Concert organist Francesca Massey performed at the second concert in the University of Westminster’s free Community Concert series on Friday 26 May 2023.
The performance began with Anton Heiller’s Jubilatio which captured the audience’s attention with its lively rhythms and melodies. Massey then played the profound Sonata No. 16 in G# minor by Josef Rheinberger, showcasing her ability to express deep emotion through the organ and making full use of its tonal palette.
The recital reached its pinnacle with the performance of Et Resurrexit (Theme, Fantasy, and Fugue) by Kenneth Leighton. This ambitious and spiritually evocative composition allowed Massey to demonstrate her interpretative skills as she brought out the intricate harmonies and powerful climaxes of the piece.
Massey is a freelance organist, choral conductor and music teacher with 20 years’ worth of experience playing in cathedrals up and down the UK. She started playing the organ at 12 years of age and went on to receive a number of prestigious scholarships and awards.
At 19, Massey won all of the top prizes in the Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists’ diploma and was then awarded the WT Best Memorial Scholarship and Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians, and the Musicians Benevolent Fund’s Ian Fleming Award.
As well as releasing three extremely well-reviewed solo recordings, Massey has performed widely as an accompanist.
Professor Andrew Linn, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Head of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University, said about the event: “We were very fortunate to welcome a perfomer of Francesca’s calibre, but her visit was repaid by the enthusiastic reception she received. Once again, we have seen how performances at the University can open our doors to the communities beyond, and that is really exciting. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this event such a success”.
Angie Guevara, a member of the audience, said: “The music was very soothing, and the concert overall was an incredible experience.”
Find out more about the concerts and book your place at the next Westminster Community Concerts – Fyvie Hall event.
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