and choir, as well as piano and vocal compositions. As a performer, his solo recordings include seven compact discs recorded on the Cathedral's 185-rank Skinner organ of music by Bach, Reger, Tournemire, Franck, Widor and many others. He has made solo appearances in major cities around the world, and has performed with artists and ensembles ranging from Ravi Shankar, Aretha Franklin and Dave Brubeck to the National Symphony, the French National Orchestra, the Folger Consort and the Marine Corps Band. Dr. Major received his Bachelor of Music degree in organ from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri studying with Dr. Ronald Arnatt, and was associate organist and choirmaster at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis prior to his appointment in Washington by Dr. Paul Callaway. In May 1995, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the Nashotah House Episcopal Seminary in Wisconsin. Dr. Major is currently on sabbatical leave. A special evensong honoring him and his work at the Cathedral will be held in the fall of 2002. Office of Public Affairs May 1, 2002 |