Advent and Christmas Organ Recital with John Mitchell

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Tickets
When:
December 10, 2023 @ 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
2023-12-10T13:30:00-08:00
2023-12-10T14:30:00-08:00
Where:
Canadian Memorial United Church
Corner of Burrard St. & W 15th Ave
Vancouver
BC
Cost:
$25
Contact:
Event website
John Mitchell, a Vancouver native, exhibited an early passion for the organ, playing his first services at St. Andrew’s United at the age of 14. With guidance from Frederick Carter, he attained the Associate and Fellowship Diplomas of the Royal Canadian College of Organists, receiving the Willan Prize for both. His rich musical journey includes roles as organist at Holy Rosary Cathedral, St. Mary’s Anglican in Kerrisdale, and chorus master of Edmonton Opera. A versatile talent, Mitchell studied voice at UBC School of Music, joined the Vancouver Chamber Choir, and performed supporting roles with Vancouver Opera. Returning to Vancouver in 1993, he resumed his role at St. Mary’s and freelanced across various churches, including Pacific Spirit United. Mitchell’s accomplishments span conducting, singing, and playing, making him a respected figure in the Vancouver musical scene for nearly four decades.
Programme:
Music for Advent
Fantasia on ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ – Alec Rowley (1892 – 1958)
Now Come, Thou Savior of the Nations BWV 659  – J. S. Bach (1685 – 1750)
Up, Awake! A Voice is Calling BWV 645 –  J. S. Bach
Prelude on ‘Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming’  – Johannes Brahms (1833 – 1897)
Audience hymn: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus VU 2
Six Variations on the tune Stuttgart (in the style of Bach)  – Christa Rakich

Music for Christmas
Three Preludes on ‘In Dulci Jubilo’  – J S Bach, Diedrich Buxtehude (1637 – 1707), Marcel Dupré (1886 – 1971)
From Heav’n Above to Earth I Come  – Johann Pachelbel (1653 – 1706)
Offertory for Midnight Mass  – César Franck (1822 – 1890)
‘Jig’ Fugue in C major  – Diedrich Buxtehude
Audience carol ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime VU 71
Trio – Récit de Tierce en Taille – Grand Jeu et Duo (from ‘Suite in Classical French Style on the Huron Carol’)  – John Mitchell
Two Christmas Interludes (Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance?, The Holly and the Ivy)   – Wm. Lloyd Webber (1914 – 1982)
Audience carol: What Child is this? VU 74
What Child is This? (Greensleeves)  – Richard Purvis (1913 – 1994)
Noël X Grand Jeu et Duo  – Louis-Claude D’Aquin (1694 – 1772)