Koch ’20 Performs French Organ Masterworks in Paris

Adam Koch ’20 performed several French organ masterworks on the organs for which they were written in Paris this summer. At Sainte-Clotilde, the church of César Franck and Jean Langlais, he played their works as part of a three-day masterclass led by current Titular Organist Olivier Penin. At Sainte-Trinité, the church of Olivier Messiaen for over 60 years, he played works by Messiaen and Louis Vierne in a coaching session with Carolyn Schuster-Fournier, the choir organist and former assistant to Messiaen. The key-action of these instruments, the intriguing sounds they produce and the grand acoustic of the rooms greatly influence articulation, tempo, silence and melodic inflection, providing a unique connection to the spirit and style of these composers. Koch is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Performance (Organ) and studies with Director and Associate Professor of Organ and Church Music and J. Thomas Mitts, D.M.A.