303 E Cordova St Vancouver BC V6A 1L4
RCCO Vancouver Centre presents an eclectic programme on St James’ majestic three-manual Casavant organ. This annual Members’ Recital is a great opportunity to hear and meet Vancouver organists as their performance brings to life the historic pipe organ’s rich palette of sound. Admission is by donation, and the event is followed by a reception.
Please confirm your attendance here for planning purposes.
Performers and programme:
- MARCEL DUPRÉ Cortège et Litanie, Op 19 No 2 — PJ Janson
- JEHAN ALAIN Introduction et Variations ( Suite pour Orgue ) — Angelique Po
- DENIS BÉDARD Cat Duet Suite — Rachel Alflatt & Denis Bédard
- JOHANN CHRISTIAN BACH Chromatic Fugue on BACH, arr. Franz Wagner — Huiyuan (Cindy) Ma
- DENIS BÉDARD Rondeau sur un thème rwandais — Michael Dirk
- CÉSAR FRANCK Chorale No 2 in B Minor — Isaac Howie
- CHRISTOPHER DALTON Improvisation — Christopher Dalton
- HEALEY WILLAN Introduction, Passacaglia and Fugue — Gerald Harder
In 1938 Casavant Frères of St Hyacinthe, Québec, was awarded the contract for a new 3-manual organ of 1760 pipes. The organ itself was located in the north transept of the church, formerly the choir gallery, which was lowered to make room for the instrument, with a façade designed by Adrian Gilbert Scott — the same architect who designed St James’ Church building. Over the years some minor changes were made to meet the musical demands of a living church, including a new Choir division with three ranks in the west gallery in 1948, and a new organ console in 2003. With the addition of the Choir division, the organ now has 33 ranks and just under 2000 pipes. The main organ is located high on the north gallery of the church – an excellent location, as the grand sound of this fine Casavant Frères organ is marvellously enhanced by the church’s outstanding acoustics.