At the console, on his third visit to the Cathedral in the last two years, will be the internationally renowned organ recitalist, composer and improviser, David Briggs who now lives in the USA - that is when he's not travelling the world playing recitals.
David will present a programme which will begin with some light classical pieces but end with the major challenge of accompanying a silent movie which will be shown on a large screen at the front of the Cathedral. Watching the movie on a monitor in the organ gallery, David will produce all kinds of magnificent sounds which describe musically what is being seen on the screen.
The recital begins at 8.00 pm. Everyone most welcome.
David Briggs is an internationally renowned organist who has built a world-wide reputation as an innovative musician and dazzling performer. Increasingly sought after for his orchestral transcriptions and his art of improvisation, his performances are known for their musicality, virtuosity and ability to excite and engage audiences of all ages.
David studied organ with Jean Langlais in Paris. The first British winner of the Tournemire Prize at the St Albans International Improvisation Competition, he also won the first prize in the International Improvisation Competition at Paisley.
At the age of 17 he obtained his FRCO (Fellow of the Royal College of Organists) Diploma, winning the Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians.
David is also a prolific composer and his works range from full scale oratorios to works for solo instruments. Commissions include a setting of the St John Passion for choir, chamber orchestra and soloists; Symphony 'Missa pro defunctis'; a setting of the Solemn Requiem Mass; Four Concert Etudes; and a Cello Sonata. 'Dreamworld', a song cycle for tenor and piano, his 'Requiem' and transcriptions of Tchaikovsky 4 and Schubert 8, have been released on the independent music label, Chestnut Music.
David's first recital in St Columb's Cathedral was in November 2006. He returned in June 2007 for another major recital which included the Cathedral Choir singing an anthem which he was commissioned to compose, based on the words of the St Columba's Day Collect, to mark the dedication of the William Alexander Chapel in the Cathedral.
The Dean of Derry, the Very Reverend Dr William Morton, said he is absolutely delighted to welcome David back to the Cathedral. "This is a major event in our 2008 Summer Music Series and it is a wonderful honour to have in our midst once again a performer of such magnificent calibre, professionalism and musicianship," said Dr Morton.
"I extend a warm invitation and welcome to all who would like to come along. Even if you have never experienced anything like this before, and it's maybe not even your type of music, please come along - you will be simply enthralled beyond measure. That is the experience of all those who have come along to David's recitals in the past," said the Dean.
David's schedule includes more than 50 concerts a year.
In 2004, he was one of three international recitalists invited to celebrate the opening of the organ at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Recent engagements include National Cathedral in Washington, DC, Notre Dame in Paris, Severance Hall in Cleveland and Symphony Hall, Birmingham, in the UK.
David now lives in Boston, Massachusetts, and is represented by Chestnut Music.
Meanwhile, on Thursday 24 July at 1.15 pm, Travis Baker will give a recital on the organ in the Cathedral - again part of the Summer Music Series.
A native of Melbourne, Australia, Travis is considered to be one of the finest organists of his homeland. After meeting concert organist Dame Gillian Weir at a summer school in Europe in 2001 Travis travelled to England the following year for an extensive study session with her. Now based in England, he continues to study with the world-renowned performer.
His own recital career now takes him throughout the UK with a busy schedule of performances in the London area, the West Country and in the major cities in Scotland.
He has also acted as organist accompanist for prestigious groups such as the Kentish Opera and the Allegri Singers. Since moving to the UK in July 2004 Travis has worked closely with Paul Farrington, one of Europe's top Vocal Consultants.
This has involved work both in London with Estill Vocal Workshops and in Ireland with TOSINI and the Charles Wood Summer School ion Armagh.
Along with his demanding recital schedule, voice coaching and choir directing, Travis maintains a thriving private teaching practice and is currently assistant organist at St Michael's Parish Church, Highgate.