Announcement! Am thrilled to be closing the wonderful and ambitious Classical Season at London's Southbank Centre on 28th June 2025

The master of improvisation takes on Bernstein’s West Side Story in tonight’s programme, which also includes works by Andrew Ager, Roger-Ducasse and Schmidt.

Wayne Marshall OBE is a conductor and pianist, and – as in tonight’s appearance – a virtuoso organist, known for his eclectic programmes.

His improvisations on old and new works defy expectations, and our Royal Festival Hall’s 7,866-pipe Harrison & Harrison organ is more than up to the task.

Marshall’s spellbinding interpretations on themes from Bernstein’s ever-popular West Side Story closes a typically wide-ranging recital.

Opening the performance, Andrew Ager’s Toccata & Fugue in C, composed in 2009, grows in complexity as it breaks away from convention.

Roger-Ducasse’s rarely performed masterpiece Pastorale is a favourite of Marshall’s – described by him as a ‘huge, romantic, colourful piece’.

And Schmidt’s magnificent Variations & fugue on King’s Fanfares from Fredigundis is another work that has long been championed by the organist.

Performers

Wayne Marshall organ

Repertoire

Andrew Ager: Toccata & Fugue in C

Roger-Ducasse: Pastorale in F

Schmidt: Variations and fugue on King's Fanfares from Fredigundis

Interval

Wayne Marshall: Symphonic improvisation in 4 movements on themes from Bernstein's West Side Story

Tickets go on sale 10am 22nd October