Guest Artist Recital: Dr. Michael Delfín, Organ Download Program Note from the Artist: Every fall, students and teachers begin or return to their long-awaited activities of the school year, and excitement brims as the year begins anew. Routines and rhythms that seem timeless return, and the joy of entering into them keeps us centered amid change and uncertainty. Trials and difficulties may loom on the horizon, yet the hope of fulfillment bears us up as the seasons change and the year unfolds. The most ancient of rhythms celebrated today can be the most centering and even possibly the mostly deeply fulfilling. This recital explores themes of ancient rhythms in sacred spaces throughout Europe and America, ranging in origin from the ancient Catholic mass to hymn tunes set by composers of today. You are invited to step into these ancient rhythms as told through the voices of composers from JS Bach until now. The program features music by Bach and Liszt, contemporary composers Arvo Pärt, Calvin Hampton, Miguel Roíg-Francoli, and UA alumni K Lee Scott and Gary Smoke, and the world premiere of a toccata by Michael Delfín. About the Artist      Praised for “beautiful performances of great warmth” (Classical Voice of North Carolina), Michael Delfín captures the listener with sensitivity and flair as a versatile performer of historical and modern keyboard instruments. Dr. Delfín won the top prize ex aequo in the Ninth Jurow International Harpsichord Competition, shortly after being nominated to the Diapason 20 Under 30 Class of 2021. As a pianist, Mr. Delfin has won prizes in the Chautauqua International Piano Competition, the International Crescendo Music Awards, and two consecutive concerto competitions at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Recent performances include recitals for the Western Early Keyboard Association, the Iowa Early Keyboard Society, the Central California Baroque Festival, and the 2025 Association of Anglican Musicians Conference. As an avid recitalist, his programs regularly explore intersections of art, literature, and history, often involving multiple keyboards on the same program.      Described as an “exceptional partner” (Classical Music Daily), Dr. Delfín commands a massive collaborative repertoire and is in frequent demand as a recital pianist and choral accompanist. Recent performances include collaborative recitals for the Mid-South Flute Festival North American Saxophone Alliance, The Stone at The New School, New Music Chicago, and the Ear Taxi Festival. He has also performed recently at the Eastern Shore Chamber Music Festival and the Louisville Orchestra Creator Corps. At the University of Alabama, Dr. Delfín accompanies the Druid City Chorus. In recent summers he has served as accompanist for the Spoleto Festival USA Festival Chorus and rehearsal pianist for Cincinnati Opera. Dr. Delfin’s advocacy for new music has led to numerous world premieres across the United States to rave reviews. He recently collaborated on albums of contemporary art songs for Ablaze Records. Upon graduating from the Peabody Conservatory, Dr. Delfín was awarded the Sidney Friedberg Prize in Chamber Music.      Dr. Delfín performs frequently as a harpsichord soloist and continuo keyboardist with ensembles across the continent. He has appeared as a soloist with Lyra Baroque, Bourbon Baroque, the American Chamber Symphony, and the Central Ohio Symphony, and as a continuo performer he has worked with the Spoleto Festival USA, Tafelmusik Summer Baroque Institute, the Alabama Symphony, and the Eastern Shore Chamber Music Festival. As a proponent of bringing early music to greater audiences, Dr. Delfín serves as artistic director of Bama Baroque, a newly founded period ensemble based in Tuscaloosa, and also co-founded the Cincinnati-based Seven Hills Baroque. As a champion of new music for harpsichord, he also recently served on the jury of the 11th Aliénor International Harpsichord Composition Competition.      Dr. Delfín currently serves as organist at Grace Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa and previously served as organist at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Cincinnati. Recent guest organist appearances include performances with the University of Alabama Druid City Chorus, the UA Symphonic Band, the Cincinnati Camerata, and a choral residency at St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Edinburgh, Scotland. He holds an Associate Certification with the American Guild of Organists.      Dr. Delfín teaches historical keyboards at the University of Alabama, where he serves as Lecturer of Early Music and Assistant Director of Early Chamber Ensembles. Before coming to Alabama, he taught piano and organ at Cedarville University and has taught harpsichord and chamber music at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He has also taught piano at the University of North Alabama and harpsichord at Xavier University in Cincinnati. As an advocate for community engagement, Dr. Delfín serves on the board of directors for the Historical Keyboard Society of North America, Chamber Music Tuscaloosa, and the Tuscaloosa Music Club.       A native of central California, Dr. Delfín holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, San Francisco Conservatory, Peabody Conservatory, and the Johns Hopkins University, and his mentors include Awadagin Pratt, Yoshikazu Nagai, Boris Slutsky, Michael Unger, and Carol Oaks. Dr. Delfín makes his home with his wife Anne and their son Teddy in Tuscaloosa. In his spare time, he enjoys running and cycling, Latin American cuisine, and Ho-Am Tae Kwon Do. www.michaeldelfin.com