For lovers of organ music, Fordham University Church will play host to renown musician Christopher Houlihan on Nov. 6 at 4 p.m.
The Los Angeles Times has called Houlihan “the next big organ talent.”
The program will mostly feature music from the French romantic era.
“I love this period and the way these composers use the organ to its fullest extent,” said Houlihan. “It’s really red-blooded, full-throttle organ music: from moments that terrify to moments that feature the most gentle sounds that the organ has.”
Houlihan said he was looking forward to playing on a newly built Schoenstein & Co. instrument, which was installed just three years ago.
“Each organ is made for the room and no two are the same,” he said. “It’s a great asset to the University and to the city. I feel really lucky.”
He said that he is particularly looking forward to closing the concert with
Maurice Duruflé’s Suite, opus 5.
“It begins with a mysterious prelude and beautiful solo of the clarinet, [and]ends as one of the most terrifying pieces for the organ. It’s nonstop excitement!”
The performance is free and is in memoriam for Rev. James Boyce, O.Carm., former member of the music faculty.
Program:
Louis Vierne – Carillon de Westminster
César Franck – Choral No. 2 in B minor
Joseph Bonnet – Variations de Concert, op.1
Olivier Messiaen – from L’Ascension
II. Alleluias sereins
III. Transports de joie
Maurice Duruflé – Suite, opus 5
I. Prélude
II. Siciliènne
III. Toccata
