The concert will feature a rare guest from Australia, organist James Flores.
The first half of the concert will feature works by two famous French and German Baroque composers, Francois Couperin and Johann Sebastian Bach. Later, we will hear French Canadian composer Denis Bedard's (b. 1950) French-style variations on the theme "God, Nearer to Thee". With this repertoire, he will reveal the wide possibilities of the Blue Organ: from the ornate Baroque to the innovative contemporary.
James Flores' musical path winds in the direction of sacred music and organ concerts. He began his career studying with Benedict Wilson. At the same time he became substitute organist at the Schola Cantorum of St Patrick's Church, Albury. He was also active in liturgical activities, giving concerts and recording CDs. Later he continued his studies with Dr. Alan Beavis. During his studies, he played in a number of important concerts and won many honours and diplomas. Highlights include an LTCL with distinction from Holy Trinity College, London, a Licentiate Diploma with distinction from St Cecilia's School of Music and an AMusA for organ and piano. In 2020 he received the Australian Governor-General's Medal for his contribution to the musical life of Albury and its environs. On his YouTube channel, James Flores spreads his music to a global audience and works to preserve the organ as a valuable and cherished instrument for generations to come.
The Franciscan Church of Vilnius boasts a spectacular Baroque Blue Organ of unparalleled beauty and sonority, built in 2022 by SLJ Budowa Organów (under the direction of Szymon Lech Januszkiewicz) from Poland and Ugāle ērģeļbūves darbnīca, SIA (under the direction of Janis Kalninš) from Latvia. The organ was designed by Polish organist and organ expert prof. dr. hab. Andrzej Szadejko.
Admission is free, and donations will be collected to cover the artist's travel expenses and the restoration of the church.
