Programme

IMPROVISATION

Baroque

Church Sonata Reduced (two movements instead of four). The first movement consisting of a Sarabande style slow tempo and a brisker Fugal type texture for the Second movement.

Romantic

Following the Model of a typical Mendelssohn Sonata for organ and performing two contrasting movements one as an Allegro simple quadruple movement and the second in an andante compound duple metre.

Late French Romantic/Impressionist/Early Modern

Basically a smooth blend or syncretisation of these three idioms as exemplified by the likes of Louis Vierne, Max Reger and Karg Elert. It could also be dubbed as an improvisatory 'Splash and fun'. 

I am particularly delighted to host this musical project as it offers me a platform to play in various styles being the musical language and idiomatic currency of their particular eras-Francesco Ghirxi

Francesco Ghirxi is an organist based at St.Columba's Church in Drumcondra, Dublin as well as a freelance accompanist and recitalist. Originally hailing from Malta and having lived extensively in Edinburgh he has gained considerable experience in the field. He held a post as organist at a local church in Edinburgh, received his tuition on the mighty Reiger organ at St. Giles' cathedral and previously participated in masterclasses at Manchester cathedral. Ghirxi also had the privilege of participating in concert with the renowned German choir from Bremen, 'Unser Lieben Frauen' on its tour in Malta. In Malta Ghirxi accompanied religious services and gave recitals at the islands' main cathedrals, namely St. John's Co-cathedral, Mdina Metropolitan Cathedral, St. Paul's Anglican Pro-cathedral and Gozo cathedral. A part of Ghirxi's portfolio is musical composition and as such some of his liturgical works were even performed by world class organist and conductor Wayne Marshall OBE. Being relatively newly established in Dublin, Ghirxi has since given recitals and accompanied religious services at St. Ann's Church Dawson street, St. Mary Star of the Sea in Sandymount, St. Andrew's Church in Westland Row and the Whitefriar Street Church. He also holds a teaching post at the reputable thirty years established Castleknock School of Music in piano and theory and co-conducts a community choir in North Dublin county.

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.