Grand Organ goes gothic with Joseph Nolan

​For The Widor Project, Nolan will perform all ten of Charles-Marie Widor’s epic organ symphonies over five days on the 10,000 pipes in hour-long musical marathons that will appeal to fans of gothic music as well as traditional organ music enthusiasts.

The English-born, Perth-based organist and choral conductor has played in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II and was last year awarded France’s medal of Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters for services to French music. 

Arts, Culture and Heritage Portfolio chair Councillor Rohan Leppert said The Widor Project was set to be the standout event on the Grand Organ’s calendar.

“Melbourne is a city that appreciates live music and the Melbourne Town Hall Grand Organ continues to attract the highest calibre of musical talent,” Councillor Leppert said.

“As a highly regarded interpreter of organ music, Joseph Nolan has a broad appeal not only for classical organ aficionados, but also fans of keyboard music, heavy metal and skilled artistic performance.

“Melbourne’s music lovers are in for a real treat this winter and I encourage people to book their tickets early for this unmissable series.”

Formerly of Her Majesty's Chapels Royal, UK, Joseph Nolan is now Master of Music at St George's Cathedral in Perth. 

His recordings of Widor's organ symphonies using the original organs the pieces were composed with have been met with universal acclaim.

“I am thrilled and excited to be collaborating with the City of Melbourne on this project,” Joseph said.  “Their vision and insight in providing these unique concerts free of charge to the public sets a marker far and wide that the arts is for everyone.”

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