“I first met Gary Bachlund in 1968, when he was cast to play King Melchior as I was preparing to play the title role in Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors. He was in his early 20’s at the time, possessing a glorious baritone voice. We kept in touch over the years, and our musical paths crossed several times. He went on to become a Wagnerian tenor, with a prestigious career, especially in Germany.

“Also, in the early 1990’s he went back to UCLA to get a doctorate in music composition. Once again our paths crossed, as he began to write choral pieces and large-scale organ pieces. I don’t remember who brought it up, but we thought it would be mutually beneficial to engage Gary as our composer-in-residence at All Saints (a volunteer position!). For several years, he greatly enriched our musical/ liturgical life with his works.

“And he’s still writing… I just received a new and intriguing organ piece a few weeks ago, inspired by 34 (i.e. my 34 years at ASC).” — James Walker, May 9, 2017

Title Premiere date Musicians
Blessed Are You Sun, Feb 15, 1998 Coventry with Leslie Inman
Blessed Be The Children Sun, May 21, 1995 Coventry with Sara Camp
Concerto Grosso in B major for Organ, Harpsichord and Orchestra Sun, May 18, 1997 James Walker, chamber orchestra
Gentle God Sun, May 21, 1995 Coventry with Sara Camp
I Thank Thee O God, from Twelve Psalm Verses Sun, Oct 20, 1996 Canterbury
Lead Me Sun, Apr 29, 2007 Coventry
Magnificat and Nunc dimittis Sun, Mar 5, 2000 Canterbury
Prayer to the Healing God Sun, May 26, 1996 Canterbury
Requiem for the Victims of AIDS Sun, Mar 21, 1993 Coventry
Signs of Your Presence Sun, Oct 26, 2008 Canterbury
The One God, Praise Sun, Mar 13, 1996 Coventry with Thomas Burns
These Children We Dedicate Sun, Oct 25, 1998 Canterbury