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Please join us as we celebrate the rededication of St. Matthew's incredible pipe organ with a recital by internationally acclaimed organist, Felix Hell!The concert will be at 4pm in the nave, followed by a reception in the gathering space.
About the organist:
A native of Germany, Felix Hell is one of the most sought after concert organists in the world. He has been featured as a recitalist and concerto soloist in more than 900 concerts throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Felix Hell is known for his diverse and innovative programming, drawing upon a repertoire encompassing five centuries. He has received global recognition for his marathon performances of the entire organ works of J.S. Bach, which encompass about 250 compositions and close to 20 hours of performance time.
Felix Hell’s discography includes 12 CDs. His most recent recording titled "Poetic Visions" features Romantic Organ Music by German Composers. It was recorded on the historic 1902 E.F. Walcker Organ in Lüdenscheid, Germany and includes works by Reger, Mendelssohn, Rheinberger, Brahms and Liszt. His recordings are frequently broadcast throughout the United States and across the world; he has appeared on television globally.
Felix Hell studied at the Juilliard School in New York, the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia (BM), and the Peabody Institute in Baltimore (AD, MM, DMA). In 2007, he received Johns Hopkins University’s prestigious Outstanding Graduate Award.
About the organ:
While there are a few examples of French Romantic schools of organ building in Pennsylvania, the 2014 SDG pipe organ at St. Matthew Lutheran church can be considered as the most French Romantic inspired instrument in central Pennsylvania and possibly beyond. However, despite exhaustive research prior to its construction and the rousing dedication by Olivier Latry of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, numerous organists have suggested certain tonal refinements which would serve to enhance the instrument. Combining those suggestions and consultations with organists who have played authentic French Romantic instruments in and around Paris, France, Brunner & Associates devised a plan to bring this landmark instrument even closer to the ideals of the famous French organ builder, Aristide Cavaille Coll. These enhancements include the installation of an independent Pedal Diapason and the broadening of string stops in all 3 manual divisions. Combining careful tonal finishing with meticulous refinement and regulation of the electro-mechanical action throughout the instrument, the goal was reached which was to ensure proper pipe speech, both in terms of attack and decay. This work especially improved the attack and decay of the reeds. With these refinements the instrument is now proving more capable to further authentically replicate that which was envisioned by French Romantic composers such as Franck, Vierne, Widor and others. And all the while the instrument retains its important role to properly support music in the traditional Lutheran liturgy.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
839 W Market St, York, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 17401