Nathaniel Gumbs
Nathaniel Gumbs is a native of the Bronx, NY and has performed throughout the United States and abroad, including Antigua, St. Thomas, Ghana, Paris, and Munich, and is consistently gathering new fans and followers. In a review of a recorded performance with bass-baritone Dashon Burton, The New York Times described Nathaniel’s playing as “mature, lyrical, accurate and energetic,” and that his performance was presented “deftly and with feeling.”
Dr. Gumbs currently serves as Director of Music at The Riverside Church in New York City and Director of the Organ Studies Program at Westminster Choir College. He earned his undergraduate degree from Shenandoah Conservatory in Virginia, his Master of Music degree from Yale University, and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music. Nathaniel’s principal teachers include Steven Cooksey, David Higgs, and Martin Jean.
Prior to his current appointments, Nathaniel served as Director of Chapel Music at Yale University where he worked with students, faculty, and guests to coordinate music for three worshiping communities: the University Church in Battell Chapel, the Yale Divinity School community, and the Berkeley Divinity School community, the latter two communities both worshiping in Marquand Chapel. He also served previously as Interim Minister of Music and Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, NY, and as Director of Music and Arts and Church Organist at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, where he led several hundred volunteer musicians and staff in four choirs and other ensembles.
Nathaniel maintains a vibrant career as a concert organist, managed by Karen McFarlane Artists, Inc. He is also featured on various recording projects through GIA publications with Dr. James Abbington, choral projects with award-winning conductor Dr. Jason Max Ferdinand, and recordings of revised choral works by Margaret Bonds with NY Philharmonic's Chorus Director, Dr. Malcolm Merriweather. Nathaniel is a contributing composer in Pulling Out The Stops, Volume 3, Congregational Song Accompaniments for Organ, published by Augsburg Fortress. Most recently, he released his first organ solo project entitled King of Kings: Organ Music of Black Composers, Past and Present.
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