Two organs, two churches, one unforgettable night of music.
On June 4, Winnipeg audiences are invited to experience a one-of-a-kind organ concert that’s equal parts musical and logistical marvel. Presented by the Winnipeg chapter of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO), the performance features internationally acclaimed organist Isabelle Demers in a program that spans centuries—and venues.
The evening begins at 7 p.m. at Young United Church, with a selection of 20th-century organ works. Then, in a twist that’s as ambitious as it is exciting, the audience will travel just a few blocks down Broadway to All Saints Anglican Church for the second half of the concert, featuring music by Sweelinck, Bach, Mendelssohn and others.
Demers, a native of Quebec and a graduate of the Juilliard School, is well known for her dazzling technique and poetic musicality. Currently an associate professor at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music, she has performed around the world and previously chaired the organ department at Baylor University in Texas.
A concert idea that spans Broadway—literally
According to Enns-Braun, the idea for the two-church format came straight from Demers.
“She has performed in Winnipeg several times, of course, but always at Westminster Church for the Westminster Organ Series. That’s no longer a possibility,” she explained. “So I described the organ at Young to her. I described the organ at All Saints. And both of us hemmed and hawed. Finally, she said, ‘Let’s do both.’ And I said, ‘What?’ And she said, ‘Are they close?’ I said, ‘Well, actually, they’re very close.’ She said, ‘Let’s do both. You get buses, and I’ll play at both churches.’”
Each venue has its own character and sound, suited to different parts of the program.
“All Saints is much more typical of organs in Winnipeg. It’s a Casavant. It has a very warm, rich, romantic sound to it,” Enns-Braun said. “The music she’s chosen to play there will work perfectly. The Mendelssohn needs a warm, singing tone, and that’s what you’re going to get at All Saints. The Sweelinck is a set of variations, so she’s going to be able to show off an awful lot of that organ, a lot of the individual colours.”
Two instruments, two sound worlds
Meanwhile, the organ at Young United has fewer keyboards but offers a modern sound with “clarity of the stops” and useful technical features for more contemporary repertoire.
“She’s doing the modern stuff at Young. It will work really well there, too. She’s got a very reliable organ that has a lot of multiple memories, and she’ll need that for the rep that she’s doing at Young,” said Enns-Braun.
Organizing an event across two churches isn’t easy—but the RCCO has transportation covered. Ticketholders can choose from two options: a $25 ticket for those who prefer to walk between venues, or a $35 ticket that includes transportation via Winnipeg Transit buses.
“We’re envisioning that people will park somewhere close to Young, come and attend the first half of the concert, and then we have hired City of Winnipeg buses,” said Enns-Braun. “If people want to walk, they can buy a $25 ticket and just attend both shows and walk from one place to the next. If they want to ride, they buy a $35 ticket and get on the bus at Young and we will shuttle them over to All Saints, and then we’ll shuttle them back to Young after the All Saints part of the program is done.”
Stars align for a special tribute
To cap it all off, there will be a complimentary wine and cheese reception with the artist after the concert.
Enns-Braun is especially excited to hear Demers perform works by Naji Hakim and the late Canadian composer Rachel Laurin.
“She’s finishing off the program with a three-movement sonata by Rachel Laurin. I heard Rachel play that piece in Halifax. It was commissioned by a family in memory of their mother, and she premiered it in 2019. Rachel died in 2023 and was a very, very good friend of Isabelle’s. So many stars that are aligning in this program—I’m thrilled by what she’s doing.”
Concert details:
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What: Organ Virtuoso Isabelle Demers in Concert
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When: Tuesday, June 4, 2025 – 7:00 p.m.
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Where: Begins at Young United Church (222 Furby St.), continues at All Saints Anglican Church (175 Colony St.)
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Tickets: $25 (concert only, self-transport); $35 (includes bus transport between venues)
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More Info: rccowinnipeg.ca
Stay tuned to Classic 107—on June 3, you’ll hear a special on-air conversation with Isabelle Demers ahead of the recital.
