The 2025 Old West Organ Society Summer Series commences with a performance by Dr. Ryan Enright. Admission is free; donations are gratefully accepted in support of the Society.
Dr. Ryan Enright has performed recitals in Canada and the U.S.A. in organ repertoire ranging from around 1530 to the present day. Improvisation plays a crucial role in his activities, from reharmonizing hymns to improvising on the spot after being given a theme or two.
A native of Montreal, Quebec, Enright studied the organ privately with
Marc-André Doran then, while enrolled at the Conservatoire de Musique et d’Art Dramatique de Montréal, with Gaston Arel and Jean LeBuis. He continued studies with Doran for two further years at Vanier College. Enright received the bachelor’s, master’s, and Artist Diploma degrees in Organ Performance Solo from McGill University. His professors were John Grew and William Porter. Enright received the DMA in Organ Performance & Literature from the Eastman School of Music (2012), where he studied organ with William Porter. He also played harpsichord and organ continuo for Eastman’s Collegium Musicum. His DMA lecture recital was on the Zwichenspiel in the playing of hymns during the 17th and 18th centuries. Enright has studied improvisation most closely with William Porter and Julian Wachner, also taking workshops with renowned improvisation teachers from Europe and the U.S.A. Enright has competed internationally, receiving first prizes at the Canadian Music Competition (1997), Quebec Organ Competition (2004), and National Organ Playing Competition of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (2007). He was a finalist in the CIOC (Canadian International Organ Competition), 2011.
Enright relocated to Sacramento in October of 2011 to become Organist of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Accompanist for the Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra (SCSO), accompnist to Sacramento State’s three choirs, and guest organist for the Schola Cantorum of Sacred Heart Church, Sacramento. In August of 2016 Enright recorded an album entitled “St. John’s Resounds” with harpist Dr. Beverly Wesner-Hoehn. Recorded at St. John’s on the splendid Bedient organ, the album consists of Rachel Laurin’s “Fantasy for Organ and Harp” plus solo organ and harp works. In California, Enright has performed in Chico, Yuba City, the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as in the states of Washington and New York. Enright accompanied the SCSO on their tours of Italy (2012), Northern France, Paris, and England (2015), Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia (2019), and most recently to Northern Italy (June 2024). Since fall 2018 Enright is Staff Accompanist II at Sacramento State University, where he accompanies two classical choirs, half of the students of two voice studios, and the Opera Theatre Workshop. From 2021-2023 he was Co-Dean of the American Guild of Organists, Sacramento Valley Chapter. He was Sub-Dean for two years previously. Enright teaches a few organ students privately. Passions away from the organ loft include dancing the Argentine Tango, hiking, camping, and whitewater kayaking.