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Walker in Taichung, Taiwan.
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Concert organist John Walker designed his Fulbright lecturing
grant in response to an invitation he received from the Taiwan
Theological College and Seminary to serve as a visiting professor
there during the fall of 1999. The director of music at Shadyside
Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania is a veteran of many years
of teaching on the university level and was enthusiastic about
bringing his experience to what is a relatively new field in Taiwan.
"I believe there are only about 22 pipe organs in Taiwan
at this time," said Walker, "but there is enormous enthusiasm
for this instrument and its heritage and potential." Based
on the needs expressed by his host institution, Walker planned
to teach organ repertoire and technique along with hymn playing
and improvisation, reinforced by weekly recital demonstrations
of sacred music.
When the September 21, 1999, earthquake hit Taiwan, the scholar's
proposed program of teaching was transformed. The many public
performances that were originally scheduled under his Fulbright
grant became benefit recitals for earthquake relief. In October,
not a month after the disaster, Walker was scheduled to perform
at what was to be a festive celebration of the 50th anniversary
of the government of Taiwan but what became a commemoration for
all those who had lost their lives in the earthquake.
Walker was eventually able to provide the weekly classes and
individual instruction of organ and sacred music that he had planned
for, but he continued to help raise funds for relief. In December,
he gave a benefit recital for the reconstruction of churches that
had been destroyed. About his time in Taiwan, the scholar said,
"While the nature of my visit . . . has been changed by the
earthquake, I believe I am able to fulfill a beneficial role during
this time of personal and societal emergency in Taiwan. I am grateful
for this opportunity."
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