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View all events for category: Classical music

Wayne Marshall

The master of improvisation takes on Bernstein’s West Side Story in tonight’s programme, which also includes works by Andrew Ager, Roger-Ducasse and Schmidt.

Wayne Marshall OBE is a conductor and pianist, and – as in tonight’s appearance – a virtuoso organist, known for his eclectic programmes.

His improvisations on old and new works defy expectations, and our Royal Festival Hall’s 7,866-pipe Harrison & Harrison organ is more than up to the task.

Marshall’s spellbinding interpretations on themes from Bernstein’s ever-popular West Side Story closes a typically wide-ranging recital.

Opening the performance, Andrew Ager’s Toccata & Fugue in C, composed in 2009, grows in complexity as it breaks away from convention.

Roger-Ducasse’s rarely performed masterpiece Pastorale is a favourite of Marshall’s – described by him as a ‘huge, romantic, colourful piece’.

And Schmidt’s magnificent Variations & fugue on King’s Fanfares from Fredigundis is another work that has long been championed by the organist.

Performers

Wayne Marshall organ

Repertoire

Andrew Ager: Toccata & Fugue in C, Op.30 No.1

Roger-Ducasse: Pastorale in F

Schmidt: Variations and fugue on an original theme (King's Fanfares from Fredigundis)

Interval

Wayne Marshall: Symphonic improvisation in 4 movements on themes from Bernstein's West Side Story

Need to know

Age guidance
For ages 7+
Event information

Find out more about the music with our free programme.
View the programme

For your visit

This event is held at the Royal Festival Hall Southbank Centre

The Royal Festival Hall is open six days a week.

Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 11pm
Monday, closed.