20th Anniversary Organ Concert

LATIN INSPIRATIONS: ORGAN MUSIC OF THE AMERICAS
Organist Dr. Emma Whitten explores the vibrant Hispanic musical heritage of the Americas, from early works of the Spanish colonial period to contemporary American works inspired by Latin dance. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of St. Bede’s Buzard organ, Emma will perform a variety of works showcasing the organ’s versatility and colorful tonal design. 

The program includes music from Spain, Mexico, and the United States, as well as selections from an early keyboard manuscript discovered in the mission of San Rafael de Chiquitos, Bolivia. Modern highlights include Robert Elmore’s Rhumba, Pamela Decker’s Tango Toccata, and Hans-André Stamm’s Toccata Mexicana, a festive toccata derived from Aztecan drum rhythms, commissioned by the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

Emma Whitten is an accomplished organist specializing in early Baroque and
contemporary repertoire. She regularly performs across the United States and internationally, captivating audiences and introducing the organ to new listeners. Her
programs are engaging and diverse, drawing from an extensive repertoire spanning
eight centuries of organ music. Performance venues and festivals include the Los Angeles Presidents’ Day Organ Festival, St. Paul’s Cathedral (San Diego, CA), Catalina Organ Festival (Tucson, AZ), Saints Simon & Jude Cathedral (Phoenix, AZ), Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Saint Mary’s Basilica (Phoenix, AZ), and University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Emma has performed for American Guild of Organists chapters including Los Angeles, San Diego, Palomar, Central Arizona, and Knoxville. Internationally, Emma has performed on historic organs in Germany, Spain, Colombia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Emma has degrees in organ performance from the University of Notre Dame
(2009), the University of Kansas (2011), and Arizona State University (2014), where she
received her D.M.A. studying with Kimberly Marshall. She maintains a private teaching
studio in Oceanside, and she regularly acts as an adjudicator for scholarship auditions
and competitions. Currently, Dr. Whitten serves as Associate Organist at Christ
Cathedral (formerly Crystal Cathedral) in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
County, California.  Emma Whitten is represented by Seven Eight Artists.