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While we know and love Bach for his cantatas, oratorios, concertos, and chamber music, he never seems more himself than on the organ. His writings for the ‘king of all instruments’ (W.A. Mozart) open the gates to an entire universe of harmony and polyphony, achieving a degree of freedom impossible for any other instrument, and allowing for a unique window into Bach’s mind.
The pieces chosen for this recital on the renowned Pasi organ at the West Vancouver United Church touch on the four pillars of Bach’s organ work: Toccata and Fugue, Concerto, Sonata and Chorale Prelude.
Generously sponsored by The Graham & Gayle Cooke Foundation.
PROGRAMME
J.S. Bach (1685 – 1750)
5th Trio Sonata BWV 529
‘An Wasserflüssen’ BWV 653
Passacaglia & Fugue BWV 582
Concerto BWV 593
Toccata & Fugue BWV 538
‘Vor deinen Thron’ BWV 668
The internationally renowned keyboard artist Alexander Weimann has spent his life enveloped by the therapeutic power and beauty of making music. Alex grew up in Munich. At age three he became fascinated by the intense magic of the church organ. He started piano at six, formal organ lessons at 12 and harpsichord at university (along with theatre theory, medieval Latin and jazz piano.) He is in huge demand as a director, soloist and chamber player, traveling the world with leading North American and European ensembles. He is Artistic Director of the Pacific Baroque Orchestra in Vancouver and teaches at the University of British Columbia where he directs the Baroque Orchestra Mentorship Programme.
Alex has appeared on more than 100 recordings, including the Juno-award-winning album “Prima Donna” with Karina Gauvin and Arion Baroque orchestra. His latest album series “The Art of Improvisation” (Volume 1: A Prayer for Peace; Volume 2: Ad libitum; and Volume 3: Canavian Variations, released on Redshift, 2024) unites his passions for both baroque music and improvisation on organ, harpsichord, and piano.
Organist Tina Christiansen brings her extensive international experience to Vancouver for a concert that highlights her deep engagement with organ repertoire across centuries and cultures. A graduate of The Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus and a soloist since 2013, she has built a performance career spanning more than 90 concerts throughout Europe and Russia, including appearances at St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey in London.
Tina frequently appears as a recitalist and chamber musician, and she has contributed to the organ’s repertoire through world premieres by contemporary composers. Her recordings and performances with ensembles like the Doppler Duo have drawn attention for their clarity, precision, and detail, illustrating the organ’s expressive possibilities in both historic and modern contexts.
Presented in one of Vancouver’s resonant venues, this concert offers listeners a chance to hear an artist whose career reflects both tradition and thoughtful exploration. Tina’s musicianship is informed by years of international touring, deep familiarity with historical instruments, and a commitment to making organ music enjoyable to audiences.
More details to come later in 2026 and in early 2027.
Will include concerts by renowned performers, workshops, masterclasses, and the RCCO National Organ Competition.