Henry featured in April 2024 issue of Sforzando

Henry at the 1989 Schlicker two-manual and pedal organ at House of Prayer Lutheran Church, Escondido.

April 2024: Henry was featured in the recent issue of Sforzando, the newsletter for the American Guild of Organists San Diego Chapter. The article describes his history of music making, beginning with studying accordion at the age of seven, his first paying gig at age twelve, and discovering classical music at the age of 16.

Chapter Life: Member Vignettes by Ron Jesse

Reprinted from the April 2024 issue of Sforzando.

Henry Doktorski: “I grew up in Central New Jersey, a melting pot of Eastern and Western European immigrant culture. My ancestors came from Poland, and I began accordion lessons in 1963 at the age of 7. My teacher encouraged me to improvise. I played my first paying gig in 1968 at the age of 12 for a birthday. I got twenty dollars for making music for one hour. Around the age of 16, I discovered classical music after joining my high school choir and I began studying piano pieces by Bach, Debussy and Beethoven from an elderly man who—during his teenage years in the 1910s—played organ for silent films. Regarding pipe organ, I began learning how to play (I’m still learning) when, in 1986, I became music director for a Hindu religious community in West Virginia (that’s a long story!). Eight years ago, I moved to California, and currently serve as organist for House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Escondido. I consider myself a ‘village organist,’ as I play a small (but beautiful and extremely well-maintained) 9-rank 2-manual and pedal Schlicker organ.”

Editors Note: Check out Henry’s website HERE. He is quite the composer and I’m sure you will find his site to be a great resource.—Ron Jesse