Renowned Orgnist Colin Howland Performs at First Baptist Church of Knoxville

Online, February 14, 2011 (Newswire.com) - When Colin Howland performs in the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Knoxville at 7 PM on February 20, he will bring with him over 20 years of experience with playing some of the world's best organs in outstanding venues.

Since Howland's early days of training with the largest playing musical instrument in the world, the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ in Philadelphia, he has been active as an organ recitalist, playing concerts throughout the United States.

Colin Howland has appeared as soloist with the Florida Symphonic Pops Orchestra and the Irving Symphony Orchestra in such works as Joseph Jongen's Symphonie Concertante, Camille Saint-Saens' Symphony No. 3, and Francis Poulenc's Organ Concerto. Colin's recital career has also taken him as far away as England and China.

An innovator in organ performance, Howland is also a founding member of the Philadelphia Organ Quartet. This unique ensemble arranges and performs music for four organs and organists performs on stages across America each year.

Hosting the organist at First Baptist Church is a unique opportunity say Music Minister Kely Hatley. "Colin Howland couples his marvelous talent for playing the organ with his humble personality. We are proud and excited to host Colin on our concert series."

Howland is the Director of Music and Arts of the Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas, where he plays the organ for services and concerts, and oversees a comprehensive music program. His position has given him the opportunity to work closely with the Schoenstein Organ Company in the design and installation of their new 90 rank pipe organ.

The concert featuring Colin Howland is one of many in First Baptist Church's annual concert series, which has featured such artists as The Isaac's, and will conclude this year with the YouthCUE Festival of Praise, a choir festival comprised of youth choirs across the southeast.

Since First Baptist Church restored the 3500 organ pipes in its organ loft and installed a new organ console by R.A. Colby in 2009, the Concert Series featured another renowned organist-composer, Charles C. Callahan, of the Vermont Organ Academy.

First Baptist Church of Knoxville is in the heart of downtown Knoxville, across the street from the post office at 510 West Main Street. Its ministries include involvement in mission projects from Knoxville to Africa, and ministries appropriate for everyone from ages 0 through 100. More information is available by calling (865)546-9661 or by visiting www.fbcknox.org.