Virtuoso French Organist Performs in Concert at TAMIU Friday

One of the most distinguished organists, the titular organist of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris, Olivier Latry, will take his superior style of playing to the Texas A&M International University Organ Recital Series Friday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Latry began his piano studies when he was 7 years old and 12 when he started his study of the organ. When he was 23, he won a competition to become one of the three titular organists of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris. He has performed in more than 40 counties on five continents, appearing most often in the U.S.

Latry devotes part of his repertoire to improvisation as well as 17th – 20th century French organ music. He is counted among the most noted “improvisateurs” in the exceptional French tradition from Charles Tournemire and Pierre Cochereau.

He has recorded several CDs for the BNL label in France and has received several awards and honors, among them, International Performer of the Year by the New York City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and an honorary Doctor of Music degree from McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

The program includes music by Max Reger, César Franck, Louie Vierne, Tournemire, Anton Heiller and an improvisation on submitted themes by Latry.

The Sharkey-Corrigan Organ is a gift of the E. H. Corrigan Foundation, led by longtime Laredo businessman and passionate supporter of the arts E. H. Corrigan. It was inaugurated in July 2006.         

For a recorded listing of upcoming arts events call 326-ARTS (2787) or click online tamiu.edu/coas/fpa/coe       

For additional information, contact the College of Arts and Sciences, department of fine and performing arts, at 326.2654.

University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu