Jonathan Ryan

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - The first in a series of concerts celebrating the 20th anniversary of California Lutheran University’s unique pipe organ will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, in Samuelson Chapel.

Organist Jonathan Ryan will present the Carl Bertram Swanson Honorary Recital as part of the Orville and Gloria Franzen 2011-2012 Organ Program Series.

Ryan won First Prize and the Le Tourneau Prize for the best performance of a newly commissioned work for organ and percussion ensemble in the 2009 Jordan II International Organ Competition. He has also received first prize in major national organ competitions including the 2006 Arthur Poister National Organ Competition, the 2006 John Rodland Scholarship Competition and the Young Professional Division of the 2004 Albert Schweitzer National Organ Competition. He won the Audience Prize in the 2004 Miami International Organ Competition.

After studying organ and church music at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Ryan received a master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music. He holds the Fellow certificate from the American Guild of Organists, the guild’s highest professional certification.

The series celebrates 41 years of service by former University Organist Carl Bertram Swanson and the anniversary of the Borg Petersen Memorial Organ in Samuelson Chapel. Created with the chapel in mind by Gottfried Reck under Swanson’s careful watch, the 2,109-pipe organ cost $300,000 and took almost a year to construct. Artisans crafted it from white oak to blend with the chapel furnishings. Huge zinc and copper pipes soar 26 feet vertically, and three tiers of brass Spanish trumpets jut horizontally from the pipes. The console is made of walnut burl with cherry and maple wood stops. The pedals and the keys, both naturals and sharps, are made of rosewood. Paul Petersen donated the organ in memory of his wife, Borghild, whose life was molded by her Lutheran faith.

The chapel is located south of Olsen Road near Campus Drive on the Thousand Oaks campus.

Donations will be accepted at the free concert. For more information, call the Music Department at 805-493-3306 or visit http://www.callutheran.edu.