For its 2006 National Convention in Chicago, the American Guild of Organists commissioned Chicago's reigning composer Shulamit Ran for a short organ solo. Approaching composition for the organ for the first time, Ran familiarized herself with the instrument and its capabilities and effects, and produced Hallel (Praise), an 8-minute work which captures the brilliance and power of the organ, as well as its ability to show delicacy and intimacy. Hallel was premiered in July, 2006 by David Schrader at Chicago's Symphony Center. For advanced organists.