British organist James O’Donnell returns to Australia for a tour that begins at Adelaide’s Pilgrim Uniting Church as part of the International Organist Series. He then joins the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony and Joseph Jongen’s Symphonie concertante, before making his organ debut at the Sydney Opera House in JS Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in E-flat major, Bingham’s St Bride, Assisted by Angels, Franck’s Choral I in E, Walton’s Crown Imperial and Duruflé’s Organ Suite.

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For those who stare at the empty grand organ atop the QPAC Concert Hall, we have a concert just for you! Even more thrilling, we will be joined by James O’Donnell, the previous Organist for Westminster Abbey for over 20 years!

If you’ve seen the film Babe then you’ve already heard Camille Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No.3. Its heartwarming melody features in the soundtrack, so if a little pig springs to mind while you listen, don’t be alarmed! It’s also one of the few symphonies featuring organ alongside our orchestral instruments, and the effect is earth-shaking powerful.

The Saint-Saëns is an excellent gateway into the lesser-heard Symphonie Concertante for Organ and Orchestra in which Belgian organist-composer Joseph Jongen harnesses the awe-inspiring textures of the instrument. James O’Donnell will then show you how it’s done as Pablo González conducts. Between these works, you’ll hear Colourscapes from Australia’s own Harry Sdraulig. This young composer uses the orchestra as his colour wheel to craft a vibrant listening experience.