Classical Organist and Rock Musician on The Show – Ep839

Featuring Performance Guest, Christoph Bull, Classical Organist, Concert and Recording Artist, and Rock Musician, Composer; and Interview Guests, John Stuart Reid, Acoustic-Physics Scientist, Inventor of the CymaScope, and Author, on a Mission to Educate, Inspire, and Excite the World in the Field of Visible Sound—Known as “Cymatics,”on The Life Changes Show, Episode 839

Interview Guests: JOHN STUART REID; and Performance Guest: CHRISTOPH BULL

CHRISTOPH BULL

“Christoph Bull likes to play organ music, rock music and rocking organ music.”

Christoph Bull was born in Mannheim, Germany. He improvised his first melodies on the piano at the age of five and gave his first organ recitals and rock concerts with a band at the age of twelve.

He has concertized around the world, including Europe, Russia, India, Taiwan, China, Japan, El Salvador and many U.S. states. He’s performed at national and regional conventions of the American Guild of Organists and the Organ Historical Society.

Christoph Bull recorded the first solo album featuring the organ at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, entitled First & Grand.

He performed on and co-produced an album of Irish composer Patrick Cassidy’s The Mass during the quarantine at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, joining forces with the vocal ensemble Laude and Director David Harris.

His song “Peace” was included on the compilation album 2 Unite All which also includes tracks by Peter Gabriel, Stewart Copeland, Ricky Kej, Lili Haydn and others.

Christoph Bull has worked with conductors including James Conlon, Carl St. Clair, Grant Gershon and Edo de Waart and with ensembles including the Bundesjugendorchester (National Youth Orchestra of Germany), L.A. Master Chorale, Pacific Symphony, Oakland East Bay Symphony, Southeast Symphony and Southwest Chamber Music.

His music has been broadcast on radio stations such as KCRW, on Classical KUSC and the Minnesota Public Radio program Pipedreams.

He recorded the pipe organ parts for Ghostbusters and Transformers at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. He also worked as organ consultant on Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report and recorded for Robin Williams’ last TV Show The Crazy Ones. He has performed with George Clinton and recorded with Bootsy Collins (both Parliament Funkadelic). Together with Lili Haydn and Satnam Ramgotra, he opened up for Cindy Lauper, and he worked with Harry Connick Jr. on his first Christmas album. Discovery and Science Channels featured him in the first episode of How to build… everything.

Venues Dr Bull has performed at include The National Concert Hall in Taipei, Shanghai Conservatory, the Shumei Temple in Misono (Japan), Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Lincoln Center in New York City, Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, the Cathedrals of Moscow, Los Angeles, Saint-Denis and Salzburg as well as rock clubs like The Viper Room, The Roxy and The Whisky in Los Angeles.

He studied at University of Sacred Music in Heidelberg, Musikhochschule Freiburg, Berklee College of Music in Boston, American Conservatory of Music and University of Southern California. His organ teachers were Cherry Rhodes, Hermann Schäffer, Ludwig Dörr, Samuel Swartz, Christoph Schöner and Paul Jordan. He also participated in master courses with Marie-Claire Alain, Guy Bovet, Craig Cramer and Rudi Lutz.

Christoph Bull is university organist and organ professor at UCLA as well as organist-in-residence at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, regularly playing one of the largest pipe organs in the world.

Outside of music, Christoph is interested in politics, theology, cinema and sports. He’s read the whole Bible, Koran, Bhagavad Gita and Tao Te Ching, watched every Seinfeld episode and all Star Wars movies in a row in the chronological order of the storyline. He’s run the L.A. Marathon several times and won the National German Youth Championship in Baseball with his team BC Tornados Mannheim.

Christoph Bull regularly publishes new singles and albums on Bandcamp, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Apple Music et al.

Picture Credit Above: Saam Gabbay

Find and Follow Christoph Bull at:

https://linktr.ee/christophbull

https://www.facebook.com/christoph.bull

https://www.instagram.com/bull.christoph

https://www.twitter.com/bullchristoph

https://www.tiktok.com/@christoph.bull

https://christophbull.bandcamp.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@christophbull

IOOF FILMS

LOS ANGELES – WORLD’S LARGEST CHURCH ORGAN – with Christoph Bull

https://io-of.org/events/los-angeles-first-congregational-church/

Press Quotes:

“Organist Christoph Bull balanced clarity and atmosphere while capturing the full power of the organ in all its glorious, floor-rumbling magnificence.” – www.classicalvoice.org

“Christoph Bull, organist-in-residence at the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles – which houses one of the world’s largest pipe organs – is in fine form, making that single instrument sound as varied and convincing as an entire orchestra.” – Matthew Whitfield (The Whole Note)

“The rock star of the organ world.” – John Rabe (Southern California Public Radio, National Public Radio)

“Giving the organ some 1960s cool, Christoph Bull crosses genres and has fun in organica.” – L.A. Times

