Musical Journey

Organ performance, improvisation, and liturgical music

About My Music

Gabriel Johnston at the organ

I serve as organist and choirmaster at Calvary Episcopal Church in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, and collaborate as a ballet pianist for the University of Florida's dance department. While pursuing my PhD in Geophysics under Professor Alessandro Forte, I have also maintained my passion for organ performance, studying with Dr. Laura Ellis.

Recently, I received the 2025 Raymond Glover Grant for Episcopal Liturgical Music to study evensong at the Cathedral of St. Peter in St. Petersburg, Florida, and the American Cathedral in Paris, France. During my summers, I continue my research in Paris while also furthering my organ improvisation studies.

My approach to organ improvisation blends traditional techniques with contemporary musical language, creating a unique sound that respects historical practices while embracing modern expression. This duality mirrors my academic work, where I strive to connect established theories with innovative computational approaches.

Improvisation Studies

I have had the privilege of taking private lessons in improvisation with several renowned organists:

  • Sophie-Véronique Cauchefer-Choplin (Paris)
  • Jeffrey Brillhart (Yale University)
  • Frédéric Blanc (Paris)
  • David Cassan (Paris)
  • Nicola Canzano (Paris)
View Performances Listen to Recordings

Musical Philosophy

Liturgical Context

My work as an organist and choirmaster focuses on enhancing the liturgical experience through thoughtfully selected and performed music that complements the sacred texts and seasons.

Improvisation

Organ improvisation is at the core of my musical practice. I approach it as a dialogue between tradition and innovation, creating spontaneous musical structures that respond to architectural and acoustic spaces.

Collaboration

As a ballet pianist, I work closely with dancers and choreographers to create musical environments that support movement and narrative, adapting classical and contemporary works to the needs of the performance.

French Influence

My studies in Paris have deeply influenced my musical style, particularly in improvisation, where I draw on the rich tradition of French organ music and its distinctive harmonies and textures.

Performances & Recitals

Evensong Recital

Evensong Service & Recital

April 15, 2024

Cathedral of St. Peter, St. Petersburg, FL

Directed choir and performed an improvised postlude based on seasonal themes for Easter. Featured works by Herbert Howells and Charles Stanford.

Paris Recital

Summer Improvisation Recital

July 22, 2023

American Cathedral in Paris, France

Performed a recital featuring improvisations on submitted themes, showcasing techniques studied with Sophie-Véronique Cauchefer-Choplin.

Ballet Collaboration

Spring Dance Showcase

March 10, 2023

University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Provided piano accompaniment for the UF Dance Department's spring showcase, including classical ballet repertoire and contemporary pieces.

Christmas Concert

Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols

December 18, 2022

Calvary Episcopal Church, Indian Rocks Beach, FL

Directed choir and performed organ works for the annual Christmas service, featuring works by Bach, Dupré, and improvisations on seasonal carols.

Recordings & Media

Improvisation on Submitted Themes

Improvisation on Submitted Themes

August 2023

A collection of improvisations based on themes submitted by audience members during a summer recital series.

Watch on YouTube
Easter Triptych

Easter Triptych: Three Improvisations

April 2023

A set of three improvisations depicting the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ, performed during Holy Week services.

Watch on YouTube
French Organ Masterworks

French Organ Masterworks

November 2022

Performances of works by César Franck, Louis Vierne, and Maurice Duruflé, recorded at Calvary Episcopal Church.

Watch on YouTube

Visit my YouTube channel for additional recordings:

YouTube Channel

Featured Instruments

Calvary Episcopal Church Organ

Calvary Episcopal Church Organ

Builder: Casavant Frères, Opus 1475 (renovated 2018)

A 3-manual, 42-rank instrument featuring a rich romantic character with some neo-baroque additions. The organ possesses a warm foundation with colorful flutes and strings, and brilliant reeds suitable for both liturgical service and recital repertoire.

Specification Highlights:

  • Great: Principal 8', Bourdon 16', Flûte Harmonique 8', Trumpet 8'
  • Swell: Viole de Gambe 8', Voix Céleste 8', Trompette 8', Hautbois 8'
  • Choir: Quintaton 16', Flûte à Cheminée 8', Clarinet 8'
  • Pedal: Contrebasse 16', Bourdon 16', Trompette 8'
St. Peter's Cathedral Organ

Cathedral of St. Peter Organ

Builder: Schantz Organ Company (1991, renovated 2015)

A substantial 4-manual instrument with 81 ranks, designed in the American Classic tradition but with significant French romantic and symphonic colors. The organ features an antiphonal division and horizontal trumpet en chamade.

Specification Highlights:

  • Great: Principal 16', Diapason 8', Harmonic Flute 8', Mixture V, Trompette 8'
  • Swell: Bourdon 16', Gamba 8', Voix Céleste 8', Hautbois 8', Vox Humana 8'
  • Choir: Gedackt 8', Dulciana 8', Cromorne 8', Tuba 8'
  • Solo: Stentorphone 8', Harmonic Flute 4', Tuba Mirabilis 8', French Horn 8'
  • Pedal: Contra Bourdon 32', Open Wood 16', Ophicleide 16'
American Cathedral in Paris Organ

American Cathedral in Paris Organ

Builder: Cavaillé-Coll (1887, restored by Daniel Birouste 1993)

A historic 3-manual, 59-rank symphonic instrument built by the legendary Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. This organ exemplifies the French Romantic tradition with its powerful foundations, colorful reeds, and expressive capabilities.

Specification Highlights:

  • Grand-Orgue: Montre 16', Bourdon 16', Montre 8', Flûte Harmonique 8'
  • Positif: Principal 8', Bourdon 8', Gambe 8', Trompette 8'
  • Récit Expressif: Viole de Gambe 8', Voix Céleste 8', Hautbois 8', Voix Humaine 8'
  • Pédale: Flûte 16', Soubasse 16', Bombarde 16'