Paul Callaway Memorial Tuba

FOR DECADES, Dr. Paul Callaway was the very heart and soul of Washington musical life. From 1939 to 1976 he served as--

Organist and Choirmaster of Washington National Cathedral
Music Director of the Washington Opera, and
Conductor of the Cathedral Choral Society of Washington.

In all these roles he upheld standards of artistic excellence and inspired, commissioned, and premiered new and important works of music. Dr. Callaway was almost singlehandedly responsible for transforming Washington into a musically important and sophisticated city.

Upon his retirement from Washington Cathedral, Dr. Callaway served as Organist and Choirmaster at St. Paul's Parish, K Street in Washington's Foggy Bottom.

Paul Callaway was a parishioner at the Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes and was highly appreciative and supportive of the prominent and excellent music in his parish church. Dr. Callaway's final public appearances as musician were at the Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes and his Requiem was sung at the church in April 1995.

Unique Memorial to Paul Callaway

The installation of an important new pipe organ at the Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes, was an opportunity to suitably memorialize Dr. Callaway. Thanks to friends and colleagues of Dr. Callaway, as well as those who knew and appreciated his contributions, Orgues Letourneau opus 68 includes an English Romantic-style tuba stop designated the "Callaway Tuba."

After the first dedicatory concert, one knowledgeable — indeed expert — member of the audience said, "This is not a great organ, it is a Grand Organ." The Callaway Tuba is an important element in that grandeur.

Ascension and Saint Agnes Parish is grateful that this lasting tribute to an extraordinary talent could be offered with happy thanksgiving to the geater glory of God.