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{{Short description|American concert organist, teacher and church musician}}
{{BLP sources|date=March 2014}}
{{BLP sources|date=March 2014}}
'''Diane Meredith Belcher''' (b. 1960) is an American concert [[organist]], teacher, and church musician.<ref>{{cite web|title=Diane Meredith Belcher|url=http://www.concertorganists.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Belcher-Bio.pdf|publisher=Karen McFarlane Artists Inc.|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref> She has given a large number of solo recitals throughout the United States and abroad, is a renowned pedagogue, and presently serves as Director of Music and Organist at St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish in [[Beverly, Massachusetts]]. <ref>{{cite web|title=St. Mary Star Music|url=http://beverlycatholic.com/st-mary-star-music.html|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref> Her concert career is managed by Karen McFarlane Artists, Inc. <ref>{{cite web|title=Karen McFarlane Artists|url=http://concertorganists.com|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>
'''Diane Meredith Belcher''' is an American concert [[organist]], teacher, and church musician.<ref>{{cite web|title=Diane Meredith Belcher|url=http://www.concertorganists.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Belcher-Bio.pdf|publisher=Karen McFarlane Artists Inc.|accessdate=March 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330051700/http://www.concertorganists.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Belcher-Bio.pdf|archive-date=March 30, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> She has given a large number of solo recitals throughout the United States and abroad, is a teacher, and has served as Director of Music at Bach Vespers/Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in [[New York City]], Lecturer in Music Theory and Organ at [[Dartmouth College]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Dartmouth College Diane Meredith Belcher|url=http://music.dartmouth.edu/people/diane-meredith-belcher|accessdate=December 12, 2014}}</ref> in [[Hanover, New Hampshire]], Music Director at Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Hanover,<ref>{{cite web|title=St. Thomas Church Music|url=http://www.saintthomashanover.org/music.php|accessdate=December 12, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141212202650/http://www.saintthomashanover.org/music.php|archive-date=December 12, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Co-Organist/Choirmaster at [[St. Mark's Episcopal Church (Philadelphia)|Saint Mark's Episcopal Church]] in [[Philadelphia]], and head of the Organ Division at Westminster Choir College in [[Princeton, New Jersey]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Karen McFarlane Artists|url=http://concertorganists.com|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>


== Education ==
== Education ==
Diane Meredith Belcher earned the degree of [[Bachelor of Music]] in 1982 from the [[Curtis Institute of Music]], <ref>{{cite web|title=Curtis Institute of Music Alumni|url=http://www.curtis.edu/alumni/about-alumni/full-alumni-listing/|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref> and the degree of [[Master of Music]] in 1983 from the [[Eastman School of Music]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Eastman School of Music Alumni Organ|url=http://www.esm.rochester.edu/organ/alumni/|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref> Teachers include David Spicer, John Weaver, Clarence Watters, [[David Craighead]], and Wilma Jensen (organ); Ford Lallerstedt (music theory, counterpoint and keyboard studies); Edward Aldwell and David Beach (music theory).
Belcher earned the degree of [[Bachelor of Music]] in 1982 from the [[Curtis Institute of Music]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Curtis Institute of Music Alumni|url=http://www.curtis.edu/alumni/about-alumni/full-alumni-listing/|accessdate=March 29, 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210105243/https://www.curtis.edu/alumni/about-alumni/full-alumni-listing/|archivedate=December 10, 2012}}</ref> and the degree of [[Master of Music]] in 1983 from the [[Eastman School of Music]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Eastman School of Music Alumni Organ|url=http://www.esm.rochester.edu/organ/alumni/|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref> Her teachers include [[David Spicer (organist)|David Spicer]], John Weaver, [[Clarence Watters]], [[David Craighead (organist)|David Craighead]], and Wilma Jensen (organ); Ford Lallerstedt (music theory, counterpoint and keyboard studies); Edward Aldwell and David Beach (music theory).


