Ken Cowan

Biography

Regarded as one of North America’s finest concert organists and praised for his dazzling artistry, impeccable technique, and imaginative programming by audiences and critics alike, Ken Cowan maintains a rigorous performing schedule that takes him to major concert venues in America, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

Numerous critically acclaimed compact disc recordings by Mr. Cowan are available. Most recent, serving as organ accompanist, is Maurice Duruflé: Complete Choral Works (Signum Records), recorded with Robert Simpson and the Houston Chamber Choir, for which the Houston Chamber Choir was awarded a GRAMMY award in 2020 for Best Choral Recording; Dynamic Duo, (Pro Organo), featuring Mr. Cowan and Bradley Welch in a program of original works and transcriptions for duo organists, performed at Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX. Many of Mr. Cowan’s recordings and live performances have been featured on the nationally distributed radio program PIPEDREAMS from American Public Media.

Mr. Cowan received the Master’s degree and Artist Diploma from the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, studying with Thomas Murray. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, studying with John Weaver. Following initial studies with his father, David, his principal teacher during his high school years was James Bigham, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Buffalo, NY. Mr. Cowan is Professor of Organ and head of the organ program at Rice University. He additionally serves as Organist and Artist-in-Residence at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, TX. Previous positions have included Associate Professor of Organ at Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, NJ, where he was awarded the 2008 Rider University Distinguished Teaching Award, and Associate Organist and Artist in Residence at Saint Bartholomew’s Church in New York City.