“Since arriving in Los Angeles, Christoph Bull has made his presence felt as a charismatic musician well versed in jazz, film, pop and classical styles.” – Gramophone Magazine

“Bull brings a fresh, unconventional approach to the organ both as interpreter and as improviser/composer.” – The American Organist

“[Bull] served up a massive, moving sound [with] conspicuous musicality, serious chops and deep instrumental understanding.” – L.A. Times

“New artists like Christoph Bull can change the way audiences hear organ music.” – KCRW

“Those with open minds and hearts will be intrigued and delighted.” – The American Organist

“A surprisingly intimate look at the organ.” – The Huffington Post

“An international recitalist, he is a strong advocate for the popularization of the organ.” – The American Organist

“I couldn’t stop listening to it for a week – it [First & Grand] was that good!” – The Daily Pilot

“An eye-opening, generation-crossing look into the world of organ music, state of the art, thanks to the amazing, talented and endearing Christoph Bull.” – Beverly Hills Outlook International

“Multimedia at its up-to-date finest.” – KPFK

“Der Mann gilt an der Westküste der Vereinigten Staaten als deutscher Superstar an der Orgel. Christoph Bull macht seinem Ruf alle Ehre und spielt ein beeindruckendes Konzert.” – Mannheimer Morgen

“Großartig. Bach-Fuge wie für die Love Parade.” – Kerstin Zilm (ARD Radio)

“Christoph Bull is pumping new life in the organ’s repertoire.” – L.A. Times

Quotes by Colleagues & Audiences:

“He plays like an angel.” – Marie-Claire Alain

“Your rhythm is the best I’ve heard of any organist and your fingers move like hummingbird wings.” – Catherine Walker (Dean American Guild of Organists, San Joaquin Valley Chapter)

“Your playing was so crystal clear and rhythmic – just what I love to hear. You appealed especially to the younger generation in the audience – a refreshing change!” – Laurell Huber (Music Faculty Cal State Fresno, Fresno Pacific University)

“That guy is ridiculous.” – George Clinton (Parliament Funkadelic)

“That made me pee all over myself!” – Bootsy Collins (Parliament Funkadelic)

“Congratulations for a successful recital at Royce Hall. It’s good to see someone is generating interest in the organ from ‘the younger generation.’” – Kevin Gilchrist (Organ Builder)

“I was surprised at the huge turnout for an organ concert.” – Bob Myers (Blogger)

“Quite a show. I loved it. Lighting effects were perfectly matched with the sounds. The best part of it, in some ways, was that the audience were not the usual hard-core classical fans, but young people eager for new sonic experiences. You’re doing good work. Enjoyed your remarks; you have a showman’s flair and your own summer-of-love style.” – Rodney Punt (The Huffington Post)

“Thank you for bringing the organ into the 21st century.” – Concertgoer, Hilleroed, Denmark

“He’s a baller organist.” – Tiffany Liu (Student, Chapman University)

“The best three hours of my life.” – Student (Apperson Elementary School)

“The minister’s wife said that it took about three hours for her heart to slow down after your concert.” – Lynn Clock (Lompoc FUMC)

“You’re doing for the world of organ what Tiger Woods is doing for the game of golf! Now everyone will love coming to an organ concert.” – Gerry Biggs McGrath (American Guild Of Organists)

“You made an organ concert into a multi-media event – dare I say ‘a happening’!” – David Schubach (Former Vice President Local 47 Musicians Union)

“You obviously bring a dimension to those events that have that special appeal to the younger set.” – Manuel Rosales (Organ Builder)

“Bach himself would have given you a standing ovation.” – Jennifer Zobelein (Writer, A Forest Of Pipes)

“A particular high point for me, as an educator for 34 years, was observing your warm and engaging interaction with the children. The concert was an experience that many of them will never forget.” – Paul Gossard (Eureka Summer Arts Camp)

“Christoph Bull is the only organist that can give Cameron Carpenter a run for his money.” – Craig Zobelein (Organist/Entertainer)

“It speaks volumes for an artist to personalize the pipe organ.” – Ken Goldstein (Six Shooter Company)

“It was fascinating to listen to the critics in the audience. They find you to be innovative, futuristic, extremely talented, an artists like no other, a style all your own. They say the things you do on the organ cannot be compared to anyone else. You are unique.” – Gregory Ross Miller (Pianist)

“Have never heard such a unique, innovative performance as this one by Christoph Bull.” – Pam Langston (Organist)

“Your playing vindicates all of the heartfelt design and building effort.” – Rick Isaacs (C.B. Fisk Organ Builders)

“I always feel a little smarter and lighter after hearing you play.” – Bob Johnson (Music Executive, Producer, Entertainment Attorney, Civic Activist)

“That was not a concert, yesterday. It was a happening.” – Pieter Noomen (Pastor, Author)
 