== Early Career ==
== Career ==
Ms. Belcher made her solo recital debut at age 15 at The Wayne Presbyterian Church in [[Wayne, Pennsylvania]]. While a student at Curtis, she was an Assistant Organist to [[Keith Chapman (organist)]] at the [[Wanamaker Organ]] in Philadelphia. At age 23 she was a featured recitalist at a convention of the [[American Guild of Organists]] for the first time, performing a full solo concert in Anaheim, California. The following year she made the first commercially available recording of the 1933 [[Ernest M. Skinner]] organ at Girard College, Philadelphia. <ref>{{cite web|title=Great Skinner Organ at Girard College|url=http://www.dtrmusic.com/8403CD.html|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>
Belcher made her solo recital debut at age 15 at The Wayne Presbyterian Church in [[Wayne, Pennsylvania]]. While a student at Curtis, she was an Assistant Organist to [[Keith Chapman (organist)]] at the [[Wanamaker Organ]] in [[Philadelphia]]. At age 23, she was a featured recitalist at a convention of the [[American Guild of Organists]] for the first time, performing a full solo concert in Anaheim, California. The following year she made the first commercially available recording of the 1933 [[Ernest M. Skinner]] organ at Girard College, Philadelphia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Great Skinner Organ at Girard College|url=http://www.dtrmusic.com/8403CD.html|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>
She subsequently won Second Prize in Interpretation at both the 1985 [[St Albans International Organ Festival]] <ref>{{cite web|title=Past Prize Winners |url=http://www.organfestival.com/St_Albans_International_Organ_Festival/Past_Prize_Winners.html|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>
and the 1988 Grand Prix de Chartres
<ref>{{cite web|title=Lauréats concours|url=http://http://orgues.chartres.free.fr/agocp32.htm|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>
international organ competitions. In 1987 she was named an Associate of the [[American Guild of Organists]], having won the S. Lewis Elmer Award for Highest Marks in the Professional Certification Examinations.


She subsequently won Second Prize in Interpretation at both the 1985 [[St Albans International Organ Festival]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Past Prize Winners|url=http://www.organfestival.com/St_Albans_International_Organ_Festival/Past_Prize_Winners.html|accessdate=March 29, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140329180523/http://www.organfestival.com/St_Albans_International_Organ_Festival/Past_Prize_Winners.html|archive-date=March 29, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the 1988 Grand Prix de Chartres<ref>{{cite web|title=Lauréats concours|url=http://orgues.chartres.free.fr/agocp32.htm|accessdate=March 29, 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183009/http://orgues.chartres.free.fr/agocp32.htm|archivedate=March 3, 2016}}</ref> international organ competitions. In 1987 she was named an Associate of the [[American Guild of Organists]], having won the S. Lewis Elmer Award for Highest Marks in the Professional Certification Examinations.
== Professional Life ==
⚫
Diane Meredith Belcher has given solo concerts throughout the United States and abroad. <ref>{{cite web|title=Celebrity Organ Recital: Diane Meredith Belcher|url=http://http://memorialchurch.harvard.edu/event/organ-recital-diane-meredith-belcher/|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref> Her numerous recordings include the premiere CD of the Glatter-Götz/Rosales at Claremont, which won the 2000 Golden Ear Award from ''[[The Absolute Sound]]''. <ref>{{cite web|title=The Absolute Sound|url=http://www.rosales.com/reviews/belcher/belcher.htm|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref> She has appeared as a featured recitalist at four national conventions of the [[American Guild of Organists]], as well as numerous chapter meeting and regional conventions. Performances with orchestra include the Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Syracuse, and Memphis Symphony Orchestras, as well as the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra and Cambridge Concentus, and she has collaborated with such colleagues as trombonist [[Joseph Alessi]], trumpeter Rob Roy McGregor, the Memphis Boychoir, the Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia, and the Buxtehude Consort. She was the founding director of The Memphis Concert Chorale.


