Organist to play after losing arm

Mark Thallander, who lost his left arm in a car accident in August, will play the organ today at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena.

The former assistant organist at the Crystal Cathedral and director of music at the Pasadena church will join organist Julian Revie at the end of a noon holiday program at 393 N. Lake Ave. in Pasadena.

In August, Thallander was returning to a friend’s house from a church service in Worcester, Mass., when, during a heavy rainstorm, he ran off the road. He suffered severe blood loss. His left arm was shattered and had to be amputated. This will be his first concert appearance since the accident.

-- Chris Pasles