Organ Historical Society names new Executive Director

The National Council of the Organ Historical Society has announced the hiring of Daniel N. Colburn II as Executive Director of the Society. He will begin his work in June 2006.



Colburn’s long professional career in performing arts administration and communications included serving as Executive Director of the American Guild of Organists from 1980 to 1995. He comes to the OHS from Voices of Ascension, the renowned New York-based professional chorus conducted by Dennis Keene, where he has been Executive Director since 2001.



A Minnesota native, Dan attended Macalester College in Saint Paul and subsequently did active duty with the Naval Reserve. He moved to New York in the early 1970s to join Affiliate Artists Inc., a program that brought the live performing arts to communities around the country through residencies by young performers. Prior to joining the national AGO staff, he served in the Presenting Organizations program of the New York State Council on the Arts. Following his Guild experience, Colburn was active as a freelance consultant for a variety of performing arts and communications organizations in New York City.



Colburn’s deep and abiding interest in music and the organ grew from very early experience in church choirs. Later, he sang for 18 years with the professional choir of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New York City, then directed by Frederick Grimes.



OHS President Michael Friesen stated that "We are very fortunate to have his talents and experience in shaping a new era for the Society. Dan will be involved in all aspects of the Society's programs and services. He will help the National Council achieve its goals, do long-range planning, assist in the implementation of new initiatives to strengthen the OHS financially and strategically, and otherwise further the cause of the historic organ."



Colburn added, “It is a great honor to have been selected as Executive Director by the National Council of the Organ Historical Society. I am excited about taking on the challenges of the position and very pleased to be returning to the organ world. I look forward to working with the President and National Council of OHS as we forge a solid future for the organization.”