Newswise — The award-winning talents of some of today's most celebrated organists will be on display during the 2011 Harreld-James Organ Recital Series. Presented by the Spelman College department of music, the series will begin with an electrifying performance by Elizabeth and Raymond Chenault, recognized by many as America's premier duo organists. It will also feature the ever-present artistry and virtuosity of Timothy Albrecht, Atlanta's Emory University organist, as well as the talents of Wayne Barr, director of choral music at Tuskegee University.

The annual event kicks-off on Sunday, January 30, 2011 and continues through March 27, 2011. All performances begin at 4 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

WHERE: Spelman College – Sisters Chapel350 Spelman Lane S.W., Atlanta, GA 30314

WHEN: Elizabeth and Raymond Chenault, America’s favorite duo organistsSunday, Jan. 30, 20114 p.m.

Timothy Albrecht, Atlanta’s Emory University organist and professor of musicSunday, Feb. 27, 20114 p.m.

Wayne Barr, director of choral activities at Tuskegee UniversitySunday, March 27, 20114 p.m.

WHY: Now in its fifth year, the Harreld-James Organ Recital Series was started to celebrate the classical sounds of organ music through the performances of distinguished organists.

NOTES: Interview opportunities are available with all performers and Dr. Joyce Johnson, professor emerita and Spelman College organist.

About the Performers

Elizabeth and Raymond ChenaultDescribed by the American Record Guide as “Nothing short of electrifying,” Elizabeth and Raymond Chenault began their duet career in 1979 when Arthur Wills of England’s Ely Cathedral composed “Toccata for Two” for them. Today, “organ four hands, four feet” is virtually synonymous with their name.

Since 1975 the Chenaults have been organists and choirmasters of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Atlanta. After 31 years, they retired in 2007 from the Lovett School where they taught choral music. Since then they have earned an international reputation. Mr. and Mrs. Chenault completed music degrees at Virginia Commonwealth University. They record for Gothic Records, and have been named “Organists of the Year” by Sacred Music USA.

Timothy AlbrechtHailed by the New York American Organist review as “demonstrating creative, fertile imagination,” Timothy Albrecht, Atlanta’s Emory University organist, regularly receives praise for his “ever-present artistry and virtuosity.” At Emory University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Candler School of Theology, he heads the graduate organ degree programs.

Ambidextrous and possessing perfect pitch, Dr. Albrecht spent his childhood in Los Angeles and Wisconsin, studying piano with East-European Eugenia Prekosh. Elected to Phi Beta Kappa while a student at both Oberlin College and Oberlin Conservatory, he studied organ with Haskell Thomson. At the Eastman School of Music, under the tutelage of David Craighead, he won the Performer’s Certificate and earned his doctorate.

Wayne BarrAssistant professor and director of choral activities at Tuskegee University since 2001, Wayne Anthony Barr came to the University from Detroit, where he was minister of music and organist at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church since 1997.

Dr. Barr holds a doctor of musical arts degree from the University of Michigan with the organ as his major instrument. In addition, he has two master’s degrees from Southern Methodist University, one with an emphasis in organ performance and a second in choral conducting; and his undergraduate work was completed with high honors at the Westminster Choir College in New Jersey.

Spelman CollegeFounded in 1881, Spelman College is a prestigious, highly selective, liberal arts college that prepares women to change the world. Located in Atlanta, Ga., this historically black college boasts an 83 percent graduation rate, and outstanding alumnae such as Children’s Defense Fund Founder Marian Wright Edelman; former U.S. Foreign Service Director General Ruth Davis, authors Tina McElroy Ansa and Pearl Cleage; and actress LaTanya Richardson. More than 83 percent of the full-time faculty members have Ph.D.s or other terminal degrees, and the average faculty to student ratio is 12:1. More than 2,100 students attend Spelman. For more information, visit www.spelman.edu.

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