Legendary Concert Organist Gillian Weir to Kick off Holy Cross Chapel Artist Series

WORCESTER, Mass. – Dame Gillian Weir, legendary concert organist from London, England will perform Sunday, Oct. 4 at 3 p.m. in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel at the College of the Holy Cross.  This concert is the first of the Holy Cross Chapel Artists’ Series for the 2009-10 academic year.  The performance, which is handicap accessible, is free and open to the public.

As part of the Holy Cross Chapel Artists’ Series, Weir’s performance will feature a variety of notable pieces; including works from Johann Sebastian Bach, Franz Xaver Schnizer, and Paul Hindemith.

Weir is one of the world’s most acclaimed musicians and has performed internationally at various festivals with prestigious conductors and orchestras. Weir is regarded both for her musicianship and for her charm that has distinguished her from her colleagues and has won her respect from audiences and critics.  She has received numerous honors and awards, most notably in 1996 when she was the first organist to become a Dame Commander of the British Empire.  In 1989, her six-part television series on the BBC was immensely popular and attracted over two million weekly viewers in Britain.  The program has been replayed in various countries throughout the world.

The 2009-10 season of the Chapel Artists’ Series marks the 25th anniversary of the installation and dedication of the Taylor & Boody organ in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel and James David Christie’s 25th year as Distinguished Artist in Residence at the College.

For more information about this performance or about the Chapel Artists’ Series, please call the music department at (508) 793-2296, or visit the department’s Web site.