Christopher Marks is Assistant Professor of organ at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. From 1999 to 2006, he taught organ and served as University Organist at Syracuse University. An active proponent of new music, Marks has premiered a number of commissioned organ works. His diverse stylistic interests also steer him towards a variety of other repertoire, especially that of the German Baroque period. Equally comfortable with solo and collaborative playing, he performs frequently with ensembles such as the Boston Brass. He holds degrees from University of Richmond (B.M., piano), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (M.M., piano and M.M., organ), and the Eastman School of Music (D.M.A., organ), where he studied with Michael Farris. His performances have garnered him top prizes in competitions, including the Arthur Poister Competition, the San Marino Competition, the Fort Wayne Competition, and the Mader Competition.
Marks' recording entitled Discoveries was made on the historic Walter Holtkamp organ at Syracuse University and represents his varied musical interests, featuring music spanning four centuries that is rarely performed and recorded. His latest recording is Organ Works of Seth Bingham, Vol. 1 "Unto the Hills". The recording is the first of a projected 3-disc set and is the first to be devoted solely to the organ music of Bingham, who was a prominent New York composer and organist. Both recordings are available from the Raven label at www.RavenCD.com
His recent professional activities have included acclaimed performances at national conventions of the Organ Historical Society, a performance at the 2007 Region II convention of the American Guild of Organists in New York, performances with Boston Brass and Ethos Percussion Group, and participation in five Pipe Organ Encounters. He is organizing the first ever Pipe Organ Encounter Advanced in Lincoln, for July 6-11, 2008.
“Marks played wonderfully … humorously” – The American Organist
“Marks … played … with great élan. … Marks is a rapidly rising young star … who performed with great style and assurance.” – The Diapason
“A sparkling performance” – The American Organist
“[Marks’] recital … may have been the most successful of the [2007 Region II AGO] convention” – The American Organist
