In celebration of César Franck’s bicentennial in 2022, American concert organist Scott Dettra will undertake an international tour of Franck’s 12 major organ works, performed from memory in two 75- minute recitals over two evenings.
The Hill is lucky to be included on this tour: Dettra will perform at St. Peter’s Catholic Church (313 Second St. SE) Saturday, Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Franck’s organ music — arguably the most significant contribution to the repertoire after that of Bach — broke new ground and charted the course of the French Romantic organ school. Thanks to his mature harmonic language and ability to write achingly beautiful melodies, this music has become an enduring foundation of the organ repertoire.
Acclaimed as one of America’s leading concert organists, Scott Dettra combines an active performance schedule with his post as Director of Music at the Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, where he leads a vibrant music ministry in one the country’s largest Episcopal parishes.
Dettra is also a member of the organ faculty at Southern Methodist University, and organist of The Crossing, the Grammy-winning professional chamber choir based in Philadelphia. Mr. Dettra is featured on several compact disc recordings and is in demand as a conductor, clinician, and adjudicator.
For more information about this concert and Saint Peter’s Sacred Music on the Hill concert series, please see saintpetersdc.org/music
