The monthly recital of the Central Arkansas Chapter of the American Guild of Organists for February features James O’Donnell,Organist and Master of the Choristers of Westminster Abbey and, since January 2011, President of the Royal College of Organists.The recital will take place at 8pm at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church.

O’Donnell is internationally recognized as a conductor and organ recitalist. He has given organ concerts all over the world, including the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout Europe. He has appeared as organ soloist in the BBC Proms and at many other festivals.

In January 2000 James O’Donnell took up his present appointment at Westminster Abbey, where he is responsible for the direction of the Abbey’s music at the daily choral services and the many great occasions which take place there. These have recently included the State Visit of Pope Benedict XVI and the Wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Alongside his responsibilities at Westminster Abbey, James O’Donnell has worked widely as soloist and director with many of the country’s leading orchestras and ensembles. In 2011 he became Music Director of St James’s Baroque. Until 2004 he was professor of organ at the Royal Academy of Music, and is now Visiting Professor. He was awarded Honorary Membership of the Academy in 2002, and in 2009 was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Music. In November 2010 he was Artist in Residence at Yale University. He was elected to an Honorary Fellowship of Jesus College, Cambridge in October last year.