Last Organist to Play Notre Dame Cathedral’s Grand Organ Hosts Concert in DC
He Will Address the Current State of Cathedral
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Olivier Latry was the last organist to play the Notre Dame Cathedral's Grand organ before the fire. It left an indelible mark on him.
"My wife and I stayed up all night," Latry said. "It was horrible."
Notre Dame Cathedral organist Olivier Latry was the first of three appointed titular organists at Notre Dame Cathedral, in Paris, France.
He will play a free concert at St. Ann Catholic Church in Northwest Washington on November 17 at 3:00pm in honor of the church’s 150th anniversary.
Latry will address the current state of the organ and Notre Dame Cathedral, an 800-year-old structure.
St. Ann’s Létourneau Organ, installed in 1999, was recently enhanced tonally and restored in 2018.
This will be Latry’s third time playing St. Ann’s organ.
The program is comprised of works by music legends Bach, Boëly, Gigout, Franck, Dupré, Messiaen and Litaize.
Director of Music at the church Bob Bright says St. Ann’s is delighted to welcome back the organist, who also played here in 2002 and 2003.
“He uses the organ as an architect — like using blueprints to design great buildings,” Bright said. “Going beyond the written notes of music, he finds the inner dances of each piece he plays.”
To enhance viewing, attendees will be able to watch him closely on a large, projected screen in the front of the church.