The many voices of Bach’s “Prelude and Fugue in G Major” boomed through the organ of the Church of the Redeemer as organist Colin MacKnight showcased his virtuoso talent April 14.

MacKnight, who attended Whitman for three years before transferring to Walnut Hill School for the Arts, is in his second year at Juilliard, where he studies the organ. He performed a full repertoire with a range of pieces from the lesser known “Chorale Triptych,” by William Krape, to the classic “Adagio for Strings” (Opus 11), arranged for organ by William Strickland.  He ended his show with an energetic encore performance of “Variations on ‘Sine Nomine,’” by John Weaver.

MacKnight also performed two pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, the composer whose music compelled MacKnight to learn the organ at age 16.

“Most people are attracted to an instrument and learn to love its repertoire, but I reversed that,” he said. “I got into the organ repertoire first because I was so infatuated with the music of Bach, and you don’t get a complete picture of Bach until you explore Bach’s organ works.”

He has explored various genres including jazz and classical and has accumulated a range of experience by playing at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center and New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall.

Thomas Smith, Director of Music at the Church of the Redeemer, was eager to host MacKnight as part of the church’s concert series.

“I’ve known him for years, and since he started at Julliard, I’ve wanted to have him here in concert,” Smith said. “Obviously, it was well worth it.”

In terms of career aspirations, MacKnight hopes to continue performing, he said. He also hopes to teach both organ lessons and academic fields of music including music theory, music history and ear training, he said.

MacKnight said one of the major draws of the organ is its dynamism.

“It’s an orchestra at your fingertips,” he said.  “Mozart called the organ ‘the king of instruments,’ and I think he was right.”

He also credited the organ for all the musical possibilities it provides.

“The organ can be louder than three symphony orchestras playing their loudest or quieter than just about any instrument,” he said. “The range of expression and motion is unparalleled.”

MacKnight’s passion for the organ is evident in his expressive playing and sophisticated performing abilities.

Smith also applauded MacKnight for his powerful performance and enduring musical prowess.

“He’s an up-and-coming talent,” Smith said. “I think he has a really bright future ahead of him.”