⚫
Belcher has given solo concerts throughout the United States and abroad.<ref>{{cite web|title=Celebrity Organ Recital: Diane Meredith Belcher|url=http://memorialchurch.harvard.edu/event/organ-recital-diane-meredith-belcher/|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref> Her numerous recordings include the premiere CD of the Glatter-Götz/Rosales at Claremont, which won the 2000 Golden Ear Award from ''[[The Absolute Sound]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Absolute Sound|url=http://www.rosales.com/reviews/belcher/belcher.htm|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref> She has appeared as a featured recitalist at four national conventions of the [[American Guild of Organists]], as well as numerous chapter meeting and regional conventions. Performances with orchestra include the Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Syracuse, and Memphis Symphony Orchestras, as well as the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra and Cambridge Concentus, and she has collaborated with such colleagues as trombonist [[Joseph Alessi]], trumpeter Rob Roy McGregor, the Memphis Boychoir, the Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia, and the Buxtehude Consort. She was the founding director of The Memphis Concert Chorale.
⚫
Recital credits include Disney Hall, Los Angeles; Verizon Hall, Philadelphia; Benaroya Hall, Seattle; Grace Cathedral, San Francisco; the opening concert of The Wanamaker Organ's 100th anniversary, Philadelphia; The Memorial Church, Harvard University; Saint Thomas Church, New York; The Oregon Bach Festival; Woolsey Hall, Yale University; The Cleveland Museum of Art; West Point Cadet Chapel; Spivey Hall, Morrow, Georgia; Girard College, Philadelphia; The Wildwood Festival, Little Rock; Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago; Cathedral of the Madeleine, Salt Lake City; First Congregational Church, Los Angeles; The Auditorium, Independence, Missouri; Ned Rorem's 80th birthday celebration, Philadelphia; Portland City Hall, Maine; and the Crystal Cathedral, Los Angeles. <ref>{{cite web|title=Diane Meredith Belcher:Biography|url=http://dianemeredithbelcher.com/Biography|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>


⚫
Recital credits include [[Disney Hall]], [[Verizon Hall]], [[Benaroya Hall]], [[Grace Cathedral, San Francisco|Grace Cathedral]], the opening concert of The [[Wanamaker Organ]]'s 100th anniversary in Philadelphia, the [[Memorial Church of Harvard University]], [[Saint Thomas Church (Manhattan)|Saint Thomas Church]] in [[Manhattan]], the [[Oregon Bach Festival]], [[Woolsey Hall]] on the campus of [[Yale University]], the [[Cleveland Museum of Art]], [[West Point Cadet Chapel]], [[Spivey Hall]], [[Girard College]], the Wildwood Festival in Little Rock, the [[Fourth Presbyterian Church]] in Chicago, [[Cathedral of the Madeleine]] in Salt Lake City, the [[Auditorium (Community of Christ)|Auditorium]] in Missouri; [[Ned Rorem]]'s 80th birthday celebration, the [[Merrill Auditorium]], and the [[Crystal Cathedral]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Diane Meredith Belcher: Biography|url=http://dianemeredithbelcher.com/Biography|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>
⚫
Church positions include Organist & Director of Music at Park Central Presbyterian Church in Syracuse, Christ Church Episcopal in Memphis, [[St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Philadelphia]], Christ Church in Philadelphia, Old [[St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Baltimore, Maryland)]], and (currently) at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Beverly, Massachusetts. As a pedagogue, she has taught at the [[University of Memphis]], [[Westminster Choir College]], and the [[University of Pennsylvania]], in addition to her private studio. She has given numerous master classes, and is a frequent judge at organ competitions, including the [[Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival]] hosted by the [[First Church of Christ, Wethersfield]], <ref>{{cite news|title=Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival winners to give concert in Wethersfield|url=http://newbritainherald.com/articles/2014/03/05/wethersfield_post/news/doc5317ec44eea70919856566.txt|accessdate=March 29, 2014|newspaper=The New Britain Herald|date=March 5, 2014}}</ref> where she was named a permanent judge in 2013. Ms. Belcher has composed a small body of organ and sacred music, including “Lutebook Lullabye”, which was written for Karen McFarlane. <ref>{{cite web|title=Pro Organo:Dancing Day|url=http://proorgano.com/?t=special&productid=137|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>


