Biography

Jonas Nordwall, Organ

Jonas Nordwall is an internationally renowned virtuoso organist with the
unique ability to perform both classical and popular music with equal
virtuosity. For nearly three decades he has toured North America
presenting concerts and workshops. International concert appearances include
China, Japan and five tours of Australia. With over 24 LPs, CDs and
cassettes on various labels to his credit. Nordwall has appeared on national television in both the United States and Australia, and his recordings are frequently heard on "Pipe Dreams," the syndicated PBS weekly radio program.
Mr. Nordwall  recently performed as guest recitalist and served as adjudicator for the International Organ Competition in Geneva, Switzerland. He serves as organist for the First United Methodist Church in Portland, Oregon. a position he has held since 1971, and also is the organist for the Oregon Symphony Orchestra. He has given solo performances with the Oregon Symphony Orchestra, Portland Chamber Orchestra, Portland Festival Orchestra and both the Vancouver, B. C. and Vancouver, Washington Symphony Orchestras.
A native of Portland, Oregon, Mr. Nordwall studied with Goldie Poz and
received his Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Portland where
he was a pupil of Arthur Hitchcock. His additional study was with the noted
English/Canadian virtuoso, Frederick Geoghegan, American virtuoso organist
Richard Elisasser and noted composer and organist Richard Purvis. For many years he was the Senior Staff Organist for the Organ Grinder Corporation, which had large theatre organs installed in restaurants in Portland, Denver, and Colorado. Mr. Nordwall has been an influential force in the musical instrument manufacturing industry, serving as product designer, marketing consultant and recitalist for several organ manufacturers.
Mr. Nordwall’s performances have earned critical acclaim, communicating a
fresh vitality to listeners new and old. Following a recent classical
concert, a review stated "the program music  that followed should be a model
for public organ concerts. If more music in this style and nature were
heard, the organ might again become an appealing music resource in the
public front."
Nordwall has been a frequent ATOS convention artist and a former organ
design specialist for the Rodgers Organ Company. He was drawn to keyboard
instruments at an early age and started taking accordian lessons at the age
of 4. He quickly became interested in the organ and at 12, began classical
organ studies, continuing his study at the University of Portland. 

<-Back