Organ by Night: Julian Petrallia
Free
- Julian Petrallia, organ
These informal Organ by Night mini-concerts have introduced generations of Seattleites to the power and beauty of a real pipe organ. All are welcome to listen in the nave, or join the organist in the loft to see what playing an instrument of this size is really like. (The radio program The Organ Loft, which airs on KING-FM immediately following Compline each week, was inspired by this tradition.) A Q&A in the loft usually follows the performance.
The new iteration of this offering, called "Organ by Night," will be offered once a month, on the third Sunday of each month.
Note: The decision to include these informal presentations on the Compline livestream is left to the discretion of the organist. Some prefer not to, for a variety or reasons. The choice to livestream Organ by Night or not will typically not be announced in advance.
About Julian Petrallia, organ
Julian Petrallia currently serves as the Assistant Director of Music at Epiphany Parish,
Seattle alongside Director of Music Zachary Hemenway. There, he helps to oversee all
aspects of the church's vibrant music program in addition to serving as an instructor for
the Epiphany Music Academy. Prior to joining the team at Epiphany, he served as the
Assistant Director of Music at the Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, working alongside
Director of Music Scott Dettra and Associate Director of Music Graham Schultz. In
addition to his work at Incarnation, he also served as the Lower School Organist for the
Episcopal School of Dallas.
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Julian moved to Chatham, Massachusetts when he
was five years old. From a young age, he showed an interest in all things related to music
and at age eight began musical studies with the flute. During his time playing the flute, he
performed with numerous ensembles including the Cape Cod Conservatory Flute Choir,
Cape Cod Youth Symphony Orchestra, as well as several auditioned competition
ensembles from around Massachusetts. Julian began studying the organ as a freshman in
high school. After serving as the Organ Scholar at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, he
was appointed as the Associate Organist and Choirmaster at the First Congregational
Church of Chatham, a position he held for seven years.
Julian earned his Master of Music in organ performance from Southern Methodist
University as a student of Scott Dettra. Prior to his studies at SMU, he earned a Bachelor
of Music in organ performance from the Eastman School of Music where he studied
organ with Nathan Laube and harpsichord with Edoardo Bellotti. During his time in
Rochester, he served as Organist for the First Baptist Church of Rochester (ABCUSA).
In his free time, Julian enjoys meditating, cooking, exploring new places, and outdoor
activities such as biking, photography, and free diving.