Juilliard-trained organist David La’O Ball (BM ’14, MM ’16) serves as Cathedral Organist and Head of Music Ministry at Christ Cathedral in the Diocese of Orange, California (formerly Crystal Cathedral). David is a recognized and well-lauded young performer—The New York Times declared his appearance in Juilliard’s FOCUS! Festival “a rousing performance”; his performance of Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in a minor in Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall was broadcast on American Public Media’s nationally-syndicated radio program Pipedreams; and his segment of the 2014 WQXR Bach Marathon was streamed on WQXR-FM, New York City’s classical radio station. In recognition of his accomplishments, David was named one of The Diapason’s 2017 Class of 20 under 30, a peer-selected group of young people at the forefront of the organ field.

David completed both the Bachelor and Master of Music at The Juilliard School in New York City, studying under Mr. Paul Jacobs. As part of a wide-ranging musical vision for 21st-century collaboration—a vision cultivated during his time at Juilliard—David is committed to making the “King of Instruments” play well with others. He has spearheaded a number of “David and Friends” chamber recitals, commissioned many new works, and co-founded the ensemble duo corgano, a horn and organ duet featuring fellow Juilliard alumnus Trevor Nuckols.

David is an active member of the American Guild of Organists (AGO). As a winner of the AGO/Quimby Regional Competition for Young Organists, David performed as a Rising Star at the 2016 National AGO Convention in Houston where he "used the organ evocatively... displayed a wide palette of colors in his artistic registration and... brought Mozart's K. 608 to a thrilling close, earning an enthusiastic response from the audience." (The American Organist) David has additionally won AGO Competitions in Wichita, Denver, Kansas City, and St. Louis, and was the recipient of the rarely-conferred Outstanding Student Award from the St. Louis Chapter of the AGO.

The only thing that matches David’s passion for solo and ensemble performance is his commitment to creating liturgical music of the highest caliber. From his earliest days as the organ scholar under Dr. John A. Romeri at the landmark St. Louis Cathedral Basilica, David played and accompanied the Cathedral Basilica’s choirs in performances across the country and in Rome, Italy. As Christ Cathedral Organist, David’s musical contributions underpin the Cathedral's vast array of weekly services and events, directing and accompanying the Diocesan, Cathedral, and Children's Choirs; conducting the Cathedral Schola; and supporting the parish's diverse congregation.

For more information visit davidballorgan.com
- Biography courtesy of Dr. Paula Harper.

Lauren McCaul is delighted to serve as Cathedral Music Administrator for Christ Cathedral in the Diocese of Orange, California. Ms. McCaul is a native of Southern California and has been involved in music ministry throughout the Diocese for over 20 years. She was the Administrative Assistant for the Director of Music Ministries at Holy Family Cathedral in Orange, Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistrano and was the Assistant to the Director of Choral Music at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. Ms. McCaul has served on the Music Advisory Board for the Diocese of Orange since 2005 and was a founding member of the Board of Directors for de Angelis Vocal Ensemble.

In addition to her work as Administrator, Ms. McCaul has sung for many years at various parishes in the Diocese of Orange. She received her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Chapman University in 1999 where she performed with the University Choir, University Singers and Chapman Vocal Jazz Ensemble. She has sung as soloist and ensemble member in various choral ensembles throughout Southern California including Zephyr: Voices Unbound, Legacy and de Angelis Vocal Ensemble. Ms McCaul has performed in many of the beautiful churches and music halls in Europe and has toured with a number of ensembles as soprano soloist. Ms. McCaul has been featured as a soloist for various choral works including Mozart’s Sparrow Mass, Schubert’s Mass in G, Finzi’s In Terra Pax, Bach’s Magnificat, Mozart’s Solemn Vespers, Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Haydn’s Heiligmesse and Mendelssohn’s Hymn of Praise. She currently sings at Christ Cathedral and for many of the liturgies and events for the Diocese of Orange.

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