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UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, May 2, 2025 Sunday, May 4, 2025 Sunday, October 12, 2025 |
The meticulous technique, innate and highly mature musicality, and constant musical engagement exhibited by Joshua Stafford compelled the jury of the 2016 Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition to unanimously name him, out of 12 stellar competitors, the Pierre S. du Pont First Prize Winner of this illustrious event. In 2015 he was hailed by his peers (at the Association of Anglican Musicians’ national conference) as “technically flawless yet exceptionally nuanced and spontaneous.” His programs almost always include a major organ transcription and often a silent movie accompaniment. Mr. Stafford is the Minister of Music at First Congregational Church in Columbus, Ohio and Director of Sacred Music at the Chautauqua Institute in New York.
From the Critics
“…his performance was greeted with roars of approval from the audience.”
(Bynum Petty, The Tracker, October 2019)
“From the opening notes until the final strains of his patriotic encore, it was apparent that this young man is a stellar musician with a seemingly effortless technique that could encompass anything. But more than that, he demonstrated music-making of the highest order, delivered without affectation, obviously played with delight and musical intensity. At the conclusion of this amazing recital, before the final chord had died away in the reverberant cathedral, the audience, as one, rose to its feet, shouting “Bravo.” My own word choice was “Bravissimo!” Welcome to the company of outstanding artists, Joshua Stafford. I can scarcely wait to hear more from your talented fingers, feet, heart, and soul.”
(Larry Palmer, The Diapason, January 2017)
From the Presenters
“Josh’s concert was an overwhelming success yesterday! His program could not have been more perfect for the organ and the occasion. His attention to detail in his registrations and his musicality were over the top. Elegant playing, especially on the Franck B Minor Choral. The Sowerby Comes Autumn Time, as requested, was so much appreciated. His “orchestration” of the Bach Toccata in F was enlightening, highlighting both the structure and the details of the music. The rest of the program was superb! Josh turned out to be the perfect guest – practice time went smoothly, and his needs were low-maintenance. Easy-going, and friendly with the audience. It was a real pleasure to have him play on our Artist Series at St. John’s.”
(David Furniss, Director of Music, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lansdale, Pennsylvania – October 2018)