What People Are Saying

"This CD provides an opportunity to hear Kodaly's Organoedia ad missam lectam, which is the original form of what most of us know as the choral Missa Brevis....The rich sounds of this Skinner organ fit the music exactly, as Lamlein demonstrates, using the entire available volume range. Here one feels the performer is not preoccupied with demonstrating his own virtuosity, as is so often the case, but rather performing in a manner that permits the music to speak for itself....Likewise, two imaginative settings by George Shearing, I Know That My Redeemer Lives and Jerusalem, My Happy Home, are rhythmic, colorful and harmonically innovative and excellently performed by Lamlein."
The Diapason, July 2008

"The intent of this recording is to showcase the organ as a "mighty colossus invoking the majesty of the Creator; the plaintive whisper calling upon the still, small voice of wonder." Scott Lamlein, director of music ministries at Wesley United Methodist Church, presents a program fitting for liturgical worship and ably demonstrating the estimable tonal qualities of E.M. Skinner's Opus 615. Although additions were made to increase the instrument's flexibility, they in no way compromise its original tonal integrity. Although not cathedralesque, the acoustics are pleasantly supportive. Lamlein infuses a spiritual, reverent quality to the repertoire. The centerpiece is a brooding performance of the seven-movement Organoedia ad missam lectam by Kodaly, which the composer later transformed into his Missa brevis . Lamlein calls this music "pure musical worship." J.S. Bach's Wir glauben all is played with rhythmic energy, bold articulation, and clear registration. Four chorale preludes of Brahms and George Shearing are followed by Durufle's "Veni Creator" variations. Here Lamlein plays with conviction, infusing virtuosic flair and fire that are synonymous with this music. He ends with an effective, gospel-style setting by John Innes of "The Old Rugged Cross." The fine playing, repertoire, and marvelous instrument combine for a successful achievement of the performer's objective."
James Hildreth, The American Organist, 3/07, page 81

"Scott's L'Organo recital was a highlight. His playing exhibited solid musicianship throughout. We all sat back and enjoyed exemplary performances of both old chestnuts and some less familiar things. You will never hear the two Buxtehude pieces played any better."
Bob Gant, Selection Committee
L'Organo Spoleto Festival, Charleson, SC

"His performance demonstrated the varied qualities of the instrument and at all times exhibited outstanding musicianship. During the concert, he talked wth the audience in an informative and engaging way that greatly enhanced the audience appreciation of the works he was performing. It was an excellent concert."
Dr. Robert P. Eaton, Minister of Music
First Baptist Church, Lexington, MA

"Pipes Alive! is that powerful. Scott Lamlein is full throttle behind the massive keys."

Chet Williamson, Arts Editor

Worcester Magazine

"God has truly blessed you with an amazing gift of music. The organ resounded with clarity and precision showing its true colors under your very skillful and resounding hands and feet. Your selections for your inspiring and uplifting concert were wonderful and showed the time and thought in preparation for the evening and the sacred place."

Rev. Francis E. Reilly, Pastor

St. Mary's Parish, Longmeadow, MA

"Scott's performance was a thing of beauty! His expertise in using colorful, yet sensitive, registrations, together with his technical skill, held the audience spellbound. His deep spirituality was very evident throughout his performance. The excellent programming left us wanting more. His standing ovation was well deserved!"
Nancy Robbins, Director
Music In The West End Concert Series United Methodist Church of Hartford, CT

"We have had numerous artists perform, but not one has received the acclaim awarded Scott. His connection with his audience was total and complete. His flawless playing aside, Scott's spoken comments and the sensitive programming made this an afternoon to cherish."
E. Lary Grosman, Director of Music Immaculate Conception Church Easthampton, Mass.

"Scott's playing of the Bach Prelude and Fugue in D Major was stunning. He brought so much color out of the instruments - especially in the Purvis piece."
Michael-Thomas Gilman, Director of Music, United Congregational Church, Holyoke, Mass.

