Paul Riedo

Paul Riedo, Organist of the Dallas Symphony and Curator of the Lay Family Concert Organ, C. B. Fisk Opus 100, died on April 22, 1994, at age 40. A driving force in the Dallas musical scene, Paul was also founder and artistic director of the Dallas Bach Society whose last performance under his direction was an emotionally charged St. Matthew Passion in March at the Meyerson Symphony Center.

Paul was present to offer encouragement to the Fisk crew during the installation of the Lay Family Organ and, as the organ began to develop its voice, he was always eager to explore its new sounds. The full range of Paul’s talents became evident to us when the time came to introduce the organ to the public. He initiated a series of informal recital/demonstrations which drew as many as 500 people at a time. His performances, using the organ’s vast array of colors and often with imaginative improvisations, brought smiles, goose bumps, and even tears to the audience. —Steven Dieck, The Pipeline