David Briggs is an internationally renowned organist whose per-
formances are acclaimed for their musicality, virtuosity, and ability
to excite and engage audiences of all ages. Consistently ranked as
one of the finest organists of his generation, David’s extensive
repertoire spans five centuries. He has also become one of the
foremost organ transcribers of symphonic works, thereby giving
listeners the opportunity to experience the organ in a new way. He
has transcribed orchestral compositions by Schubert, Tchaikovsky,
Elgar, Bruckner, Brahms, Ravel, and Bach as well as Mahler’s Sec-
ond, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth symphonies.
Described as ‘an intrepid improviser” by Michael Barone, host of
American Public Media’s Pipedreams, David also frequently per-
forms improvisations to silent films such as Phantom of the Opera,
Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Nosferatu, Jeanne d’Arc, Metropolis,
King of Kings, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the General, and a variety of
Charlie Chaplin films.
At the age of 17, David obtained his FRCO (Fellow of the Royal Col-
lege of Organists) diploma, winning the Silver Medal of the Wor-
shipful Company of Musicians. From 1981-84 he was Organ Schol-
ar at King’s College, Cambridge University, during which time he
studied with Jean Langlais in Paris. The first British winner of the
Tournemire Prize at the St Albans International Improvisation
Competition, he also won the first prize in the International Im-
provisation Competition at Paisley. Subsequently David held posi-
tions at Hereford, Truro and Gloucester Cathedrals.
Deeply committed to ensuring organ music remains relevant and
vibrant, David enjoys giving pre-concert lectures and demonstra-
tions that help make organ music more broadly accessible. He
teaches performance at Cambridge University, frequently serves
on international organ competition juries, and gives master class-
es at colleges and conservatories across the U.S. and Europe.
David performs more than 60 concerts a year at such venues as
Maison Symphonique, Montreal; Royal Albert Hall, London; Notre
Dame, St Sulpice and St Eustache, Paris; Kimmel Center, Phil-
adelphia; Berlin Philharmonie, Germany; St James Cathedral,
Toronto; International Performing Arts Center, Moscow; Valencia
Cathedral, Spain; National Auditorium, Madrid; Christ Church
Cathedral, Victoria (BC); Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim, Norway;
Grace Cathedral, San Francisco (CA); and King’s College, Cam-
bridge.
David Briggs is also a prolific composer and his works range from
full scale oratorios to works for solo instruments. He has recorded
two DVDs, and 37 CDs, many of which include his own composi-
tions and transcriptions. A second CD of David’s choral composi-
tions will be released on the Hyperion label in November 2023,
featuring the world-renowned choir of Trinity College, Cambridge,
recorded in the church of St Eustache, Paris.
In March 2023 David was the recipient of the Royal College of Or-
ganists Medal, the college’s highest honor, in recognition of distin-
guished achievement in organ performance and composition.
David is currently Artist-in-Residence at the Cathedral of St John
the Divine in New York City. For more information, Please visit:
www.david-briggs.org.
Suggested donation $20. Reception to follow.
