Internationally Renowned Organist David Briggs to Close Holy Cross Chapel Artist Series

Internationally renowned organist David Briggs will be performing on Sunday, April 29 at 3 p.m. in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel at the College of the Holy Cross. The last concert of the 2011-12 Holy Cross Chapel Artist Series, the program includes selections from J. S. Bach, and Briggs will improvise a symphony in four movements. The performance is free, open to the public, and handicap accessible.

Briggs is organist emeritus at the Gloucester Cathedral in the United Kingdom, where he has directed the music program for the past eight years. His performances are acclaimed for their musicality, virtuosity, and ability to excite and engage audiences of all ages. With an extensive repertoire that spans five centuries, he is increasingly known for his organ transcriptions of symphonic music by composers including Mahler, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Bruckner, Ravel, and Bach. 

Briggs was the first British winner of the Tournemire Prize at the St. Albans International Improvisation Competition and won first prize in the International Improvisation Competition at Paisley. At the age of 17 he received his Fellow of the Royal College of Organists (FRCO) diploma, winning all prizes including the Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians.

His schedule includes more than 60 concerts per year, spanning over several continents.

Briggs’ performance will replace the program of Philippe Lefebvre, organist at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Lefebvre’s performance was canceled due to a serious injury.

For more information contact the music department at (508) 793-2296, or visit the department’s website.