Chris Gorsuch began formal studies
on the organ at age fourteen. He was soon playing for several different
churches in his home town of Springfield, Ohio. At the age of twenty, Chris
moved to San Diego, California to become a staff organist for the Organ
Power Pizza restaurant chain. One of the instruments that Chris played was
the famed five-manual Reginald Foort Travelling Moller Theatre Pipe Organ,
now installed at the Pasadena Civic Center.
While playing for the restaurant,
Chris became a student of Lyn Larsen. Chris gained invaluable knowledge from
Lyn in the areas of registration and phrasing. Many musicians have
contributed their influence to Chris’s musical style. Music of the Big Band
era is a particular favorite, as well as classical, jazz and the music of
the 1920’s and 1930’s.
Chris also has a fascination with
electronics. In 1979, he formed his own company with the purpose of
designing and manufacturing electronic systems for pipe and electronic
organs. His company has created many new and innovative products including
digitally sampled sounds and computer software.
Chris is also a sought-after
voicer and tonal finisher. He feels as much at home in a pipe organ chamber
as he does on the bench playing the finished product. He has been the tonal
finisher of several major instruments in the United States.
Chris also functions as a
recording engineer and has been responsible for recording and mastering a
number of CD’s released by several major artists.
In 2008, the American Theatre
Organ Society presented Chris with the prestigious Organist Of The Year
award.