Diane Bish Named Organist Emeritus of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Fort Lauderdale

On October 28, 2016, Diane Bish returned to perform at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, home of the 117-rank Ruffatti organ that she helped designed and where many of her television programs for The Joy of Music have been recorded, to the delight of a large audience of organ fans from around the country. Miss Bish served as organist at Coral Ridge Church for over 25 years and, last Friday, she was bestowed the title Organist Emeritus.

Later this month, Miss Bish will be honored by Celebrating Women International (CWI) of Nassau, Bahamas, as one of their 2016 Women of Distinction. The “Women of Distinction" Awards are given to women who have made significant, worldwide contributions in the following categories: arts; business; finance and trade; religion; law; civics; human rights, media; and sports. CWI also supports the fight against women suffering worldwide from HIV/AIDS and Breast Cancer.

Originally scheduled for October, the Celebrating Women International ceremony was rescheduled to November 21 due to the recent hurricane and aftermath. While in Nassau, Miss Bish will perform a solo organ recital at St. Agnes Cathedral on November 20 at 4:00 p.m. to commemorate the church's 100th anniversary.

Diane Bish is arguably the most visible organist in the world today and is best known as the host of the international television series, The Joy of Music. Since 1982, she has hosted and produced a television series that reaches over 300 million people and, more recently, has begun posting selected YouTube performances to a large viewership around the world. Few other organists can claim such a following and loyal fan base for over 30 years.

Miss Bish has always been a trailblazer in her field, from winning international competitions in her early career to receiving Fulbright and French government grants for study in Amsterdam and Paris with Nadia Boulanger, Gustav Leonhardt and Marie Claire Alain. In 1989, Miss Bish was awarded the National Citation by the National Federation of Music Clubs of America, an award “for distinguished service to the musical, artistic, and cultural life of the nation.”

Her list of creative projects includes numerous published organ and choral works, over 30 recordings on the foremost organs of the world, and the “Diane Bish Signature Series by Allen” line of digital organs. Working closely with the technicians and designers at the Allen Organ Company, Bish beautifully combined her musical vision and expertise with the superior digital design of the Allen Organ. Many Diane Bish Signature Series Organs have been installed around the country and are available through the Allen Organ Company.

Her unparalleled achievements as a young performer gave her the credibility and determination to launch The Joy of Music television series in the early 80’s as a platform for awareness and appreciation of “the king of instruments.” Now broadcast around the world, The Joy of Music combines exhilarating organ and ensemble performances with informative, inspirational narrative, and exciting world travel. This tremendous outreach to the general public on behalf of the organ and Diane Bish’s longevity as a leading recitalist distinguish her in the world of music.

For more information and interview requests, please visit http://www.dianebish.org or contact Janet Jarriel of JEJ Artists, Diane Bish’s representative agency.

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About The Joy of Music:

For over 30 years, Diane Bish, organist and host of The Joy of Music, has taken viewers to the great organs and cathedrals of the world. Featured on selected PBS, independent, satellite, and faith-based networks, the show has over 200 uploads on YouTube. The Joy of Music is also available 24/7 via Roku TV, a free and paid channel streaming service. This is a first-time achievement for a classical music show.



A recent media interview with Diane Bish:

http://www.heraldmailmedia.com/life/pipe-organ-shop-talk-with-diane-bish/article_a2f6bf8a-2662-5140-99a5-13ca48e0141b.html



Selected press reviews of Diane Bish:

“Her playing is virtuosic and solidly musical…she blasted the crowd out of its pews in a whooping standing ovation.” -The Boston Globe, Massachusetts

“An organist of extraordinary technical skills…” -San Francisco Examiner, California

“A dazzling display of flying fingers and feet…” -Grand Rapids Press, Michigan

“...the organist’s virtuosity was most striking in the scorched-earth complexities of Vierne, Widor and Pietro Yon.” -The Chicago Tribune, Illinois

“Diane Bish is one of the few organists in today’s world to enjoy a star status.” -The Ottawa Citizen, Canada

“Diane Bish is a worldwide ambassador for the organ and its music.” -The American Organist