Keith Chapman (organist)

Keith Chapman
Dr. Chapman at the 6 manual Wanamaker Organ console
Born	1945 San Mateo, California
Died	June 29, 1989 The Colorado Rockies
Nationality	USA
Known for	Wanamaker Organist, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Keith Chapman (1945-1989) was an American concert organist known best for his flair at playing in the symphonic style of organ performance, and particularly for his long and distinguished association (1966-1989) with the Wanamaker's Department Stores of Philadelphia as their principal organist of the Wanamaker Organ.

Dr. Chapman was born in San Mateo, California and grew up in San Francisco, California. An organ prodigy, he began formal study at age 5 with S. Leslie Grow, a student of Marcel Dupre. Chapman was the accompanist to the Capuchino High School Concert Choir while it was directed by Otto Mielenz. Then he studied with Richard Purvis organist at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, and eventually worked as an assistant there.

Dr. Chapman came to Philadelphia where he attended the Curtis Institute of Music, from 1964 to 1968 studying organ under Alexander McCurdy who was also Purvis's teacher. He received a master's degree from Temple University in 1971 and an honorary doctor of musical arts degree from Combs College of Music in Philadelphia in 1978. He also had several original compositions published for organ solo.

In addition to his appointment at Wanamaker's, Dr. Chapman performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra and served as organist and choirmaster at Philadelphia's First Presbyterian Church, Wayne United Methodist Church in suburban Philadelphia and Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel.