Belmont University School of Music presents
David J. Briggs, organ
Final (from the Organ Symphony)
Belmont University School of Music
Three Pieces for Musical Clocks
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) trans. David J. Briggs
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Variations on Greensleeves
David Briggs (b.1962)
Pièce Héroique Cesar Franck (1822-1890)
Poème Symphonique: L’apprenti sorcier
Paul Dukas (1865-1935)
David Briggs (on movements submitted by the audience) (b.1962)
Improvisation: Symphony in Four Movements
Introduction and Allegro
Scherzo
Andante cantabile
Finale
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 7:30 P.M. MCAFEE CONCERT HALL
“Mr. Briggs is one of our finest organists, and also a particularly good transcriber of orchestral works for his own instrument.”
~The New York Times
David Briggs is an internationally renowned organist whose performances are acclaimed for their musicality, virtuosity, and ability to excite and engage audiences of all ages. Consistently ranked as one of the finest organists of his generation, his extensive repertoire spans five centuries. He has also become one of the foremost organ transcribers of symphonic works, thereby giving listeners the opportunity to experience the organ in a new way. He has transcribed orchestral compositions by Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Bruckner, Ravel, and Bach as well as Mahler’s Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth symphonies.
Described as “an intrepid improviser” by Michael Barone, host of American Public Media’s Pipedreams, Briggs also frequently performs improvisations to silent films such as Phantom of the Opera, Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Nosferatu, Jeanne d’Arc, Metropolis, King of Kings, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the General, and a variety of Charlie Chaplin films.
At the age of seventeen, he obtained his FRCO (Fellow of the Royal College of Organists) diploma, winning the Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians. From 1981-84 he was Organ Scholar at King’s College, Cambridge University, during which time he studied with Jean Langlais in Paris. The first British winner of the Tournemire Prize at the St Albans International Improvisation Competition, he also won the first prize in the International Improvisation Competition at Paisley. Subsequently Briggs held positions at Hereford, Truro and Gloucester Cathedrals.
Deeply committed to ensuring organ music remains relevant and vibrant, he enjoys giving pre-concert lectures and demonstrations that help make organ music more broadly accessible. He teaches performance at Cambridge University, frequently serves on international organ competition juries, and gives master classes at colleges and conservatories across the U.S. and Europe.
Briggs performs more than 50 concerts a year at such venues as Maison Symphonique, Montreal; Royal Albert Hall, London; Notre-Dame, St Sulpice and St Eustache, Paris; Kimmel Center, Philadelphia; Berlin Philharmonie, Germany; St James Cathedral, Toronto; International Performing Arts Center, Moscow; Valencia Cathedral, Spain; National Auditorium, Madrid; Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria (BC); Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim, Norway; Grace Cathedral, San Francisco (CA); and King’s College, Cambridge.
He is also a prolific composer and his works range from full scale oratorios to works for solo instruments. He has recorded two DVDs, and thirty-seven CDs, many of which include his own compositions and transcriptions.
Briggs is currently Artist-in-Residence at the Cathedral of St John the Divine in New York City. For more information, Please visit: www.david-briggs.org.
McAfee Concert Hall Organ
The Aeolian-Skinner organ was built in 1968 for the Belmont Heights Baptist Church. Belmont University purchased the church property, and in 2011-12 rebuilt the church sanctuary as the new McAfee Concert Hall. Carolyn McAfee, the major donor for this project, saw great potential for the organ in an improved acoustical space. As part of the renovation, the organ was totally refurbished by the Milnar Organ Company of Eagleville, TN.
In the mid-twentieth century the Aeolian-Skinner Organ became America’s most respected organ builder, providing organs for churches and concert halls across the country. Their organs were known for their fine craftsmanship and their concept of the American Classic sound that built upon European organ traditions with a unique American flair.
The McAfee Concert Hall’s organ is a good example of Aeolian-Skinner’s late work. The company ceased operation in 1972.
Upcoming Concerts and Events
Jazz Small Groups II and III
Friday, September 15, 12:00 p.m.
Wilson & Massey Performing Arts Center Atrium
Composition Honors Recital
Tuesday, September 19, 7:30 p.m. McAfee Concert Hall
Faculty Jazz Group
Wednesday, September 20, 7:30 p.m. Massey Concert Hall
Belmont University String Chamber Orchestra
Friday, September 22, 12:00 p.m.
Wilson & Massey Performing Arts Center Atrium
Faculty Concert Series
Commercial Voice Faculty
Monday, September 25, 7:30 p.m. Massey Concert Hall
For more information on upcoming concerts and events, please visit www.belmont.edu/cmpa or “like” Belmont University School of Music on Facebook.
