Artists
About this Performance
Charismatic German-born virtuoso Christian Schmitt, who has amassed a discography of 40 recordings, has appeared as soloist – and in collaboration with the world’s leading musicians – throughout the world. Don’t miss his debut at the Walt Disney Concert Hall organ with a Bach-centric program.
See other concerts in this seriesPrograms, artists, dates, prices, and availability subject to change. Ticket limits may apply. All sales are final.
Watch & Listen
video
Christian Schmitt Organ Performance
audio
Toshio Hosokawa, Cloudscape
audio
Bach, Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele
video
Jean Langlais, Etude for Pedal Solo No. 7, “Alleluia”
The Walt Disney Concert Hall Organ
Architect Frank Gehry devoted a great deal of time to the design. He worked with Los Angeles organ designer and builder Manuel J. Rosales to create something different from a typical church organ with its rows and rows of metal tubes. Gehry’s initial designs included pipes hanging from the ceiling and the organist in a cage halfway up the wall. Rosales found the concepts fanciful and marvelous, but he knew there was no way they would lead to the construction of a practical musical instrument.
Eventually, Gehry presented a concept that looked like a cluster of flowers shooting out of the ground. Rosales found this design wonderful and agreed that it was something they could pursue. Rosales recommended European organ builder Casper von Glatter-Götz to fabricate and install the many complex components. What we see today is the dramatically splayed composition of beams which Gehry refers to as “French fries.” (And they are certainly Super-Sized!)
Organ Video Series
video
Building the Walt Disney Concert Hall Organ - Inside the Music
video
Cameron Carpenter on the Walt Disney Concert Hall Organ
video
In the Eye of Hurricane Mama - Inside the Music
video