Our Premiere
The Theatre Organ Society of San Diego announced the Premiere Presentation of its 4/24 Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ, featuring the artistry of Chris Gorsuch at the console, on Saturday, September 11, 1999 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 12, 1999 at 4 p.m.
About Chris Gorsuch
Chris Gorsuch began formal studies on the organ at age fourteen. He was soon playing for several different churches in his home town of Springfield, Ohio. At the age of twenty, Chris moved to San Diego, California to take a staff position with Organ Power Pizza restaurants equipped with theatre pipe organs. One of the instruments that Chris played was the famed five manual Reginald Foort Travelling Moller Theatre Pipe Organ, now installed at the Pasadena Civic Center.
While playing for the restaurant, Chris became a student of Lyn Larsen. Chris gained invaluable knowledge from Lyn in the areas of registration and phrasing. Many musicians have contributed their influence to Chris's musical style. Music of the Big Band era is a particular favorite, as well as classical, jazz and the music of the 20's and 30's.
Chris also has a fascination with electronics. In 1979, he formed his own company with the purpose of designing and manufacturing electronic systems for pipe and electronic organs. The company has created many new and innovative products. Chris is also working closely with Dick Wilcox, creator of the Uniflex 2000 Organ Control System, writing software that provides editing features for song files.
Chris is also a competent pipe voicer and tonal finisher. He feels as much at home in a pipe organ chamber as he does on the bench playing the finished product. He is the tonal finisher of several major instruments in the United States.
Developing new arrangements, concertizing, recording, improving the sound of both electronic and pipe organs, and running a business make for a very interesting life. In all of this, Chris has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to strive for excellence in a demanding profession.
In 2008 the American Theatre Organ Society International awarded Chris Gorsuch the title of Organist of the Year.