In this episode of the PPS podcast, Charlie Brown speaks with Isabelle Demers in preparation for her performance on Saturday 28th September marking the end of another successful season of organ recitals at St John the Evangelist, Duncan Terrace in Islington, London.
Listen as we hear from one of the world's most celebrated organists as she discusses her thoughts and reasons for her chosen music. In particular, we hear an interesting and moving personal insight concerning the important influence of the first piece's composer - Rachel Laurin - on Isabelle's life and work.
Isabelle Demers plays across Canada and the United States and is regularly invited to play at the basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal. Her virtuoso piano technique and the fact that she plays all her repertoire from memory set her apart in the world of organists.
She currently serves as professor of organ at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. With playing described as having “bracing virtuosity” (Chicago Classical Review) and being “fearless and extraordinary” (Amarillo-Globe News), organist Isabelle Demers has enraptured critics, presenters, and audience members around the globe for her entrancing performances.
Full information on this and other recitals can be found at
Music Discussed: Sweelinck Variations - Rachel Laurin (1961-2023)
Impromptu - Valentin Alkan (1813-1888)
Prière - César Franck (1822-1890)
The Moldau - Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884)
Music featured (played by Isabelle Demers): IV Toccata, Symphony No 1, Op 36 - Rachel Laurin
https://open.spotify.com/track/3FqdTx10AeTY12LsGve1QO?si=31d74e45b4ef4495
Impromptu on a Choral of Luther, Op.69 (Un fort rampart est notre Dieu…Ein feste Burg) - Charles Valentin Alkan
Featured in Pipedreams Podcast -https://www.pipedreams.org/episode/2022/10/24/a-reformation-festival
Theme Music: Adrian Gunning
Artwork: Cal Wilson
