Self-described “organblaster” Michael Dirk showcases the mighty Casavant Frères Opus 485 pipe organ in a lighthearted performance to mark its centenary. Exactly 100 years ago – August 11, 1912 – the doors of Chalmers Presbyterian Church (now Holy Trinity) opened at the corner of Hemlock and 12th, and the first chords resounded from the 2,271 pipes of this historic instrument. This celebratory concert includes works by J.S. Bach, a tribute to Virgil Fox’s “Heavy Organ” tours from the ‘70’s, Healey Willan’s magnum opus Introduction, Passacaglia and Fugue, Denis Bedard’s Variations on “Old Hundredth” – plus improvisations to a Laurel & Hardy silent movie, complete with popcorn for the audience!
A keyboard cam and projection system will put you alongside the artist as Michael Dirk works his keyboard wizardry, and you are invited to visit the display of organ pipes and workings at intermission.
“Bach is like a jetstream. If you can get on it, you soar!” Virgil Fox
BONUS: Wear your MusicFest Vancouver Surround Sound 3D Glasses to the concert to be entered to win a prize! DOWNLOAD the template and create your own!
Official Website: http://www.musicfestvancouver.ca/home/concertInfo.php?id=429
Added by MusicFest Vancouver on June 22, 2012