John Olson

John Olson grew up loving the sound of the organ, but did not start playing until he was in his late twenties. He has since studied organ in San Francisco and later in New York, and now, after several years away from the instrument, is thrilled to be back to it and studying with Christian Lane in Boston. He is fortunate to have as his practice instrument a beautiful Wahl Organbuilders two-manual and pedal tracker organ in his home in Boston.

John is also a classical guitarist, active as an ensemble player in New York, primarily with the Brooklyn Guitar Quartet and the Olson/De Cari Duo, the latter with his wife, soprano Gioia De Cari. He has commissioned over twenty new works, and is currently at work with Gioia on their second recording, which will feature new song cycles and arrangements written for them by American and Brazilian composers. Since 2007, John has served as President of the New York City Classical Guitar Society.

Also a scientist, John received his PhD in Biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has performed research for over twenty-five years in both academic and industrial settings. He currently works in Kendall Square, and splits his time between New York and Boston.