Esteemed Organist Nathaniel Gumbs Comes to Cincinnati
– Courtesy of College Hill Presbyterian Church
Cincinnati audiences are in for a treat this month as renowned organist Dr. Nathaniel “Nat” Gumbs performs at the College Hill Presbyterian Church. A native of the Bronx, Gumbs brings a wealth of experience from across the country. He will perform a varied program on the church’s Schantz-Allen Pipe Organ.
“I haven’t played there in quite some time,” the organist says, “but I’m excited to come back and play.”
The program includes composers like Widor, Mendelssohn, Price and Sowande, but also features a special highlight: Carl Haywood’s “The Spirit Fantasy,” a setting of the African American spiritual “Every Time I Feel the Spirit” that is actually dedicated to Gumbs.
“It’s an exciting stand alone, one movement piece that I got in the mail – I was surprised to see my name written on it, and I’m really grateful,” he notes.
“Haywood really captures the essence of the spiritual and the texts in this setting, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser as well. It’s just so good."
He also hints at his curtain-closer music: “I always love to include a familiar tune to the audience member, someone who may not know Bach, but who might be able to say, ‘Hey, I know that tune from church growing up!’ So, I call that my little triptych,” says Gumbs.
The esteemed organist recently celebrated six months as Director of Music at the historic Riverside Church in New York City, a landmark church. Gumbs says the opportunity to join Riverside was one he couldn’t pass up.
“Riverside is a historic church in New York City, well known for both its prophetic preachers and amazing music program,” said Gumbs.
“And speaking as an organist, Riverside has a landmark instrument there, the Aeolian-Skinner Organ that is a treasure across the nation, not just in New York,” said Gumbs. “In our carillon is also one of the largest bell towers and the largest bell in America. We have a 40-voice paid choir, an associate organist, an artist in residence, and also a concert series – there’s so much going on here.”
Gumbs talks about his excitement in landing the job.
“Coming from New York City, Riverside is almost a dream come true! I mean, you can drive down the West Side Highway and see that tower from miles away.”
"It’s something I’ve dreamt about since I was a kid, so it was an opportunity I just couldn’t give up. It was a tough decision because Yale was Mecca, if you will.”
Gumbs studied at Yale University, earning his Master of Music degree there, and later returned to serve as the Director of Chapel Music at Yale as well. “I spent eight years of my life at Yale University as director of chapel music, overseeing three chapel music programs on campus. I’m a proud alum of Yale University, and being invited back to the staff was an honor,” comments Gumbs. “Yale is a place where I did my masters, and it’s a place I consider home and I love.”
Gumbs says his Cincinnati concert promises to be a memorable event, bridging his experiences from historic New York venues to the Queen City. His concert will take place on Sunday, September 28th, starting at 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary–Chapel at College Hill Presbyterian Church, 5742 Hamilton Avenue.
For more information regarding the concert, please visit the College Hill Presbyterian Church website: Organ Concert – Nathaniel Gumbs – CHPC or email the coordinator and Director of Traditional Worship, Kevin Moser. For more information on organist Dr. Nathaniel Gumbs, please visit his page on the Karen McFarlane Artists website: Nathaniel Gumbs.