⚫
Other previous positions include organist and director of music at Park Central Presbyterian Church in Syracuse, Christ Church Episcopal in Memphis, [[St. Mark's Episcopal Church (Philadelphia)|St. Mark's Episcopal Church]] in [[Christ Church, Philadelphia|Philadelphia]], Old [[St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Baltimore, Maryland)|St. Paul's Episcopal Church]] in Baltimore, and St. Mary Star of the Sea in Beverly, Massachusetts, and faculty at the [[University of Memphis]] and the [[University of Pennsylvania]]. She has given numerous master classes, and is a frequent judge at organ competitions, including the [[Hartford]]-area {{ill|Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Hartford |WD=Q125975928|lt=Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival}},<ref>{{cite web|title=Meet the Judges|publisher=Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Hartford|url=https://www.asofhartford.org/judges-1/|accessdate=May 21, 2017}}</ref> where she was named a permanent judge in 2013. Belcher has composed a small body of organ and sacred music, including “Lutebook Lullabye”, which was written for Karen McFarlane.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pipedreams: An American Organist's Christmas|url=http://pipedreams.publicradio.org/listings/2005/0551/|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>
⚫
== Personal ==

⚫
Ms. Belcher was married for twenty years to the American organist and choral director [[John Ayer (organist)]]. They have three sons.
⚫
== Personal life ==
⚫
Belcher was married for twenty years to the American organist and choral director [[John Ayer (organist)|John Ayer]]. They have three sons.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}


== Discography ==
== Discography ==
* ''The Missouri Jewel (2-CD set): Notable hymns and associated repetoire'' [JAV 183]
* ''The Missouri Jewel (2-CD set): Notable hymns and associated repertoire'' [JAV 183] <ref>{{cite web|title=The Missouri Jewel:Diane Meredith Belcher|url=http://pipeorgancds.com/dibeplqupior.html|accessdate=March 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330052023/http://pipeorgancds.com/dibeplqupior.html|archive-date=March 30, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''Great Organs of America: The Glatter-Götz/Rosales at Claremont'' [JAV 115]
* ''Great Organs of America: The Glatter-Götz/Rosales at Claremont'' [JAV 115] <ref>{{cite web|title=Great Organs of America:Diane Meredith Belcher|website=[[iTunes]] |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/great-organs-america-modern/id645425809|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>
* ''Jongen: Symphonie Concertante for Organ and Orchestra, op. 81'' [DTR 8804]
* ''Jongen: Symphonie Concertante for Organ and Orchestra, op. 81'' [DTR 8804] <ref>{{cite web|title=Jongen&Poulenc for Organ and Orchestra|url=http://www.ohscatalog.org/jonpoulforor.html|accessdate=March 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330034635/http://www.ohscatalog.org/jonpoulforor.html|archive-date=March 30, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''The Great Skinner Organ at Girard College'' [DTR 8403]
* ''The Great Skinner Organ at Girard College'' [DTR 8403] <ref>{{cite web|title=Great Skinner Organ:Diane Meredith Belcher|url=http://ohscatalog.org/jonpoulforor.html|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>
* ''PIPEDREAMS Premieres, Vol. 2'': Music of Libby Larsen (Aspects of Glory)
* ''PIPEDREAMS Premieres, Vol. 2'': Music of Libby Larsen (Aspects of Glory) <ref>{{cite web|title=Pipedreams Premieres, Vol. 2|url=http://pipedreams.publicradio.org/articles/purchase/pipedreamspremieres2.shtml|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>
* ''The Memphis Boychoir: Our Dancing Day'' (composer of Lutebook Lullabye) [Pro Organo]
* ''The Memphis Boychoir: Our Dancing Day'' (composer of "Lutebook Lullabye") [Pro Organo] <ref>{{cite web|title=Our Dancing Day|url=https://proorgano.com/product/our-dancing-day-audio-cd-john-ayer-directs-the-memphis-boychoir-and-memphis-chamber-choir/|accessdate=May 21, 2017}}</ref>
* ''The Memphis Boychoir: In Every Corner Sing'' [Pro Organo]
* ''The Memphis Boychoir: In Every Corner Sing'' [Pro Organo] <ref>{{cite web|title=In Every Corner Sing|url=http://cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1591591/a/in+every+corner+sing!+%2F+ayer,+memphis+boychoir,+et+al.htm|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>
* ''The Memphis Boychoir: Shout the Glad Tidings'' [Pro Organo]
* ''The Memphis Boychoir: Shout the Glad Tidings'' [Pro Organo] <ref>{{cite book|title=Shout the Glad Tidings|oclc=36854534|url=http://worldcat.org/title/shout-the-glad-tidings-20th-century-american-british-choral-music/oclc/36854534|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>
* ''The Memphis Boychoir: What Sweeter Music'' [Pro Organo]
* ''The Memphis Boychoir: What Sweeter Music'' [Pro Organo] <ref>{{cite web|title=What Sweeter Music|url=https://proorgano.com/product/what-sweeter-music-carols-for-the-year-roundaudio-cd-john-ayer-directs-the-memphis-boychoir-and-memphis-chamber-choir/|accessdate=May 21, 2017}}</ref>


