Organist Kai Krakenberg shares his personal story and inspiration ahead of his Lunchtime Concert this Friday.
When did you begin playing the organ? “I started to play when I was 12, in 1982, and right from the beginning there was no question I would do anything else, I always wanted to become a Cathedral Organist. I played my first solo recital in 1989 at the age of 18 in my hometown of Essen, Germany. My third recital was in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.”
Can you share some of your favourite performances? “I've been very lucky, I've had many wonderful invitations in my life, in fact I've played in almost every country in Europe, as well as Canada, Russia and the USA. My first recital in New York City was really special, also playing St. Paul's Cathedral in London and at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.”
How did you decide on your programme for the Lunchtime Concert? “It's really important for an organist to first find out about the organ they will be playing at each venue, so I began by learning about the instrument and studying the stop list so that I can make the very most of the sound. For example, solo stops use just one or a few pipes to create a unique sound so I will using those.
On Friday I will be playing pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach and César Franck - they are personal favourite organ works of mine and I know the audience will appreciate this kind of music. I always try to play some lesser known music as well, so I'll be playing music by Oskar Lindberg, whose work has resonances with the work of Edvard Grieg and draws on folk tunes, as well as enabling me to introduce fine solo stops with the organ. I am looking forward to coming to Chelmsford, it looks very picturesque.”
Kai's Lunchtime Concert is on June 6th at 12pm, tea and coffee will be served at 11.30am. To find out more, his website is: kai-krakenberg.de