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Charles Callahan

Charles Callahan is among today’s most prolific of American composers, with over 300 works in print for organ, piano, chorus, solo voice, chamber ensemble and orchestra, many of which have had premieres throughout the world with such notable artists as the Choir of Saint Thomas Church (New York City), Harvard University Choir, St. Olaf Choir, Washington Choral Society, and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, with broadcasts on television (The History Channel) and on National Public Radio. Born in 1951 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. He took additional study with Flor Peeters in Mechelen, Belgium, with Daniel Roth in Paris and at Solesmes Abbey, France. Dr. Callahan has taught at Baylor University, Middlebury College, Catholic University and Rollins College and has served as organist and music director for churches in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and New York City. As a concert organist, he has made recordings on new and historic instrument and performed recital tours through America and Europe. He is author of an educational book for church organists, ”The Art of Hymn-Playing” (2006), and of two books which have become standard reference works on American organ building, ”The American Classic Organ” and ”Aeolian-Skinner Remembered.” Dr. Callahan remains active throughout each year as an organ consultant, recitalist, recording artist and workshop leader. He presently resides in Vermont, and is the Director of the Vermont Conservatory of Music.