== Reviews ==
== Reviews ==
*CLEVELAND “A formidable virtuoso, Belcher played ... with authority and zest.” The Plain Dealer
* CLEVELAND: “A formidable virtuoso, Belcher played ... with authority and zest.” The Plain Dealer
*HALIFAX ““Belcher began with a Prelude and Fugue in A Minor by Brahms, boldly taking charge of the musical energy from the first chord, and playing with such command of imagery and design that Horowitz at the piano came to mind … an amazing display of musical virtuosity of the highest order.” The Chronicle Herald
* HALIFAX: “Belcher began with a Prelude and Fugue in A Minor by Brahms, boldly taking charge of the musical energy from the first chord, and playing with such command of imagery and design that Horowitz at the piano came to mind … an amazing display of musical virtuosity of the highest order.” The Chronicle Herald
*LITTLE ROCK “The Wildwood Festival imports many artists each season, but I doubt that any performer brought in for the festival has the artistic integrity and power that Belcher has. This is a performer who knows how to deliver the goods.” Arkansas Times
* LITTLE ROCK: “The Wildwood Festival imports many artists each season, but I doubt that any performer brought in for the festival has the artistic integrity and power that Belcher has. This is a performer who knows how to deliver the goods.” Arkansas Times
*CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA “Gigantic! A CD that is addictive! … Diane Meredith Belcher’s playing … is exemplary in every respect. She … masterfully expresses the essence of each composition as it unfolds.” Orgel International
* CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA: “Gigantic! A CD that is addictive! … Diane Meredith Belcher’s playing … is exemplary in every respect. She … masterfully expresses the essence of each composition as it unfolds.” Orgel International
*GIRARD COLLEGE, PHILADELPHIA “... whose playing is glowingly brilliant, rhythmically vibrant, consistently expressive, and full of both atmosphere and personality – in short, everything that artistic organ playing should be.” American Record Guide
* PHILADELPHIA: “... whose playing is glowingly brilliant, rhythmically vibrant, consistently expressive, and full of both atmosphere and personality – in short, everything that artistic organ playing should be.” American Record Guide—from Karen McFarlane Artists website <ref>{{cite news|title=Concertorganists.com:Karen McFarlane Artists|url=http://www.concertorganists.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Belcher-Press-Notices.pdf|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>
--from the Karen McFarlane Artists website <ref>{{cite news|title=Concertorganists.com:Karen McFarlane Artists|url=http://http://www.concertorganists.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Belcher-Press-Notices.pdf|accessdate=March 29, 2014}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{official website|http://dianemeredithbelcher.com}}
* {{official website|http://dianemeredithbelchermusic.com}}
* [http://concertorganists.com/artists/Diane-Meredith-Belcher/ Publicity page] from Karen McFarlane Artists website
* [http://concertorganists.com/artists/Diane-Meredith-Belcher/ Publicity page] from Karen McFarlane Artists website
* {{youtube channel|https:/youtube.com/@Diane-Meredith-Belcher}}
* [http://beverlycatholic.com/st-mary-star-music.html St. Mary Star of the Sea website]
* [http://youtube.com/watch?v=XMLYRT_I0Boyoutube.com/watch?v=Y8OXUaGMdJUm Youtube: Diane Meredith Belcher plays Elgar's Nimrod]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMLYRT_I0Boyoutube.com/watch?v=Y8OXUaGMdJUm Youtube: Diane Meredith Belcher plays Elgar's Nimrod]
* [http://youtube.com/watch?v=Y8OXUaGMdJUm Youtube: Diane Meredith Belcher plays Bach's Gigue Fugue]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8OXUaGMdJUm Youtube: Diane Meredith Belcher plays Bach's Gigue Fugue]



