In celebration of the re-opening of Notre-Dame in December 2024 we are thrilled to present two glorious mass settings which are deeply associated with the cathedral.
Vierne composed his Messe Solennelle in 1899 whilst still assistant to Widor at the Parisian Church of St Sulpice. He and Widor were the two organists at its premiere in 1900, by which time Vierne had become organist titulaire at Notre-Dame a post he was to hold until his death – at the console – in 1937.
David Briggs, formerly a Kings College Cambridge organ scholar and organist at Truro and Gloucester Cathedrals, has an international career as a concert organist, improviser and composer. Currently Artist-in-Residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, David is renowned for his acclaimed improvisations and transcriptions influenced deeply by his immersion in the wonderful Parisian improvisation tradition.
There will be an interval during the concert, which will end by c.8.45pm. Plenty of time to wine and dine afterwards!
