Concert Organist, Michael David Ging, Joins Church Staff in Missouri City:
Introductory recital to be held April 29, 2012 at 5:00 PM

Michael David Ging, a nationally recognized concert organist and graduate of Oberlin Conservatory, joined the music staff at New Hope Lutheran Church, 1424 FM 1092 RD, Missouri City, Texas on March 18, 2012. Born 1988 in Charleston, South Carolina, MICHAEL DAVID GING began his formal musical training under the tutelage of Sara Younkin and gave his first public performance on piano at the age of five. At the age of ten, he switched his focus to the organ. At age 11, Ging was on duty for his first church service and  two years later was appointed Organist/Choirmaster at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Folly Beach, South Carolina. Throughout high school, Ging maintained an active performance schedule, served on the Executive Board of the Charleston Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, and held church positions at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Charleston while studying with Stephen Distad.

Ging holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Organ Performance from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Dr. Jack Mitchener on a Conservatory Dean's Merit Scholarship.  While at Oberlin, Ging served as Director of Music at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Cleveland and Director of Music at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Painesville, OH.

As a performer, Ging has made numerous appearances in solo recitals, festivals including the renowned Piccolo Spoleto Festival, and in programs in collaboration with other musicians while continuing to build a reputation as a "fearless" player known for his "no holds barred" performance style.

Of Michael’s appointment to New Hope, Daniel Sigmon, the Director of Worship Life, says:

“Michael is an incredibly gifted musician. He has a way of playing the organ as if he is speaking. It is very fluid, natural, and full of emotion. He is driven and excited about joining our active and innovative worship ministry. We are thrilled that he has decided to join our staff as organist and look forward to what he will accomplish here.”

Michael will perform an introductory recital on April 29, 2012 at 5:00 PM in the Sanctuary of New Hope Lutheran Church on their Parsons Pipe Organ (Op. 25) which was installed in the fall of 2007. Of the instrument Michael says:

“The instrument has a wonderful personality. The builders were very clever, putting both divisions behind expression. This gives the organ an amazing level of flexibilty for an instrument its size."

New Hope Lutheran Church is an ELCA Lutheran Church in Missouri City, Texas. It is progressive church that welcomes people of all backgrounds, religious creeds, and orientations. It has an active music and children’s minisitry as well as a very engaging youth core. It is truly “a place for all people.”