Meagen De Graaf – Staff Writer

Talented musicians are constantly coming to Dordt to give recitals, and organist Todd Wilson is only the latest of these. Last Friday, October 10, Todd Wilson played an incredible organ concert for the students and faculty of Dordt College.

Todd Wilson is the third performer in a five-year program hosted by Dordt College, the Joan Ringerwole Organ Series, which brings nationally acclaimed organists to campus each year. Wilson is an extremely talented musician, and the organ here at Dordt College was put to the best possible use with his magnificent music.

Dordt’s organ, located in the BJ Haan Auditorium, is a 57-rank, three-manual mechanical action Casavant pipe organ. This kind of organ is very well-crafted, and suited for highly acclaimed performers like Todd Wilson.

Wilson has performed on all kinds of organs throughout his years as a musician, in many different places. He has been in several competitions and festivals, including one in France, as well as many throughout the United States and Canada.

He also acts as a juror for competitions when he’s not competing. This is really an honor given to only the best performers, because judges are expected to have extensive knowledge about the instrument and music itself.

Clearly, Todd Wilson has a lot of talent. He has been in multiple orchestras over the years, including some in different countries. Many of these are well-known and notable groups, like the Cleveland Orchestra—where he is currently the organ curator.

He also uses his musical talent to head the organ department at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he helps shape future organists to play as well as he does.

“I don’t really listen to organ music, so it was kind of interesting to hear it played like [Todd Wilson] did,” said an attendee, who admits she is used to hearing organs primarily in basic hymns rather than intricately played symphony pieces.

Many of Wilson’s best pieces (including ones he has composed himself) are available online, so if you were not able to attend the concert last Friday, there are ways to hear Todd Wilson’s talent on the organ.

Dordt College thanks Wilson for sharing his musical gift on the organ, and looks forward to hearing more musical talent throughout the year.