Dr. Fred Swann was of the world’s most renowned church and concert organists, who sat at the console of one of the world’s most renowned organs – the 17,106-pipe Hazel Wright Organ, affectionately known as “Hazel.”
Bradley Hunter Welch, a celebrated organist in his own right, first became acquainted with Swann’s virtuoso performances on the iconic organ, when watching the nationally televised “Hour of Power ” church services as a youngster at the then Crystal Cathedral.
While never actually studying alongside Swann, who died on Nov. 13, 2022, Welch, studied Swann’s body of work for more than 30 years, “probably longer than any of the teachers with whom I’ve officially studied.”
It was fitting, then, that Welch was the featured guest organist at the Choral Festival in Honor of Dr. Fred Swann that was held at Christ Cathedral on Jan. 20.
“Fred Swann was hugely important to me in my development as a musician,” Welch said.
A SPECIAL EXHIBIT HONORING THE CAREER OF THE LATE DR. FRED SWANN WAS ON DISPLAY THE DAY OF THE CHORAL FESTIVAL, JAN. 20. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Presented by the Christ Cathedral Music Ministry and the Mark Thallander Foundation, organizers of faith centered music festivals, the two-hour long recital featured performances by Welch, David Ball, Head of Music at Christ Cathedral, multiple adult choirs, the Christ Cathedral based Diocesan Children’s Choir, the All-American Boys Choir of Santa Ana and the National Children’s Choir of Los Angeles.
“Every so often in our lives, we have the opportunity to meet greatness and I’ve had that opportunity a few times in my life,” said Fr. Christopher Smith, pastor emeritus of Christ Cathedral, who was in attendance. “And one of those is having met Dr. Fred Swann. Fred was truly a magnificent human being, a magnificent organist and a magnificent musician. He is truly one of the most gracious men that I have ever met.”
By age 10, Swann was playing the organ for Sunday services at the Braddock Street Methodist Church in Winchester Virginia, where his father was pastor. Swann was part of the music ministry at the Riverside Church in New York City from 1952 to 1982, serving as director of music and organist for 16 of his 30-year tenure at the legendary upper-Manhattan church.
FR. CHRISTOPHER SMITH SPEAKS ABOUT THE LATE DR. FRED SWANN DURING THE CHORAL FESTIVAL IN SWANN’S HONOR.
The celebrated organist also served three terms as president of the American Guild of Organists, a national organization with chapters around the country, and he chaired the Organ Department of the Manhattan School of Music.
From 1982 to 1998, Swann was the organist and music director at the Crystal Cathedral, where he played during Rev. Robert Schuller’s “Hour of Power” television broadcasts.
From 2007 to 2018, Swann was also a teacher of the organ and university organist at the University of Redlands. After the Diocese of Orange purchased the Crystal Cathedral in 2012, transforming the Garden Grove property into the Christ Cathedral, Swann was enlisted as chief consultant to the committee for restoring the Hazel Wright Organ.
Swann was involved as an expert consultant during the restoration of Hazel and was chosen to give a stamp of approval once the restoration was complete.
“And it was really a pleasure to work with Fred in the restoration of the restored Hazel Wright Organ,” Fr. Smith said. “And as we share faith with one another, how beautiful it is to also share music. And one of the things I’ve said for a long time is that if there is a key to world peace, I think it’s music.”
Following the concert, attendees were invited next door to the Cultural Center, where an exhibit consisting of a variety of materials belonging to Swann was on display.
Organized by the Diocesan Archives, the exhibit featured music, photographs, art, awards and other items spanning Swann’s 60-year career.
The exhibit was only on display on the day of the recital; however, the Diocesan Archives is hoping to display Swann’s artifacts for a future exhibit, Assistant Archivist Daniella Aquino said.
In an article for OC Catholic, Swann expressed gratitude for having played the Hazel Wright Organ.
“It’s been my good fortune to play the largest and finest organs around the world, and the church positions I’ve held each had superb five-manual instruments,” Swann said. “But the organ in the Crystal Cathedral — and especially now as rebuilt in Christ Cathedral — tops them all.”