“I believe you are doing much more than any other fine organist to attract broader audiences to this specialized field which used to be much more appreciated.” – Rich Miller (Audio Engineer)

“What an amazing performance! This was my first time attending an organ concert and I must say, the educational, visual art components made it that much more spectacular. And the encore was absolutely mesmerizing! Thank you for Christoph Bull; he is a rock star, intellect and future Hall of Fame Organist! It feels so good to see exceptional creative geniuses at work! It was history in the making!” – Michael Che Romero (Designer)

“What a wonderful combination of elements, spoken, visual, and aural.” – Roger Ipswitch (Teacher)
 
“Really enjoyed your version of “Hallelujah” – beautiful vox and ending to a great organ concert experience. It felt like being at a rock concert. And you truly made that magnificent instrument sing like those exotic birds.” – Claris Dodge (Studio Expresso)

“What a brilliantly chosen program last Sunday! From the Glass to the Bach to the Bolero, you could hear the connections and repetitions–who says that New Music did it first? And the ornithologist–he made the Messiaen piece much more interesting. But most significantly, that “Hallelujah” was haunting, soulful, and incredibly moving. I was stunned and frozen in the pew. And when the violinist came in and when I Chin sang, it was deeply moving.” – Pamela Grieman (Concertgoer)

“I will always remember how strongly you connected with the youth—and the rest of us as well—with your recital at the Concordia College POE . . . .” – Joyce Skull (DMA, FAGO, ChM)

“You are a most unusual organist. It is evident that you are ‘one with your music’ and that your music springs from your inner self.” – Pat Shopland (Organist, Choir Director, Teacher)

“With fabulous organists like you doing what you do, I know the organ will survive.” – Alice Rucker (Organist)

“You are the true Renaissance organist.” – Jonathan Kleefield (Associate Professor of Radiology at Harvard University)

“You are the essence of cool.” – Antonio Lysy (Cello Professor, UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music)

“The most versatile musician on the planet.” – Jim Raycroft (Los Angeles Master Chorale)

Highlight Performance Venues:

National Theater and Concert Hall Taipei, Taiwan

Catholic Cathedrals of Moscow, Salzburg, Saint-Denis and Los Angeles

Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles

Lincoln Center, New York City

NYSE (The New York Stock Exchange)

Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa

Shumei Temple, Misono, Japan

Shanghai Conservatory of Music, China 

Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark  

Teatro de las Ruinas, Suchitoto, El Salvador

Marcello Galanti Recital Hall, Mondaino, Italy

International Organ Festival Düsseldorf, Germany

Kino Babylon, Berlin, Germany

Filmmuseum Düsseldorf, Germany

Collaborative concert with sitar player Nishat Khan in Mumbai, India

First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

Spreckels Organ Pavilion, San Diego

Methuen Memorial Music Hall

Berklee Performance Center, Boston

Merrill Auditorium, Portland, Maine

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles

American Guild of Organists Conventions in Los Angeles, San Diego, Bakersfield

Organ Historical Society Conventions in Western Massachusetts, Philadelphia

Liberty Theater, Astoria, Oregon

Paramount Theater Oakland

Paul Gleason Theater Hollywood

San Gabriel Mission Playhouse

Pasadena Civic Center

Royce Hall, UCLA

Schoenberg Hall, UCLA

Classical Underground, Carson, California

Villa Aurora, Pacific Palisades, California

Goethe-Institut Los Angeles

Edgemar Center For The Arts, Santa Monica

Getty Museum, Los Angeles

Meng Hall, California State University Fullerton

Southern Oregon University Concert Hall

California State University, Fresno

Bridges Hall, Pomona College

Concordia University, Irvine

Irvine Valley College

Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington

Pop Academy Baden-Württemberg, Mannheim, Germany

Franziskanerkirche Salzburg, Austria

Ballywillan Presbyterian Church, Northern Ireland

Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, Washington, D.C.

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Portland, Oregon

River Road Church, Richmond, Virginia

Hyde Park Community Church, Cincinnati

Rose City Park United Methodist Church, Portland, Oregon

Shrine Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Zion Mennonite Church, Souderton, Pennsylvania

Neighborhood Church, Palos Verdes Estates, California

St. Paul Episcopal Cathedral Center, Echo Park, California

South Shores Church, Monarch Beach, CA

Boston Avenue Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Grace Lutheran Church, Tacoma, Washington

Marktkirche Wiesbaden, Germany

Pauluskirche Freiburg, Germany

Christuskirche Mannheim, Germany

Bergkirche Niedergruendau, Germany

St. Bonifatius Church, Wiesbaden, Germany

Live Performances on KPFK and KCRW radio stations, Los Angeles

Viper Room, Los Angeles  

Whisky a Go Go, Los Angeles

The Roxy Theatre, Los Angeles

TEDxUCLA (Speaker) 

Upbeat Live – Los Angeles Philharmonic (Speaker)