Pulling Out All The Stops: An Unforgettable Organ Season Ahead

Pulling Out All The Stops: An Unforgettable Organ Season Ahead

By Maia Ellis

Hailed as the “King of Instruments,” the concert organ is both visually and aurally breathtaking—and to hear one played at full power is a truly unforgettable experience. What comes as a surprise to many is that Canada’s largest concert organ isn’t in Toronto or Montreal, but right here in Edmonton. Custom-built by renowned Canadian organ builder Orgues Létourneau for the Winspear’s acoustically perfect concert hall, the Davis Concert Organ is truly a titan. With over 6,500 pipes and a commanding presence, this extraordinary instrument stands as one of the crown jewels of Canada’s musical landscape, attracting attention from around the globe. This season, we are so excited to welcome world-class organists from near and far to showcase the strength, nuance, and majesty of this mighty instrument. 

Anna Lapwood has become a global sensation, not only in the classical music world, but across social media platforms where she’s introduced the concert organ to a brand-new generation. As the official Organist of the Royal Albert Hall in London, her phenomenal talent and musicianship speak for themselves. But what truly sets Anna apart is the way her personality shines through her performances, authentic and deeply connected to her audience. With a repertoire that ranges from Pirates of the Caribbean to Philip Glass, she breaks down barriers and makes the intimidating organ feel approachable, exciting, and completely modern. 

Polish organist Karol Mossakowski is internationally acclaimed for his extraordinary improvisational talent and musicality. A prodigy who began piano and organ lessons at the age of three, Karol went on to study at the prestigious Paris Conservatory. His career quickly gained momentum with a 2014 appointment as Young Artist in Residence at the Cathedral of St. Louis King of France in New Orleans, followed by his recent position as titular organist at the iconic Saint-Sulpice in Paris. With playing described as both colourful and imaginative, Karol has the rare ability to paint mood through musical color and possesses a creative streak that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats. 

If one word could sum up Isabelle Demers, it would be “virtuosic.” A native of Quebec and a graduate of Juilliard, Dr. Demers is now Associate Professor of Organ at McGill University in Montreal. She’s renowned for performing her programs completely from memory, and for her transcriptions of orchestral works for solo organ, capturing the richness of a 100-piece symphony through a single instrument. She also showcases the incredible dexterity of her feet, performing intricate pieces with just the pedals on the organ. With an impish charm and sense of humour, Isabelle makes organ music accessible and enjoyable to all audiences.  

Dennis James is no stranger to the Winspear stage. A fan favourite for his thrilling annual Halloween performances, he brings his own distinctive flair to every performance. Dennis began formal organ training at just 12 years old and began performing for silent films in 1969. Since then, he has become a leading figure in the international revival of silent films presented with live music, all while raising awareness of the cultural importance of the pipe organ. With a unique blend of theatrics and musicianship, Dennis James delivers performances that are as unforgettable as they are entertaining. 

Organist and composer Rashaan Allwood is a Canadian phenom known for both his award-winning compositions as well as his brilliant playing. While a student of the Royal Conservatory of Music, Rashaan scored an extremely rare 100% on his final exam. After completing his undergraduate degree in Piano Performance, Rashaan developed a self-described “obsession” with the works of Bach, which ultimately led him to focus on the organ for his Master’s degree. Today, he is an internationally sought-after soloist, performing in major venues across North America and Europe. 

With five extraordinary artists each bringing their unique talents to the Winspear stage, this season will showcase the full power and versatility of the Davis Concert Organ. From dazzling improvisations to cinematic showpieces, each concert will offer a fresh perspective on what this incredible instrument can do. Whether you're a lifelong organ lover or hearing it live for the first time, you won’t be disappointed.