German cathedral organist to make North American concert debut at Rice

German cathedral organist to make North American concert debut at Rice
Shepherd School of Music will host two recitals by Gereon Krahforst Nov. 3

FROM RICE NEWS STAFF REPORTS   
 
Gereon Krahforst, organist of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Paderborn, Germany, will make his North American concert debut on the Edythe Bates Old Grand Organ at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music Nov. 3.

GEREON KRAHFORST

During two recitals, Krahforst will highlight the richness of the German Romantic organ tradition. A program at 4:30 p.m. will include works by Max Reger, August Ritter, Gustav Merkel and Josef Rheinberger, along with an improvisation (a Romantic symphonic “Friendship Poem” based on the national anthems of the U.S. and Germany). A program at 7:30 p.m. will include works by Richard Bartmuss, Johannes Brahms, Moritz Brosig, Sigfried Karg-Elert and Joseph Jongen and an improvisation (a fantasy and fugue in the Romantic style).

Born in 1973 in Bonn, Germany, Krahforst studied composition, church music, piano and music theory at the university for music in Cologne and musicology at the University of Cologne. He received his diploma and master’s degree in organ in Frankfurt. He has studied privately with Markus Karas John Birley, Clemens Ganz and Daniel Roth.

At the age of 29, Krahforst was appointed cathedral organist in Paderborn and lecturer (Gregorian chant) at the theological seminary of Paderborn.  In 2004 he was appointed lecturer and instructor of organ at the university for music in Hannover.  Krahforst has performed, lectured and taught at numerous venues, festivals and academies in Europe, Latin America and North Korea.

Well-known for his large repertoire that encompasses ancient to contemporary music, Krahforst is also a master of organ improvisation in different styles. He has won numerous prizes in prestigious piano, organ, improvisation and composition competitions.

To purchase tickets for the Nov. 3 recitals, call the Shepherd School’s concert office at 713-348-8000.  Tickets are $15 each or $25 for both programs.  Seniors (65 or older) and students with valid IDs can purchase discounted tickets for $10 each or $17 for both programs.

The Edythe Bates Old Grand Organ is housed in Alice Pratt Brown Hall, which is accessible from Entrance 18 on Rice Boulevard.