Enjoy a free organ recital by Joseph Ripka, an illustrious American organist and cathedral musician. His program will include works by contemporary masters Calvin Hampton and Stephen Paulus, as well as the beloved Choral in E major of French Romantic composer César Franck.

Our organ recital series features some of the finest organists playing one of America’s great organs. Grace Cathedral’s 7,466-pipe Aeolian-Skinner instrument, the Charles B. Alexander Memorial Organ (1934), is one of the first and finest American classic-style organs and is among the largest church organs in the West. Experiencing music in our gothic cathedral with its unique acoustics, soaring nave, and jewel-like stained glass windows is a feast for the ears, eyes, and soul. 

Please note there is an admission fee for visitors on Sundays from 1 to 5 pm. Those wishing to attend the organ recital must register in advance to avoid paying the fee. Thank you for your understanding. 

Program

Five Dances for Organ
   I. The primitives
   II. At the ballet
Calvin Hampton (1938 – 1984)

Douze Pièces pour Grand Orgue
   III. Lied
   VII. Scherzo
Méditation Improvisée (Restitution: Olivier Latry)
Gaston Litaize (1909 – 1991) 

Trois Chorals pour Grande Orgue
   I. No. 1 in E Major
César Franck (1822 – 1890) 

“A refined reflection,” from Baronian Suite
Three Temperaments
   III. Impassioned
Stephen Paulus (1949 – 2014) 

About the Organist

Joseph Ripka is an internationally respected and acclaimed organist. He won several prizes, including first prize in the Dublin International Organ Competition, the Fort Wayne Organ Competition, and the San Marino Organ Competition.

 Joseph is in demand as a concert organist and has performed recitals throughout the United States and in Europe at important venues, including St. Sulpice in Paris, Bavo Kerk in Haarlem, Oude Kerk in Amsterdam, and Westminster and St. Paul’s Cathedrals in London. He has performed with notable conductors, including Michael Tilson Thomas, Benjamin Zander, Alan Gilbert, and Joshua Haberman. Joseph holds bachelor’s degrees St. Cloud State University, the University of Kansas, Oberlin Conservatory, and Yale University.

Mr. Ripka is the Canon Precentor and Director of Music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Oklahoma City, OK, where he also serves as the Diocesan Music Missioner. Joseph teaches harpsichord and directs the Early Music Ensemble at Oklahoma City University.

Event Details

The concert will also be livestreamed here and on YouTube.  The cathedral will open for seating at 3:30 pm. The entrance to the cathedral is at the top of the Great Steps. The accessible entrance is via the glass doors on Taylor Street or from the cathedral garage. Masks are strongly encouraged inside the cathedral. 

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