The Virtuoso Organist

Loreto Aramendi, an international concert artist and main organist of the Basilica of Santa María del Coro in San Sebastián, Spain, will be performing music by Nicolaus Bruhns, Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, and Maurice Duruflé. Loreto has given numerous recitals in Europe, Argentina, Japan, Russia, and the United States, and her extraordinary skill and musicianship have been highly praised. What sets Loreto Aramendi’s concerts apart are the symphonic transcriptions of works by Liszt, Fauré, Rachmaninoff, and Saint-Saëns. These transcriptions are not simplified arrangements, but concert versions of great orchestral works which push both the instrument and player to the limit. As such, they show off the rich tonal colours of the organ necessary for interpreting orchestral music, which are otherwise unheard in strict organ repertoire. As well, the organ transcriptions require a musician of exceptional virtuosic and artistic skill – and that Loreto Aramendi has in spades. Loreto first performed in Vancouver in 2023 to a full house, and the audience appreciation of her virtuosity and musicianship was reflected in an extended standing ovation. A rare opportunity to hear this extraordinarily-talented musician perform, this is a concert not to be missed !