Bryan Dunnewald

Bryan Dunnewald Biography Bryan Dunnewald, of Arvada, Colorado, is a student in the studio of Alan Morrison at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he pursues a Bachelor’s degree in organ performance. In Philadelphia, Bryan serves as an Assistant Organist at the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ, the largest functioning pipe organ in the world; and as Organ Scholar at Saint Mark’s Church, an Anglo-Catholic parish. In May 2014, Bryan graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where he began studying in the fall of 2011. At the Academy, he studied organ with Thomas Bara and piano with Steve Larson. Concurrent with graduation, Bryan received both the Young Artist Award and the Young Scholar Award, the two highest honors given at the Academy in the arts and academics. The Academy also honored Bryan with the Roger E. and Mary Jane Jacobi Award, given to one graduating senior for character, leadership, support of his peers and of the Interlochen community as a whole. In 2013, he also received Interlochen’s Fine Arts Award and Einstein Award in Physics. He has since returned to Interlochen Arts Camp to teach organ alongside Thomas Bara.

As a composer, Bryan has written works for soloists and ensembles alike; his transcription of Max Reger’s Variations and Fugue on “God Save the King” was premiered by the Interlochen Academy Band in May 2014. An avid performer of new music, Bryan has premiered works for solo organ, and played for the world premiere of Attack Point (2016) at the Kimmel Center, a piece choreographed and performed by Gallim Dance with music by Arvo Pärt. After studying improvisation and dance accompaniment for two years privately with Steve Larson, Bryan began accompanying classes (entirely improvised) for the Interlochen Dance Company in his senior year at the Academy.

In 2013, Bryan was awarded first prize, high school division, at the national Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Competition; he also received the David Spicer HymnPlaying Award. He has performed on National Public Radio’s From The Top, Colorado Public Radio and Interlochen Public Radio; and gave a solo concert at the 2016 Organ Historical Society national convention. His solo performances have ranged from Colorado to California, Michigan to Washington D.C., among others, including venues such as the Mormon Tabernacle, Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, Verizon Hall, and Washington National Cathedral. Bryan enjoys collaborating with large ensembles and has recently performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Curtis Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, the Interlochen Festival and Chamber choirs, and the Colorado Symphony. His new album, Bryan at Bryn Athyn, features the recording premiere of Calvin Hampton’s First Suite for Organ, and can be found on his website, BryanDunnewald.com.

Bryan’s teachers have included Alan Morrison, organ; Thomas Bara, organ; Steve Larson, piano; Dr. Martha Sandford-Heyns, organ and piano; and Dr. Joseph Galema, organ. In addition to music, some of Bryan’s other interests include architecture, sociology, organ design and building, photography and physics. Bryan is an Eagle Scout, scouting’s highest rank.