Concertgoers will gather at Christ Church Greenwich on Saturday, February 1, for an extraordinary evening of music, as world-renowned organist Professor Isabelle Demers performs a free recital on the church’s Harrison & Harrison organ. The program begins at 5:00 p.m., with a reception to follow in the Chapel Foyer.
Known for her captivating performances and virtuosic precision, Demers has established herself as one of the most electrifying organists of her generation. The evening’s repertoire spans classical and modern compositions, showcasing the organ’s rich tonal range and her own technical brilliance. Highlights include Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, selections by Johann Sebastian Bach and César Franck, and a striking performance of Rachel Laurin’s works. A centerpiece of the recital will be George Thalben-Ball’s Variations on a Theme of Paganini, performed entirely on the organ pedals— a feat rarely undertaken and a testament to Demers’s “fearless and extraordinary” artistry, as described by the Amarillo GlobeNews.
Professor Demers is celebrated for her ability to transport audiences through sound, earning accolades from critics worldwide. Michael Quinn of Choir and Organ lauded her as “one of the most expressive organists at work today,” while Donald Rosenberg of Gramophone noted her performances “go to glorious extremes.” Born in Québec, Demers honed her craft at The Juilliard School and now serves as Associate Professor of Organ at McGill University in Montréal. Her recordings on the Acis and Pro Organo labels have been praised for their emotional depth and technical mastery, leaving listeners, in the words of Chicago Classical Review, in awe of her “bracing virtuosity.”
The Harrison & Harrison organ at Christ Church Greenwich, a celebrated instrument in its own right, offers an ideal setting for Demers’s performance. Its craftsmanship and tonal intricacies promise to amplify the emotional resonance of the evening’s repertoire.
The event will conclude with a reception in the Chapel Foyer, allowing attendees the rare opportunity to meet the artist and discuss the performance. Christ Church Greenwich invites the community to join this celebration of music and artistry.
To learn more, visit christchurchgreenwich.org. Admission is free, and donations supporting the church’s music ministry are welcome.