"We were so pleased to have a concert organist as well-known as Mr. Lamlein come to our church. He is incredibly talented and deeply committed to giving the best performance possible. It was a thrill to hear our organ - now over 110 years old - played as it was meant to be played - with passion, precision, and perfection."
Diane DeFranzo, Music Committee Chair
Unitarian Church
Marlborough & Hudson, Mass.

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For booking or more information, contact:

Thomas Ingrassia, Ingrassia Artists, management for organ recitals by Scott Lamlein, concert organist: 508/277-6022

tom@ingrassiaartists.com

Biography

Cited by The American Organist magazine as infusing his performances with “virtuosic flair and fire, conviction, rhythmic energy, and bold articulation,” SCOTT LAMLEIN is an artist whose performances bring a unique emotional and spiritual inspiration to his audiences. Combining superb keyboard technique, captivating showmanship, and a strong faith, concerts by Mr. Lamlein explore the tonal resources and infinite range of expression that only the King of Instruments provides. The pipe organ—designed to bring the roar and whisper of a symphony orchestra to the fingertips and feet of one musician—goers far beyond the bounds of the church service at his performances. Listeners will find a place of solace, a time of wonder and awe, and a re-awakened love of this magnificent instrument, as both organ and organist host a spiritual and musical journey that hold audiences spellbound, and have been described as inspiring, uplifting, powerful and flawless.

Having performed throughout the United States and in Europe, Scott Lamlein has been an active concert artist for more than fifteen years. His concerts have been broadcast on South Carolina Public Radio, WCRB-FM (Boston), and WICN-FM (Worcester). Scott is in demand as a church musician, and currently serves at the First Congregational Church, Bristol, CT, and at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford, CT. In Bristol, he is the director of the First Choir and First Choristers, a group of auditioned young singers that are the centerpiece of an annual Festival of Lessons and Carols.  Previously, Scott has served as the Artistic Director of the Music Alive! Concert Series (2005-08); the 16-voice a cappella chorus, Sacred Voices (2003-04); and the South Hadley Chorale (1996-97).

As a recording artist, Scott released The Organ at Worship (North Forty Road Music)—featuring his signature piece, the Organoedia ad missam lectam of Zoltán Kodály—in 2006. He also is featured on the 2005 CD release, Great Organs of Worcester. His first solo CD, In Quiet Joy: Music of Advent and Christmas, recorded in 1997, has recently been re-issued.  A new recording featuring Scott’s piano compositions is slated for release in 2010.

Originally from Holyoke, Massachusetts, Scott took his first church position at the age of 15. He holds a degree in organ and liturgical music from the Hartt School at the University of Hartford. He has been a student of James Maes, Grant Moss, John Holtz, and Larry Allen. He currently coaches with James David Christie.  He has been an active teacher of the organ and church music for his entire career, most recently serving as an adjunct faculty member at the Pakachoag Community Music School (Auburn, MA). In addition to his concerts, Scott is also available to lead hymn festivals and workshops.

Scott Lamlein resides in Connecticut with his wife and three children.

SCOTT LAMLEIN’S PERFORMANCES INCLUDE:

Piccolo Spoleto Festival, Charleston, SC
Basel Cathedral, Basel, Switzerland
Methuen Memorial Music Hall, Methuen, MA
Mechanics Hall, Worcester, MA
Adolphus Busch Hall, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
St. Thomas Church, New York, NY
Trinity Church, Boston, MA
Cathedral of St. Paul, Worcester, MA
First Night Worcester, Worcester, MA
St. Helena’s Church, Beaufort, SC
Uberlingen Cathedral, Germany
Evangelical Stadtkirche, Schopheim, Germany
St. Leonhard’s Church, Basel, Switzerland
King’s Chapel, Boston, MA
The Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford, CT
St. Michael’s Cathedral, Springfield, CT
St. Stephen’s Church, Cohasset, MA
St. Mary’s Church, Longmeadow, MA
St. Joseph’s Church, Bristol, CT
United Methodist Church, Hartford, CT
Unitarian Church of Marlborough & Hudson, MA
United Congregational Church, Holyoke, MA
Immaculate Conception Church, Easthampton, MA
Lexington Baptist Church, Lexington, MA

Scott Lamlein is represented as a concert artist by Ingrassia Artist Management.