Saint-Saens's Organ Symphony at Paisley Abbey

NB - this performance features the Choir of St Mary's Cathedral, but takes place in Paisley Abbey, not St Mary's Cathedral.

Nothing prepares you for the show-stopping, cymbal-clashing finale of Saint-Saëns’s Organ Symphony! And a performance in the magnificent interior of Paisley Abbey, with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and conductor Martyn Brabbins, is sure to be a spine-tingling experience.

Saint-Saëns may have been the best church organist in the world (according to Franz Liszt!) but this concert celebrates the work of Glasgow-born Dr George McPhee, a stalwart supporter of the instrument who has contributed immensely to Paisley Abbey’s musical life for 60 years as organist and Director of Music.

Three of Scotland’s most celebrated choirs combine forces for a selection of stirring, celebratory music including coronation anthems by Parry and Walton, as well as Patrick Doyle’s recent coronation march for King Charles III. Plus, there’s unaccompanied choral treats by Gabrieli and Tallis. Join us at Paisley Abbey for a truly uplifting event!

Concert Programme

• Doyle Coronation March (c.3 mins)
• Parry I was Glad (c.8 mins)
• Walton Te Deum (c.10 mins)
• Choral music by Gabrieli and Tallis

Interval

• Saint-Saëns Symphony No.3 ‘Organ’* (c.35 mins)

Artists

• Martyn Brabbins, conductor
• BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
• Choirs of Paisley Abbey, St Mary’s Cathedral (Edinburgh) and St Giles’ Cathedral (Edinburgh)
• *Dr George McPhee Organist and Master of the Choristers, Paisley Abbey
• Duncan Ferguson Organist and Master of the Music, St Mary's Cathedral
• Michael Harris Organist and Master of the Music, St Giles' Cathedral