David Gell Dies

Many of Santa Barbara’s musical traditions lost a founder March 2 with the death of David A. Gell. Long associated with the Music at Trinity concerts and the Advent Organ Series at Trinity Episcopal Church, as well as with the Santa Barbara Master Chorale and “pipe organ encounters” for young people, the master organist composed works for voice, choir, keyboards, and chamber ensembles and regularly presented recitals, hymn festivals, and improvisation seminars in the U.S., Canada, and abroad. Gell began playing piano at age 8 and the organ at 13, studying formally at numerous universities and with Dutch improviser Gerard Faber and UCSB’s Emma Lou Diemer. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, March 15, at 2 p.m.