Background
Dirksen, Richard Wayne was born on February 8, 1921 in Freeport, Illinois, United States. Son of Richard Watson and Maude (Logemann) Dirksen.
choirmaster organist Canon precentor
Dirksen, Richard Wayne was born on February 8, 1921 in Freeport, Illinois, United States. Son of Richard Watson and Maude (Logemann) Dirksen.
C.O.C., Peabody Conservatory, 1942; Doctor of Fine Arts (honorary), George Washington University, 1981; Doctor of Music (honorary), Mount Union College, 1986.
Assistant organist-choirmaster, Washington Cathedral, 1942-1947; associate organist-choirmaster, Washington Cathedral, 1947-1969; director program, Washington Cathedral, 1964-1969; precentor, Washington Cathedral, 1969-1991; organist-choirmaster, Washington Cathedral, 1977-1988; retired, Washington Cathedral, 1991; canon precentor emeritus, Washington Cathedral, since 1993.
Served to sergeant United States Army, 1942-1945. Member American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, American Guild Organists, Association Anglican Musicians, Rock CreekGolf Club.
Married Joan Milton Shaw (deceased 1995). Children: Richard Shaw, Geoffrey Paul, Laura Gail, Mark Christopher.