Thomas Ospital opens his organ recital with the American national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. But what composer Dudley Buck does with it will take your breath away — there’s nothing remotely patriotic or martial about it. And that’s not the only sly twist. The fact that Ospital — a Frenchman born in Bayonne in 1990 and, since 2015, titular organist of Saint-Eustache in Paris — should become the “Voice of America” is enough to make you smile. Just as amusing is the observation that America, an earlier, unofficial U.S. national anthem varied by Charles Ives, is actually based on an English tune. But Ospital doesn’t stop at clever punchlines. He will also play a brilliant transcription of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s symphonic poem The Isle of the Dead as well as the Symphonie-Passion by the French organ master Marcel Dupré, who was inspired by the largest organ in the world, the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ in Philadelphia. The rousing “closer” is Iain Farrington’s Live Wire — a piece that sounds as if it were being played by a jazz band.

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Thomas Ospital

KKL Luzern Concert Hall

Under the direction of Michael Waldron, and joined by acclaimed soprano Emma Bell, this programme weaves together traditional favourites and vivid new settings — offering music full of warmth, brightness and the generous spirit of the season.

On Christmas Night

Smith Square Hall

The Choir of Clare College return to Smith Square Hall for their annual Christmas concert, presenting a programme of familiar and new Christmas choral music and celebrating the music of former Director of Music Sir John Rutter in his 80th birthday year.

Christmas with the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge

Our very own Royal Northern Sinfonia will be bringing to life this festive favourite, with conductor Ellie Slorach and presenter Eleanor Mooney. In the relaxed performance, there will also be a British Sign Language interpreter.

The Snowman in Concert 2024

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

The Huddersfield Youth Choirs present a selection of Christmas music from round the world, with David Pipe at the organ. The organ solos include works by Leroy Anderson and Iain Farrington.

Music for Christmas

Huddersfield Town Hall

With appearances for the Mozart Society of America and at many UK venues, including the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, St George’s Bristol, Sinfonia Smith Square, Hatchlands Park and Edinburgh’s Russell Collection.

Iain Farrington

Events

Upcoming events

Nov 4, 2026

Emma Abbate and Julian Perkins · Sinfonia Smith Square

Past events

Sep 12, 2026

Thomas Ospital · Lucerne Festival

Dec 18, 2025

On Christmas Night · Sinfonia Smith Square

About

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