Divine Art Records will be releasing two more volumes this year in its continuing series Carson Cooman Organ Music. The extraordinarily talented and prolific writer, organist, composer and teacher, who among many activities is composer in residence at the Memorial Church at Harvard, was recently the subject of an extended feature in the Organ (UK). His writing encompasses many styles – a great deal of liturgical and other works suitable for church performance but also symphonies (for orchestra and for organ), and pieces in all the baroque and classical forms in his own accessible yet modern language. Volume 11 of the series is titled ‘Portals’ after Cooman’s Third organ Symphony of that name, the principal work on the album. This Symphony in itself is specifically religious in concept. This will be released in July 2019. The second album is one that Cooman has prepared especially for Christmas with variations and fantasies on many popular seasonal melodies. Highly recommended for any church Christmas fellowship – give the organist a night off! The Christmas disc will be available by October. (Note: Volume 13 is already recorded and will be scheduled for release early in 2020)

Both albums are beautifully performed by Cooman’s regular collaborator Erik Simmons. Recordings are made via the Hauptwerk system from the Sonnenorgel (Sun Organ) of Stadtkirche St. Peter & Paul, Gorlitz, Germany, a gorgeous instrument constructed 1997-2006 with a large, rich specification.