Programme:

Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562-1621), 'Ballo del Granduca' Sw WV 319

Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1707), 'Toccata in F' Bux Wv 157

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) 'Orchestral suite no. 3 in D major', (Air on G-string) BWV 1068

Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809-1847) 'Allegro Maestoso from Organ Sonata No.2 in C minor', MWV W 57

Cesar Franck (1822-1890) Prelude movement from 'Prelude, Fugue and Variation', Op.18

Camille Saint Saens (1835-1921) 'Fantasy in E flat'

Max Reger (1873-1916) 'Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott', Op.135a No.5

Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877-1933) 'Nun danket alle Gott'

Francesco Ghirxi 'Marche Triomphale pour orgue' 

Francesco Ghirxi is a regular accompanist and recitalist based in Dublin having performed prior in Malta, the UK where he was nominal organist at Liberton Kirk in South East Edinburgh, and Germany. He participated in masterclasses at Manchester cathedral and played at St. Giles cathedral in Edinburgh after having been awarded a scholarship in 2007. Francesco Ghirxi also gave recitals with renowned musicians such as Swiss flutist and composer Roberto Prandin. He also played in Malta's prestigious cathedrals, namely St. John's Co-cathedral, Mdina Cathedral and St. Paul's Anglican Pro-cathedral in Valletta for events such as recitals, worship services and knightly investitures. In October 2022 Francesco Ghirxi accompanied the renowned 'Unser Lieben Frauen' boys' choir from Bremen. Some of his liturgical compositions were performed by world class organist and conductor Wayne Marshall OBE. Francesco Ghirxi also owes his musical initiation in Dublin to Thomas Charles Marshall, organist and resident conductor at St. Ann's Church, Dawson Street. Francesco Ghirxi's distinctives are harmonising, arranging, improvising and composing. To date he is a Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.Hons) having studied organ at Edinburgh Napier University and composition at the University of Malta respectively.