Daniel Colaner at the French Organ Music Seminar
Daniel (AQF '23) wrote to us to share his experience at the French Organ Music Seminar, where he had the chance to visit and play the organs of great Paris Cathedrals.
“It was an incredible honor to be selected as a 2023 Anthony Quinn Foundation Scholarship recipient! Like Mr. Quinn, I come from a family of modest financial means, but one where creative expression has always been valued and encouraged. The generosity of people who value the arts has made it possible for me to pursue my love of music and passion for the organ as a career, and your generosity has made it possible for me to fulfill my dream of playing the great organs of Paris.
The ten-day French Organ Music Seminar afforded me the opportunity not only to visit the grand cathedrals of Paris that inspired the great organ composers but also to experience French culture. My private organ teacher, Dr. David Higgs of the Eastman School of Music, was absolutely thrilled that participation in the French Organ Music Seminar could occur at this stage of my development, and with his assistance, I was able to select and prepare historically significant French organ repertoire to perform at these churches. Playing the organs the compositions were written for and attending masterclasses with organists who continue the French organ playing tradition was invaluable.
Experiencing the grandeur and beauty of this repertoire performed in these great spaces and on these historic instruments resulted in a quantum leap in my understanding and love of this music that will forever influence and guide my performances going forward. Both my teacher and I are beyond grateful to the Anthony Quinn Foundation for making this possible.”
Daniel Colaner
