18/10/2025
Organist Charles Harrison reflects on returning to Poulenc’s vivacious Organ Concerto, a work he first performed three decades ago.
He describes it as “terrifically entertaining and varied,” shifting from slapstick humour to emotional depth. Written for organ, strings, and timpani, the concerto demands vivid colour and rhythmic vitality.
Harrison notes the technical and acoustic challenges of performing in Chichester Cathedral, where clarity and ensemble precision are key. He and the conductor aim to let Poulenc’s expressive writing speak for itself—without exaggeration—capturing the piece’s balance of wit, drama, and lyrical beauty.
With Chichester Symphony Orchestra, Tues 28 October
On Tuesday 28 October at 1.10pm, Charles Harrison will be playing Poulenc’s Organ Concerto at a Chichester Cathedral Lunchtime Concert, along with members of Chichester Symphony Orchestra. He talks about what the audience might be looking forward to. I first...
