Renowned concert organist and composer Aaron David Miller will perform at Concordia at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 6, in the Music Center recital hall. Tickets, available at the door, are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. The concert is sponsored by the Lincoln Organ Showcase.
Miller received his bachelor of music degree from Eastman School of Music, Rochester, N.Y., and his master's and doctorate degrees from Manhattan School of Music. His piece, "Five Hymns of Pindar" earned him the 2004 Hellenikon Idyllion composition prize given from the Olympic Committee in Athens, Greece. Such ensembles as the Seattle Symphony and the Toledo Symphony have performed his works. Miller himself has performed at the American Guild of Organists conventions and in a variety organ festivals and competitions.
Dr. Jeffrey Blersch, professor of music and university organist at Concordia, recommended bringing Miller to campus because of Miller's strong interest and accomplishments in hymn improvisation. The influence of jazz gives his works a distinctive twist. "I think his compositions have a rather unique rhythmic and harmonic structure, and I'm looking forward to hearing what he does with his improvisations," said Blersch.