Lunchtime Organ Concert: The Music of César Franck
Francois Cloete, Organ Scholar of Westminster Abbey, plays César Franck’s Trois chorals pour orgue
César Franck’s Trois chorals pour orgue, the last works he composed before his death, are considered masterpieces of his late creative period and a cornerstone of French Romanticism. César Franck inaugurated the French Romantic school of organ composition whose members included Widor, Vierne, and Duruflé.
Franck was the first to write for the new symphonic organs of Cavaillé-Coll, which featured a new range of orchestral sounds. This is music of symphonic scale and intensity, inspired by the monumental works of Beethoven. Franck wrote in August 1890: ‘I have written a long organ piece that I have entitled simply “Choral”. A chorale it is, indeed, but with plenty of fantasy’.
About the Organist
Francois Cloete is the Jack and Barbara Bovender Organ Scholar at Westminster Abbey. Having received an MDS bursary to attend Wells Cathedral School, Francois became a prize-winning Fellow of the Royal College of Organists aged 19. He read Music at Merton College, Oxford, graduating with a Congratulatory First and highest marks in his cohort. As the College’s Organ Scholar he played for five services a week, international tours, and two Radio 3 broadcasts. François has also held posts at Wells and Hereford Cathedrals. François currently studies for the MMus in Musicology at King’s College, London, having received this year’s graduate research award from the Society for Music Analysis.
Ticketing information
This event does not include entry to Westminster Abbey. We recommend looking at the Visit us pages to plan a visit during opening hours.
If you would like to look around the rest of the Abbey during your visit then we recommend you do so before you attend the Lunchtime Concert. This is to allow you enough time to see as much as possible.
Age suitability
This event is for adults and young people over the age of 16, please see our family pages for information and events to explore this theme as a family.
Timings
Doors will open at 12:45pm and the concert will begin at 1:00pm.
Meeting location
This event takes place in St Margaret's Church, please follow main visitor entry route through the security check where the event will be signposted.
Access and security
On your arrival, your bag will be searched and we ask you not to bring any large items with you (for example suitcases, large backpacks or folding bicycles) as these will not be allowed inside and we are unable to store them for you.
The Abbey is committed to creating inclusive and accessible events for all. If you have any access requirements or questions about your visit, please contact us when booking. [email protected]
Filming and photography
Please note that filming and sound recording are not permitted in St Margaret's. See our photography policy for more information.
