Photo by Patrick Thompson © 2019. All rights reserved.
Musically steeped in the rich Anglican choral tradition, American composer Gary Davison brings a deep love of this heritage to all of his writing. Through the lens of the post-modern era, he embraces many of the modal and tonal techniques of Western music to inform his own artistry. Performers, audiences, and critics alike favourably regard his compositional style for its idiomatic expression and freshness of voice.
Mr Davison’s early training includes boyhood piano lessons from Wesley Howl in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and subsequent organ studies with Philip E. Baker at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. He is a Dean’s Scholar graduate in Organ Performance from Boston University (MusM and MusB, magna cum laude) where he received primary tutelage from the late Dr Max B. Miller and pursued concentrated studies in theory and composition with Dr Marjorie Merryman. Mr Davison is a recipient of the Associate Certificate from the American Guild of Organists (AAGO), and is an inductee of Pi Kappa Lambda, the National Music Honor Society. |
In addition to his compositional endeavours, he serves as the Organist and Choirmaster of Saint Francis Episcopal Church in Potomac, Maryland.
Press "Persuasive ... imaginative and polished ... sumptuous and engaging." The Washington Post "Seductive and spirited ... smooth, flexible and clear, allowing the music to shine from within." Hamburger Abendblatt "Breathtaking and exquisite ... exactly the kind of rewarding challenge singers love best." The Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians "Glowing harmonies and graceful melodies ... burgeons thrillingly ... much substantial music on this disc." BBC Music Magazine "A deep understanding of a sacred text, which informs his writing. There is an uncluttered, harmonic appeal to his writing ... imaginative [and] stunning." Choir and Organ "Hauntingly beautiful ... an almost glassy and ethereal sense to the words. Overall, a very polished recording of some beautiful music." The Sydney Organ Journal "Throughout, Davison’s colouring of the [Requiem] text, use of voices in various combinations, and innovative organ part (performed with creative insight by David Bednall) make this a very welcome addition to the catalogue for either liturgical or concert use." Choir and Organ |