SUNDAY, MARCH 18, AT 7:30 PM

Paul Jacobs, the young organ phenom of his generation, makes his Walt Disney Concert Hall debut as part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Organ Recital series on Sunday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. The 30-year-old chairman of The Juilliard School's organ department has re-invigorated the American organ scene with his extraordinary technique, memory, and captivating stage presence. Known for his "charismatic showmanship and unflagging exuberance" (Wall Street Journal), Jacobs possesses a vast repertoire spanning from the 16th century through contemporary times. Jacobs made musical history and came to national attention at the age of 23 when, on the 250th anniversary of the death of J.S. Bach in 2000, he played the composer's complete organ music in an 18-hour non-stop marathon.

The program at Walt Disney Concert Hall features Mendelssohn's Sonata in F Minor, Op. 65 No. 1; Bach's Trio Sonata No. 6, BWV 530; Reger's Fantasy and Fugue on B-A-C-H; and Reubke's The 94th Psalm Sonata.

Jim Koenig, Music Director of the Episcopal Cathedral Center in Los Angeles, discusses the concert program at "Upbeat Live," a free event in BP Hall open to all ticket holders held one hour before the performance.

This season's Organ Recital series began on Halloween in 2006 with the now-annual silent film event featuring organist Clark Wilson performing live accompaniment to the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The final 2006/07 Organ Recital concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall is on May 20, 2007 and features visiting organist Simon Preston.

PAUL JACOBS is one of America's most active organists with performances in North America, South America, Australia, Asia, and Europe. He is also among the youngest faculty appointments at The Juilliard School, where he was named chairman of the organ department in 2004. He has just been awarded Juilliard's 2007 William Schuman Scholars Chair, received previously by such artists as Milton Babbitt, the Juilliard String Quartet, and Fred Sherry, and is presented annually to an artist and educator who has made significant contributions both to the intellectual and artistic life of the Juilliard community. Jacobs has performed the complete organ works of Olivier Messiaen in a series of nine-hour, one-day marathons in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C., Chicago, where the Chicago Tribune called him "one of the most supremely gifted young organists of his generation," and in New York, where The New York Times praised his "supple technique and vivid interpretive imagination." Jacobs began studying the piano at the age of six and the organ at age 13. At 15 he was appointed head organist of a parish of 3,500 families in his hometown of Washington, Pennsylvania. He studied at The Curtis Institute of Music, where he double-majored in organ with John Weaver and harpsichord with Lionel Party. At Yale University, Jacobs subsequently studied organ with Thomas Murray, received a Master of Music degree and Artist Diploma, and was awarded several honors, including the Dean's Prize and the Faculty Prize of the Institute of Sacred Music. Most recently, Jacobs was presented with the Yale School of Music's Distinguished Alumni Award. Paul Jacobs has captured first prize in numerous competitions, including the 1999 Fort Wayne National Organ Competition and the 1998 Albert Schweitzer National Organ Competition and is the first organist ever to be honored with the Harvard Musical Association's Arthur W. Foote Award.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable places anywhere to experience music - Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association's involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational programs, community concerts and children's programming, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:

SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2007, AT 7:30 PM

WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL, 111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles

Organ Recital Series

PAUL JACOBS, organ

MENDELSSOHN Sonata in F minor, Op. 65 No. 1

BACH Trio Sonata No. 6, BWV 530

REGER Fantasy and Fugue on B-A-C-H

REUBKE The 94th Psalm Sonata

Jim Koenig, Music Director of the Episcopal Cathedral Center in Los Angeles, discusses the concert program at "Upbeat Live," a free event in BP Hall open to all ticket holders held one hour before the performance.

Tickets ($21 - $45) are on sale now online at LAPhil.com, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office, or via credit card phone order at 323.850.2000. A limited number of $10 rush tickets for seniors and full time students may be available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office two hours prior to the performance. Valid identification is required; one ticket per person; cash only. Groups of 12 or more may be eligible for special discounts for selected concerts and seating areas. For all information, please call 323.850.2000.

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