On September 10, at California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, California, James Welch presented a lecture-recital on the organ works of Dale Wood (1934–2003), marking the tenth anniversary of Wood’s passing. In 1993, the university had honored Dale Wood with its Exemplar Medallion, “in recognition of his forty years of joyful service to the church and humanity through the inspiration of his music.”
Welch’s recital included arrangements of American hymns, international folk hymns, chorales, gospel songs, and even Wood’s theatrical setting of “Wonderful Words of Life.” Welch also performed three pieces by Richard Purvis, Leroy Anderson, and George Shearing, all of whom influenced Dale Wood’s compositional style. James Welch has recorded over 50 of Wood’s more than 125 hymn settings; he is now writing a biography of Dale Wood. Earlier this year Welch published an extensive biography of Purvis.
Premiered by Purvis in 1969, the concerto had not been heard at the Cathedral since then. Joining James Welch were members of the Master Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra under the direction of David Ramadanoff. Among friends, former students, and admirers of Purvis in attendance were choristers who had sung under Purvis at the Cathedral from 1948 through the early 1950s. Calling themselves the “Old Boys,” they continue to hold an annual reunion.
