Submitted

Diane Bish, renowned organ virtuoso and host of “The Joy of Music” television series, will play a dedication recital on the innovative 3-manual Quantum Organ by Allen Organ at First Baptist Church of Fairhope, on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 3 p.m.

The concert and recording artist, composer, conductor and international television personality is the most visible organist in the world today. She has displayed her virtuosity and showmanship the world over. Critics have described her performances as: stunning, virtuoso, fiery and astonishing.

Perhaps Bish is best known as the host of the international television series, “The Joy of Music,” a program available to more than 300 million viewers weekly and features Bish playing famous organs in solo and with other classical musicians in cathedrals, churches and concert halls around the world. Launched by Bish in 1982, “The Joy of Music” is broadcast on several cable networks such as Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN), FamilyNet and VisionTV in Canada.

Bish’s performances have received rave reviews in the United States and abroad. She has recorded on the foremost organs of the world and was the first American woman to record on the four organs of Freiburg Cathedral, Germany. Featured on over 30 of her recordings are music for organ and orchestra, brass and organ, great organ masterpieces, organ and harp, original works and hymn arrangements.

The creativity and artistry Bish are demonstrated in her compositions. She has composed numerous solo pieces, arrangements, and full symphonic works that have received much acclaim and are performed regularly.

An internationally acclaimed musician, she has been awarded many honors including the National Citation from The National Federation of Music Clubs of America (1989). She was the first organist to receive this award and shares this rare distinction with such legends as Leonard Bernstein, Eugene Ormandy, Van Cliburn, Robert Shaw, Irving Berlin and Fred Waring.

Diane Bish began her study with Dorothy Addy in Wichita, Kan. and continued as a student of Mildred Andrews. She was a recipient of Fulbright and French government grants for study in Amsterdam and Paris with Nadia Boulanger, Gustav Leonhardt and Marie Claire Alain.

A consummate church musician, Diane Bish served as senior organist and artist-in-residence at the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for over 20 years. While at Coral Ridge Church, she led the design of the 117-rank Ruffatti organ, distinguished as one of the great organs in America. She was instrumental in developing one of the country’s first church concert series and creating an annual church music workshop for musicians around the world. In her book “Church Music Explosion,” Bish shares her philosophy of excellence in church music.

During the Fairhope dedication concert, Bish will present organ favorites, traditional classics and some of her own hymn arrangements to demonstrate the full resources of the digitally mastered 3-manual Quantum Organ by Allen Organ. Her organ recitals are known as being fun and interesting for audiences of all musical tastes and ages.

For additional information, contact First Baptist Church at 928-8685, or visit www.fbcfairhope.org. The church is located at 300 S. Section St.