Carlisle Cathedral’s series of free lunchtime recitals will host a special performance by organist Alexander Ffinch on Tuesday 30 July.
Ffinch, who was brought up in the Cumbrian village of Newbiggin-on-Lune and attended Sedbergh School, went on to study at the Royal College of Music. He was subsequently organ scholar at Keble College and a pupil of Thomas Trotter. Whilst resident organist at Lancaster Town Hall he gave over 100 recitals in the 1990s and also gained recognition in the St Albans Interpretation Competition in 1999. He has performed in the UK, Europe, USA and Asia.
His schedule for 2019 includes numerous engagements across the globe; including dates in France and Germany, and at the Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco. In August he was scheduled to play the organ at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, but the tragic turn of events in April this year which saw the great building devastated by fire means that appearance has been postponed for the time being. Carlisle Cathedral are thrilled to offer an additional date to Alexander’s summer schedule and he will be returning to Cumbria for this special performance, playing the magnificent Willis organ of 1856.
The concert tour coincides with the release of his latest album, Transformations: A Selection for Organ. The title reflects the composition style of the pieces on the album, which were chosen to convey the freshness of a post-restoration sound as well as showcasing a large-scale symphonic instrument. The album features pieces by Joseph Jongen and Franz Liszt, alongside the world premiere commercial recording of a piece by Jonathan Dove: The Dancing Pipes.
The recital starts at 12.45pm and last approximately 45 minutes. Entry is free and all are welcome.
Transformations is released on 20 July on CD and digitally. CDs will be available for purchase on the day or can be ordered from www.divineartrecords.com
