Myron Searle Wright of Binghamton
Myron Searle Wright, 86, died June 3, 2004 in Binghamton, after a period of declining health. He was predeceased by his father, Clarence E. Wright and his mother, Josephine (Searle) Wright. His grandfather, Myron B. Wright had been a member of the US Congress during the McKinley Administration. Mr. Wright is survived by cousins and numerous friends and colleagues worldwide. After many years away from Binghamton, he was brought back to be the first Link Professor of Organ at Binghamton University. At the same time, he became the organist for the B.C. Pop Orchestra, and his pre-concert theatre organ performances were a highlight greatly anticipated and enjoyed by legions of the Pops audience.
Also, he was the organist/choir director at the First Congregational Church in Binghamton for 20 years. It was as a concert organist, teacher, and composer that he gained worldwide fame in his profession. He was the first American to give a concert at Westminster Abbey in London, and was the National President of the American Guild of Organists. He was awarded the degree of Fellow at both Trinity College, London and the Royal Canadian College of Organists. For many years, he attended and participated in the Three Choirs Festival in England.
During his many years in New York City, he was for 19 years the Director of Chapel Music at Columbia University and while there he presented many world and American premiers of music old and new. Concurrently, he was on the faculty of Union Theological Seminary School of Sacred Music and while there, taught a generation of organ students in performance, improvisation and composition. Many of those students have themselves become famous within their profession.
He was an active and important composer, writing works for orchestra, chamber ensemble, chorus and organ. Many of these works have been recorded and his last written work was published about three years ago. Mr. Wright was honored with a star in the Binghamton Walk of Fame.
Memorial services will be held at Trinity Memorial Church with the Very Rev. Noreen Suriner officiating at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 13. Those wishing to make memorial gifts may send them to the Roberson Museum and Science Center, 30 Front St., Binghamton, N.Y. 13905 for the continual care of the Link Theatre Organ or the charity of one's choice. There will be a celebration of his life and music later in the fall. Arrangements by Ernest H. Parsons Funeral Home, Inc.
June 7, 2004