{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME = Belcher, Diane Meredith
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American musician
| DATE OF BIRTH = June 8, 1960
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Belcher, Diane Meredith}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Belcher, Diane Meredith}}
[[Category:American classical organists]]
[[Category:American classical organists]]
[[Category:American women organists]]
[[Category:Eastman School of Music alumni]]
[[Category:Eastman School of Music alumni]]
[[Category:Curtis Institute of Music alumni]]
[[Category:Curtis Institute of Music alumni]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1960]]
[[Category:Place of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:Place of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:21st-century American organists]]

[[Category:21st-century American women musicians]]
{{organist-stub}}
[[Category:21st-century American keyboardists]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]

Latest revision as of 05:30, 7 November 2024

Diane Meredith Belcher is an American concert organist, teacher, and church musician.[1] She has given a large number of solo recitals throughout the United States and abroad, is a teacher, and has served as Director of Music at Bach Vespers/Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New York City, Lecturer in Music Theory and Organ at Dartmouth College,[2] in Hanover, New Hampshire, Music Director at Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Hanover,[3] Co-Organist/Choirmaster at Saint Mark's Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, and head of the Organ Division at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey.[4]

Education

[edit]

Belcher earned the degree of Bachelor of Music in 1982 from the Curtis Institute of Music,[5] and the degree of Master of Music in 1983 from the Eastman School of Music.[6] Her teachers include David Spicer, John Weaver, Clarence Watters, David Craighead, and Wilma Jensen (organ); Ford Lallerstedt (music theory, counterpoint and keyboard studies); Edward Aldwell and David Beach (music theory).

Career

[edit]

Belcher made her solo recital debut at age 15 at The Wayne Presbyterian Church in Wayne, Pennsylvania. While a student at Curtis, she was an Assistant Organist to Keith Chapman (organist) at the Wanamaker Organ in Philadelphia. At age 23, she was a featured recitalist at a convention of the American Guild of Organists for the first time, performing a full solo concert in Anaheim, California. The following year she made the first commercially available recording of the 1933 Ernest M. Skinner organ at Girard College, Philadelphia.[7]

She subsequently won Second Prize in Interpretation at both the 1985 St Albans International Organ Festival[8] and the 1988 Grand Prix de Chartres[9] international organ competitions. In 1987 she was named an Associate of the American Guild of Organists, having won the S. Lewis Elmer Award for Highest Marks in the Professional Certification Examinations.

Belcher has given solo concerts throughout the United States and abroad.[10] Her numerous recordings include the premiere CD of the Glatter-Götz/Rosales at Claremont, which won the 2000 Golden Ear Award from The Absolute Sound.[11] She has appeared as a featured recitalist at four national conventions of the American Guild of Organists, as well as numerous chapter meeting and regional conventions. Performances with orchestra include the Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Syracuse, and Memphis Symphony Orchestras, as well as the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra and Cambridge Concentus, and she has collaborated with such colleagues as trombonist Joseph Alessi, trumpeter Rob Roy McGregor, the Memphis Boychoir, the Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia, and the Buxtehude Consort. She was the founding director of The Memphis Concert Chorale.

Recital credits include Disney Hall, Verizon Hall, Benaroya Hall, Grace Cathedral, the opening concert of The Wanamaker Organ's 100th anniversary in Philadelphia, the Memorial Church of Harvard University, Saint Thomas Church in Manhattan, the Oregon Bach Festival, Woolsey Hall on the campus of Yale University, the Cleveland Museum of Art, West Point Cadet Chapel, Spivey Hall, Girard College, the Wildwood Festival in Little Rock, the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, the Auditorium in Missouri; Ned Rorem's 80th birthday celebration, the Merrill Auditorium, and the Crystal Cathedral.[12]

Other previous positions include organist and director of music at Park Central Presbyterian Church in Syracuse, Christ Church Episcopal in Memphis, St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Baltimore, and St. Mary Star of the Sea in Beverly, Massachusetts, and faculty at the University of Memphis and the University of Pennsylvania. She has given numerous master classes, and is a frequent judge at organ competitions, including the Hartford-area Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival [Wikidata],[13] where she was named a permanent judge in 2013. Belcher has composed a small body of organ and sacred music, including “Lutebook Lullabye”, which was written for Karen McFarlane.[14]

