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2 unusual facts about Frederick Swann


James McKinnon

He also studied organ with Frederick Swann and was active as a church organist and choir director in New York throughout his life.

Organ recital

While world-famous organist Frederick Swann was in residence at First Congregational Church in Los Angeles between 1998 and 2001, where he supervised the improvement of the organ to rival that of his former church, the Crystal Cathedral, to become the largest church organ in the world (with over 20,000 pipes), he instituted a music festival called "Organ Alive!" that featured organ recitals and concerts, collaborating with many renowned musicians to revive Los Angeles' organ music culture.


Crystal Cathedral organ

Funded by a $2 million gift from Hazel Wright, a viewer of the church's Hour of Power telecast, the organ was constructed by Fratelli Ruffatti, based on specifications by Virgil Fox and expanded by Frederick Swann.


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