Guest organist to perform at organ dedication at First Presbyterian Church

Rejoice in the music at First Presbyterian Church, which will host an organ recital and dedication on June 2 with Dr. Richard Elliott, principal organist of the Tabernacle Choir, Temple Square.

This free event is in partnership with the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

For the past 32 years, Elliott has accompanied the choir on its weekly radio and TV broadcast, "Music & the Spoken Word," as well as in general conferences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on dozens of CDs and DVDs, and in the choir's annual Christmas concerts, which are broadcast annually on PBS.

During his career with the choir, Elliott has collaborated with guest artists such as Andrea Bocelli, the Canadian Brass, Kristin Chenoweth, Renée Fleming, Evelyn Glennie, the King's Singers, the Sesame Street Muppets, Robert Shaw, James Taylor and Bryn Terfel.

His solo performances have included thousands of organ concerts on Temple Square and numerous performances on five continents. He appears on seven organ CDs and is a published composer and arranger of music for organ, choir and orchestra.

In 2002, he was awarded the Governor's Mansion Arts Award, which recognizes Utah artists who have a positive impact on the arts and on their communities.

A fellow of the American Guild of Organists, Elliott has been a featured performer at national and regional conventions of the guild.

The recital begins at 4 p.m. June 2 at the church, 1705 17th St. Admission is free but donations are welcome.