David Chalmers
A performer of wide-ranging interests and experience, David Chalmers has given numerous organ concerts in the United States and abroad, including engagements in New York, Pittsburgh, Nashville, West Point, many American Guild of Organist Chapters throughout the country, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC, Princeton University, and at Trinity Church in Boston, MA. His foreign appearances have included such notable churches as St. Sulpice in Paris, and St. John's College Chapel, Cambridge, at the invitation of the late George Guest.
He has also performed in Moscow's Conservatory Hall, Tchaikovsky Hall, St. Petersburg's Kapella Hall, and in 1992 was among the first American organists to perform in Siberia giving concerts in Irkutsk and Krasnoyarsk. He appeared in Milan, Warsaw, and in the Festival Weeks in Sofia, Bulgaria. In 1994, Chalmers toured England, giving concerts at Westminster Abbey, King's College, and Oxford Town Hall, among others. In 1999, he made his debut at the Summer Recital Series at Methuen Memorial Music Hall and performed at St. Thomas Church in New York City and in the Washington National Cathedral. Most recently, he made his debut playing American music at the Organ Historical Society National Convention in Southeastern Massachusetts.
A native of Newark, Delaware, Chalmers began organ studies with Lee Dettra, and received his Bachelor of Music degree from Westminster Choir College where he studied with George Markey. He received the master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music where he studied with David Craighead. The winner of a Fulbright fellowship, Chalmers spent two years studying in Paris with Daniel Roth, specializing in French organ music of the 19th century. Chalmers has won second place in the American Guild of Organists National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance, and has been a finalist in the Grand Prix de Chartres International Organ Competition.
Chalmers has been featured on the Gloriæ Dei Cantores recordings Leo Sowerby: American Master of Sacred Song, and Peace Be With You (J.S. Bach). He is a contributing author to American Sacred Music - An Overview and Handbook (Paraclete Press, 2001). He is currently an organist at the Church of the Transfiguration, and Artist-in-Residence with Gloriæ Dei Artes Foundation. He is assistant conductor of the choir Gloriæ Dei Cantores with whom he frequently performs and records. Chalmers resides with his wife in Orleans, MA.
“His playing demonstrated a remarkable sensitivity to musical style and his electrifying performances of the fugue from the Reubke Sonata earned him a standing ovation.” The American Organist
“David Chalmers’ playing of Max Reger’s Introduction and Passacaglia in D-minor reveled in the extravagant effects and grandiose expression.”
The Pittsburgh Press
“David Chalmers showed a complete mastery of St. Peter’s organ when he played Elgar’s Sonata Op. 28.”
The Recorder and Times, Canada
“An irreproachable organist”
Democratzia, Bulgaria
“Alain’s Deuxieme Fantaisie and Fank’s A-major Fantaisie showed he had the measure of the organ.”
Musical Times, England
“The organ works are extremely well-played by David Chalmers.”
Choral Journal
“This exceptional recording deserves highest recommendation. It is extraordinary...for its stunning performances.”
Sacred Music
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