Bruce Xu discovered the grand pipe organ at age 9 in his local Methodist church and has since fallen in love with its majestic sound and expressive possibilities (and God). He began his musical journey with Jimrae Lenser, who taught him the basics of organ playing and introduced him to the rich repertoire of the instrument. He then continued his studies with Craig Williams at West Point Cadet Chapel, where he had the opportunity to play on one of the largest and most historic organs in the country. He later moved to North Carolina to attend the School of the Arts, where he studied with Timothy Olsen and sang with the Cantata Singers. He then started studying with Ken Cowan at Rice University in Houston, TX, graduating in 2024.
He has received recognition for his organ playing from various organizations and festivals, winning numerous prestigious awards and performing in many US states and a bit in Europe too. At age 14, he won six organ competitions, including the regional AGO Quimby/RCYO Competition, which earned him a spot in the “Rising Star” concert at the 2018 National Convention of the American Guild of Organists. He has also given concerts in Spain, France, and Canada, where he recently won the international Quebec Organ Competition. His other achievements include winning the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Young Professional Competition and receiving several scholarships to support his organ studies, such as the Ruth and Paul Manz Organ Scholarship and the Pogorzelski-Yankee Memorial Scholarship.
Bruce is a versatile musician who enjoys playing piano, flute, ukulele, as well as singing in different styles. He is also a fitness enthusiast who loves to play soccer and tennis.
Bruce is always eager to share his passion for organ music with diverse audiences. He hopes to inspire more people to appreciate the beauty and power of the king of instruments.
MUSIC EDUCATION
Rice University
Ken Cowan, professor
Juilliard Pre-College
Dr. Matthew Lewis, professor
Craig Williams, private teacher
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Dr. Timothy Olsen, professor
Jimrae Lenser, private teacher
MUSIC AWARDS/ACTIVITIES
First Prize and Hymn Prize in the 2017 UNCSA/Winston-Salem Chapter Organ Competition (Winston-Salem, NC)
First Prize in the 2017 Atlanta AGO Chapter Regional Competition for Young Organists/Quimby Competition (Atlanta, GA)
First Prize and Hymn Prize in the 2017 Greater Columbia AGO Chapter Young Organist Competition (Columbia, SC)
First Prize and Bach Prize in the 2017 East Carolina University Young Artist Organ Competition (Greenville, NC)
First Prize and Audience Prize in the 2017 L. Cameron Johnson Memorial Organ Competition (Storrs, CT)
First Prize in the 2017 Southeast Regional Competition for Young Organists/Quimby—which directly earned a debut Solo Performance at 2018 American Guild of Organists National Convention in Kansas City (Jacksonville, FL)
Second Prize and Audience Prize in the 2018 Arthur Poister Organ Scholarship Competition (Syracuse University)
Second Prize and Audience Prize in the 2018 Albert Schweitzer Organ Competition (Hartford, CT)
(1st place) Winner of the Ridgewood Choral’s 2020 Florence Reinauer Memorial Music Award (Ridgewood, NJ)
(1st place) Winner of the Rockland County Music Educators Association 2020 Senior Scholarship (Rockland County, NY)
(1st place) Winner of the Grover Foster 2020 Memorial Scholarship (Suffern, NY)
(1st place) Winner of the Morning Music Club 2020 Scholarship (Rockland County, NY)
(1st place) Winner of the Ruth and Paul Manz 2020 Organ Scholarship (Chicago, IL)
(1st place) Winner of the 2020 Pogorzelski-Yankee Memorial Scholarship (National USA); $60,000
Second Prize in the 2021 Bill Hall Organ Competition (San Antonio, TX)
First Prize in the 2022 William C. Hall Pipe Organ Competition (San Antonio, TX)
First Prize and Audience Prize in the 2022 Poister Organ Competition (Syracuse, NY)
First Prize and Audience Prize in the 2022 Quebec Organ Competition (Quebec City, CA); $17,000+
Youngest prize winner in history of this competition, at age 19
First Prize, Audience Prize, and Hymn Prize at the 2022 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival — Biennial Young Professional Competition (Hartford, CT); $16,000+
Member of the UNCSA Cantata Singers; performed various concerts throughout Winston-Salem in 2016 and 2017
Enthusiastic Bass, Tenor, Alto, or Soprano (mainly Bass) of the Vibrant Adult Choirs I & II of Augsburg Lutheran Church in Winston-Salem, NC (2016-17)
Received a 98/100 performing a Level 5 NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) Flute Solo (2016)
Received a 102/100 performing an All-State-Level (highest possible) NYSSMA Flute Solo (2019)
(The only recipient in the grade) of the Achievement in Band Award (2016) - Was awarded this honor based on demonstrated technique, passion, and musicianship within the school band.