Personal life

[edit]

Belcher was married for twenty years to the American organist and choral director John Ayer. They have three sons.[citation needed]

Discography

[edit]
  • The Missouri Jewel (2-CD set): Notable hymns and associated repertoire [JAV 183] [15]
  • Great Organs of America: The Glatter-Götz/Rosales at Claremont [JAV 115] [16]
  • Jongen: Symphonie Concertante for Organ and Orchestra, op. 81 [DTR 8804] [17]
  • The Great Skinner Organ at Girard College [DTR 8403] [18]
  • PIPEDREAMS Premieres, Vol. 2: Music of Libby Larsen (Aspects of Glory) [19]
  • The Memphis Boychoir: Our Dancing Day (composer of "Lutebook Lullabye") [Pro Organo] [20]
  • The Memphis Boychoir: In Every Corner Sing [Pro Organo] [21]
  • The Memphis Boychoir: Shout the Glad Tidings [Pro Organo] [22]
  • The Memphis Boychoir: What Sweeter Music [Pro Organo] [23]

Reviews

[edit]
  • CLEVELAND: “A formidable virtuoso, Belcher played ... with authority and zest.” The Plain Dealer
  • HALIFAX: “Belcher began with a Prelude and Fugue in A Minor by Brahms, boldly taking charge of the musical energy from the first chord, and playing with such command of imagery and design that Horowitz at the piano came to mind … an amazing display of musical virtuosity of the highest order.” The Chronicle Herald
  • LITTLE ROCK: “The Wildwood Festival imports many artists each season, but I doubt that any performer brought in for the festival has the artistic integrity and power that Belcher has. This is a performer who knows how to deliver the goods.” Arkansas Times
  • CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA: “Gigantic! A CD that is addictive! … Diane Meredith Belcher’s playing … is exemplary in every respect. She … masterfully expresses the essence of each composition as it unfolds.” Orgel International
  • PHILADELPHIA: “... whose playing is glowingly brilliant, rhythmically vibrant, consistently expressive, and full of both atmosphere and personality – in short, everything that artistic organ playing should be.” American Record Guide—from Karen McFarlane Artists website [24]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Diane Meredith Belcher" (PDF). Karen McFarlane Artists Inc. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 30, 2014. Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  2. ^ "Dartmouth College Diane Meredith Belcher". Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  3. ^ "St. Thomas Church Music". Archived from the original on December 12, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  4. ^ "Karen McFarlane Artists". Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  5. ^ "Curtis Institute of Music Alumni". Archived from the original on December 10, 2012. Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  6. ^ "Eastman School of Music Alumni Organ". Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  7. ^ "Great Skinner Organ at Girard College". Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  8. ^ "Past Prize Winners". Archived from the original on March 29, 2014. Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  9. ^ "Lauréats concours". Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  10. ^ "Celebrity Organ Recital: Diane Meredith Belcher". Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  11. ^ "The Absolute Sound". Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  12. ^ "Diane Meredith Belcher: Biography". Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  13. ^ "Meet the Judges". Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Hartford. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
  14. ^ "Pipedreams: An American Organist's Christmas". Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  15. ^ "The Missouri Jewel:Diane Meredith Belcher". Archived from the original on March 30, 2014. Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  16. ^ "Great Organs of America:Diane Meredith Belcher". iTunes. Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  17. ^ "Jongen&Poulenc for Organ and Orchestra". Archived from the original on March 30, 2014. Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  18. ^ "Great Skinner Organ:Diane Meredith Belcher". Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  19. ^ "Pipedreams Premieres, Vol. 2". Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  20. ^ "Our Dancing Day". Retrieved May 21, 2017.
  21. ^ "In Every Corner Sing". Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  22. ^ Shout the Glad Tidings. OCLC 36854534. Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  23. ^ "What Sweeter Music". Retrieved May 21, 2017.
  24. ^ "Concertorganists.com:Karen McFarlane Artists" (PDF). Retrieved March 29, 2014.
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