Pipeworks
From its beginnings in 1980 as the Dublin International Organ & Choral Festival, Pipeworks has brought to Irish audiences a diverse programme of music-making with the organ at its centre, fully exploiting not only the wonderful range of instruments to be found in Ireland, but the splendid cathedrals, churches and concert halls which house them.
Pipeworks has expanded its remit to explore Ireland’s organ heritage. In non-festival years, Pipeworks presents recital series and has become known for its complete-works series, having presented the complete organ works of J.S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Dieterich Buxtehude and Olivier Messiaen, as well as the complete organ symphonies of Louis Vierne, all given by organists resident in Ireland.
Pipeworks International Organ and Choral Festival 19 - 23 June 2024
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the launch of the Pipeworks International Organ and Choral Festival 2024. Founded as the Dublin International Organ Festival in 1980, Pipeworks has brought many internationally renowned performers, teachers and scholars of the organ to Dublin, as well as showcasing the best of indigenous talent, venues and instruments.
We are thrilled once more to be featuring the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, with whom we have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership. This opening concert marks the centenary of the death of Charles Villiers Stanford, noted composer and Dublin native, with a performance of his Stabat Mater featuring the Festival Chorus singers, if you would like the opportunity to take part in this performance, please see details below. The concert also includes the first performance in Ireland of Percy Whitlock’s Symphony in G minor for organ and orchestra, a neglected gem of the repertoire, with internationally renowned organist Daniel Moult taking the solo part.
4 in a Bar, Dublin’s own vocal quartet, give the first of two performances in Christ Church Cathedral, including a new commission to mark the Stanford centenary. This is followed by a late night performance of Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time, composed when he was a prisoner of war in 1940, which features four of Ireland’s leading instrumentalists.
We are delighted to welcome organists and scholars Geoffrey Webber and Prof Edward Higginbottom to give performances in Sandford and Trinity College respectively. Recitals by Daniel Moult in Whitefriars and brilliant young multiple prizewinning organist Mona Hartmann (née Rozdestvenskyte) in St Michael’s, Dun Laoghaire, complete our lineup of international artists.
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In line with our continuing commitment to education and outreach all of our international artists give masterclasses during the festival focusing on various areas of the repertoire. Additionally, the students’ platform concert offers an opportunity for young organists to perform in a friendly and supportive environment.
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It is my hope that all will find much to enjoy therin!
David Leigh, Artistic Director