New York Rockland All-County Band flutist (second chair in 2014, 2015, 2016)
Pianist in New York Rockland Senior All-County's Jazz Band (2020)
2nd Chair Flutist in NYSSMA’s Zone 9 Area-All State Orchestra (2019)
Flutist in New York State Band Directors Association's Honors High School Band (2020)
Trumpeter and Flutist of Suffern Marching Band
Westminster Choir College Organ Camp, with Full Choir experience (2016,17,18)
Member of Music Honor Society of Suffern High School (2018-2020)
Keyboardist and sometimes solo vocalist of Suffern Big [Jazz] Band (2018-present)
Vocalist and Keyboardist of Rock Band Bismark (2018-present) - Founded the band and organized the daily lunchtime rehearsals. Performed in local shows.
Pianist of Chamber Trio—applying to multiple competitions
Regional Finalist (piano) in Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center's 2nd Annual Young Musicians Concert (Westchester-Hudson Valley-Connecticut, 2020)
Won Opportunity to play (piano) in Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, NYC as a selected group from Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Young Musicians Concert (2020)
POSITIONS HELD
Sloatsburg United Methodist Church, Sloatsburg, NY — Organist 2012-2014
Commenced journey as an organist; set the foundation for my Faith as well as passion for the Pipe Organ.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Chester, NY — Organist 2014-2016
Was introduced to the liturgy and tradition-oriented format of the Episcopal Church, which I am enthusiastic about.
Augsburg Lutheran Church, Winston-Salem, NC — Music Intern 2016-2018
Was awarded the position of music intern in the large, vibrant Lutheran church. There were two adult choirs with 50 members in total, in addition to a large children’s choir of 20 members. Studied intensely under organ professor, Dr. Timothy Olsen, learning, practicing, and mastering the duties of serving in a large church setting. Expanded knowledge and experience tremendously.
Grace Episcopal Church, Middletown, NY — Organist 2018-2019
Coming back home to New York, worked with a vibrant choir and a beautiful pipe organ.
St. Mary’s-in-Tuxedo Episcopal Church, Tuxedo, NY — Organist and Choirmaster 2019-2020
Answered the challenge to direct the wonderful choir and play the large Austin organ. Select the music for services and conduct rehearsals.
Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church, The Woodlands, TX — Organist 2021-present
Been loving the supportive and warm community and the Texan focus on God and great music!
MAJOR ORGAN CONCERTS/RECITALS
Bristol Chapel in Princeton, NJ
Princeton University Chapel in Princeton, NJ
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Beacon, NY
Basilica Santa Maria in Mataro, Spain
Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church in Augusta, GA
The Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, GA
Shandon United Methodist Church in Columbia, SC
Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville FL
Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY
St. John’s Episcopal Church in Newport, RI
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, FL
Community of Christ Auditorium in Kansas City, MO
Église Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens in Quebec City, CA
West Point Cadet Chapel in West Point, NY
Balboa Park Spreckels Organ Pavilion in San Diego, CA
First Presbyterian Church in Lockport, NY
St. James the Less Episcopal Church in Scarsdale, NY
Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine in St. Augustine, FL
Wanamaker Organ in Philadelphia, PA
Saint Clement’s Church in Philadelphia, PA
Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center, NYC
OTHER TEACHERS:
Bruce has studied with the most influential teachers from around the world, including those from France, Spain, the Netherlands, Russia and many from the US — all of these valuable experiences helped shape him to be the musician that he is today.