52 Facts About Diane Bish

Diane Joyce Bish was born on May 25,1941 and is an American organist, composer, conductor, as well as executive producer and host of The Joy of Music television series.

Diane Joyce Bish was born in Wichita, Kansas, the youngest daughter of Howard Leroy Bish and his wife Esther Jeanette, born Schuessler.

Diane Bish changed her middle name from "Joyce" to "Joy" after graduating from high school.

Diane Bish began piano lessons when she was 6 years old and started organ lessons at age 14.

Diane Bish noted that her foundation in piano gave her the background needed to succeed with organ studies, which required not only excellent keyboard technique but added in the pedal.

Diane Bish graduated from Wichita East High School in Wichita, Kansas, in 1959.

Diane Bish had played on the 1925 Austin Organ installed in the school auditorium.

Diane Bish became interested in the organ as a young child when listening to the Mormon Tabernacle organist Alexander Schreiner on Sunday morning programs on the radio, as well as recordings of E Power Biggs.

Diane Bish began studying organ as a student of Dorothy Addy, who challenged her to learn much of the classic organ repertoire during her high school years, which helped her later when she needed a variety of music for concerts and programs.

Diane Bish began her college career on a full scholarship at Asbury College in Kentucky, which had a four-manual Austin pipe organ.

Diane Bish joined the organization for the camaraderie of fellow musicians as well as the opportunities it offered, such as musical activities and competitions.

On October 31,2002, in Bloomington, Indiana, a fire consumed the home that Diane Bish shared with harpist Susann McDonald.

Diane Bish lost most of her signature concert attire in the fire.

Diane Bish describes herself as a people person and enjoys traveling, fishing, snow skiing, and animals, especially Poodles or Maltese dogs.

Diane Bish left for a year to study in Amsterdam, and then returned to the church organist position.

Diane Bish taught organ and harpsichord at Friends University for two years, along with continuing to offer concerts and lectures.

In 1969, Diane Bish received a scholarship from the French government to return to Europe for further study with Marie-Claire Alain.

Diane Bish used to listen to recordings of E Power Biggs, as well as Alexander Schreiner, who was the organist on the Sunday morning Mormon Tabernacle programs on the radio.

Diane Bish has stated that she has tried to combine the styles of Biggs and Fox, while choosing inspirational literature that makes use of the full resources of the organ, as Schreiner did.

Diane Bish co-founded the church's concert series as well as the Church Music Explosion international workshop for church musicians.

Diane Bish continues to perform occasionally at the church, most recently in an April 12,2019 concert that featured two of her works, Symphony of Hymns and the Passion Symphony, which were written for the Ruffatti organ.

Diane Bish has been on television for most of her career.

Diane Bish played a concert from her home organ, using an additional sound system through large, opened patio doors.

Diane Bish has written numerous musical compositions, including original works and arrangements of hymns and other works, and writes everything out by hand.

Unlike many other composers, Diane Bish cannot compose as an escape from sorrow or frustration.

Diane Bish must be in a content and cheerful frame of mind.

Diane Bish is known for her elegant concert attire and sparkly organ shoes.

Diane Bish said that her attire helps to create a concert performance atmosphere, noting that other concert performers do not wear black robes to perform.

Diane Bish regularly receives comments from fans about her attire.

The organ shoes that Diane Bish wears are gold with rhinestones and are designed by her manager, Janet Jarriel.

Diane Bish noted that she always tries to include music that provides spiritual inspiration in each of her concerts.

The idea for what became The Joy of Music began when Bish listened to recordings of E Power Biggs playing famous European organs.

Between 1971 and 1981, Diane Bish wrote proposals for a potential series but was unable to garner any interest.

Diane Bish stated that the travel aspect of the programs helped to bring in additional viewers.

Diane Bish serves as executive producer of the program and is involved in all aspects of its production.

Diane Bish spends a lot of time at The Joy of Music office taking care of paperwork and planning.

Diane Bish writes all of the scripts, drawing upon her earlier writing experience as the editor of her high school newspaper to write succinct commentary for the show.

Diane Bish enjoys working with guest artists, including violinists, choirs, brass ensembles, and even an Alp hornist.

When planning a tour, Diane Bish first selects the location and the guest artists.

Diane Bish then selects the music and begins to prepare it, while doing the research for the programs.

Diane Bish is responsible for approval of the program once the footage is arranged in its final production stage.

Diane Bish has encountered challenges when filming The Joy of Music.

Diane Bish related the time when her crew had to start taping at midnight because there was a light show and a trumpet recital scheduled there first.

The console of the organ caught on fire in Notre Dame and lightning struck the church where Diane Bish was to play in Germany.

Diane Bish won the National Organ Competition of the National Federation of Music Clubs, as well as the Original Composition Contest of the Mu Phi Epsilon National Competition.

In 1989, Diane Bish was awarded the National Citation by the National Federation of Music Clubs of America, considered to be the Federation's highest honor; this award was previously given to other music legends including Leonard Bernstein, Eugene Ormandy, Van Cliburn, and Robert Shaw.

On November 4,2016, Diane Bish was named the organist emerita of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church.

Also in November 2016, Diane Bish was honored as one of the 2016 Women of Distinction by Celebrating Women International in Nassau, Bahamas.

Diane Bish has made over thirty recordings on many of the great organs of the world, including the celebrated Muller organ of the St-Bavokerk in Haarlem, Netherlands, Canterbury Cathedral, and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Diane Bish is the first American woman to record at the organ of Freiburg Cathedral in Freiburg, Germany.

Diane Bish's recordings include music for organ and orchestra, brass and organ, cello and organ, most of the great masterpieces for solo organ, original compositions and hymn arrangements.

Diane Bish has published seven books and numerous solo pieces for organ, along with arrangements of various hymns including "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today".