Organist Chriss Shines Bright

Alcée Chriss III was a featured star in the PBS documentary Pipe Dreams (2019), which follows four talented organists competing in the prestigious Canadian International Organ Competition (CIOC). Through a combination of personal at-home footage and immersive moments on the bench alongside competitors at the CIOC, the film shines a light on passionate young musicians while acknowledging the immense mental and physical discipline that the organ demands.

Known for incorporating jazz and gospel influences into his performances with rhythm and movement as a core part of his inspiration, Chriss began his musical career playing gospel music in his hometown Dallas church, where his father was a pastor. He then went on to learn classical and jazz piano before turning to the organ as a teenager. Chriss is an alum of Oberlin Conservatory of Music where he received a Master’s degree in historical keyboard and a Bachelor’s degree in organ performance. In 2019, he was awarded a Doctorate of Music degree from McGill University.

Chriss is widely regarded as one of the leading young organists of our time. He is a winner of the 2017 Canadian International Organ Competition and the Firmin Swinnen Silver Medal at the 2016 Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition. ArtsATL has recognized Chriss as “a ‘rising star’ among young organists,” and of his most recent solo recording at Montreal Symphony Hall, Art et Rhapsodie (2019), the American Record Guide wrote that “he plays with clarity, imagination, musicality, virtuosity, and yes, personality.”

Dr. Chriss is active as a church musician, guest lecturer, and remains engaged with his lifelong love of gospel and jazz music. He is currently Assistant Organist at Trinity Church Wall Street, New York City, and serves on the editorial board of Vox Humana magazine—an online journal presenting current ideas, trends, and research relating to the organ by leading musicians and scholars worldwide. He serves as University Organist and Artist-in-Residence at Wesleyan University, where he teaches courses in organ and keyboard skills.