Two churches, two organs, one unforgettable concert with Isabelle Demers
Tomorrow night, June 4 at 7:00 PM, the Winnipeg chapter of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) invites audiences to a unique concert experience that spans two nearby churches—Young United Church and All Saints Anglican Church—each home to a magnificent organ. The performance will be split between the two venues, with a shuttle bus and walkable route provided for the intermission move.
At the console for the evening is Isabelle Demers, an internationally celebrated Canadian organist known for her fearless technique and creative programming. Originally from Quebec, Demers is a Juilliard-trained performer and educator who formerly chaired the organ department at Baylor University and now teaches at McGill University's Schulich School of Music.
Bringing two instruments—and their personalities—to life
It was Demers’ idea to divide the program between the two churches. “It’s not something I do a lot,” she said, noting that it’s rare to find two quality instruments so close together. “But here, it works beautifully.”
She compared the experience to showcasing the unique personalities of two different people: “They each have their own quirks,” she said, adding that she hopes the audience will come away with a deeper appreciation of the organ’s expressive range.
From Stravinsky-inspired rhythms to deep emotional resonance
The first half of the concert at Young United Church features 20th-century repertoire. Demers will open with the Finale From Hommage a Stravinsky by Franco-Lebanese composer Naji Hakim, a rhythmically charged work inspired by (but not quoting) Stravinsky. “It’s relentless,” she said. “There’s something a little goofy about it—it’s not really serious music, but it has so much energy.”
She follows that with a rarely performed gem by French-Jewish composer Elsa Barraine, whose organ music combines French lyricism with exotic Jewish themes. The final piece of the first half is a deeply emotional sonata by Canadian composer Rachel Laurin, written in memory of a man’s wife after her passing. “The first movement is about grief,” said Demers. “And the second and third movements are about finding your way after a loss.” Laurin, who died in 2023, was a close colleague of Demers and left a lasting legacy in Canadian organ music.
Baroque brilliance and lush Romantic colour
The second half at All Saints Anglican Church opens with a dramatic transcription of the Sinfonia from J.S. Bach’s Cantata BWV 146, arranged by French organist Marcel Dupré. “There’s a lot of excitement,” said Demers. “You’re on the edge of your seat by the end.” She explained that while Dupré didn’t thicken the texture with added octaves, the organ’s natural resonance makes the piece feel larger than life.
Next on the program is Ave Maria by Sigfrid Karg-Elert, a late-Romantic composer known for his richly chromatic harmonies and shimmering textures. Originally written for harmonium, the piece translates beautifully to the organ, where its lush sonorities can fully bloom. “It’s a work that really sings,” said Demers. “There’s a warmth and tenderness to it, like a quiet prayer unfolding.” The piece offers a moment of intimate reflection amid the evening’s more dramatic fare, showcasing the organ’s ability to convey both grandeur and grace.
Mendelssohn and the legacy of Bach
Demers will also perform the first of Felix Mendelssohn’s six organ sonatas, works deeply influenced by Bach. The sonata she’s chosen incorporates the Lutheran hymn “What God does is well done” and features everything from fugal counterpoint to romantic expressiveness. “There’s always this melody you can follow,” she said. “It goes where you want it to go. There’s comfort in that—something we all need these days.”
Reception and details
A reception will be held at Young United Church after the concert, with shuttle buses returning from All Saints Anglican Church for those who prefer not to walk.
The concert begins at 7:00 PM at Young United Church and concludes at All Saints Anglican Church. For more information, visit rccowinnipeg.ca or check the event listing on Classic107.com.
Don’t miss this rare chance to hear one of Canada’s finest organists in a concert that’s anything but ordinary. With two stunning venues, two contrasting instruments, and a program that spans centuries and styles—from high-octane 20th-century showpieces to deeply expressive Romantic gems—this is more than a recital; it’s a sonic adventure. Whether you're a lifelong organ lover or simply curious about the “king of instruments,” Isabelle Demers promises to deliver a night of music that’s bold, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable.