The Martyrs’ Shrine hosts a very special concert Sunday evening.
Internationally acclaimed organist Lukas Hasler will present a “dazzling” recital as he makes his Canadian debut at the iconic church.
Shrine music director Sadie Brabant says area residents should attend this show because it isn’t very often that such a highly acclaimed European classical musician comes to Midland to perform.
“The organ is one of the most difficult instruments to master, and the rich sound of the organ will resonate with everyone present, which will be sure to leave a strong impression on everyone who is lucky enough to attend,” Brabant tells Village Media.
Hailing from Vienna, Austria, ‘the classical music capital of the world’, Hasler has travelled all over the world to grace many different concert halls, cathedrals and churches around Europe, Australia and the United States.
“The concert will feature a classical repertoire with the works of Mozart, Bach, Haydn and Planyavsk,” Brabant says, noting the recital also takes place on an important day in the Shrine’s rich history.
“This concert takes place on a very special day for the Martyrs Shrine, as September 15th marks the 40th anniversary of the unforgettable visit made by Pope John Paul II in 1984.”
Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased on the Shrine’s website or at the door on Sunday evening. A glass of wine is included with admission for the semi-formal event that begins at 7:30 p.m.
Brabant says the church having a capacity for 500 guests and those attending won’t be disappointed.
“The acoustics in the church are absolutely phenomenal for this type of concert,” she says. “Large, resonant spaces such as the Martyrs Shrine, further enhance the organ's sound through reverberation and acoustic amplification.
“We are also open to receiving any type of sponsorship donations for this local event taking place. If any local businesses would like to be an integral part of this wonderful event, please contact the Martyrs Shrine.”
Hasler currently lives and works as a doctoral student (DMA doctorate of Musical Arts) at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles where he studies with Cherry Rhodes.
He graduated with distinction in 2022 from his organ studies under Ulrich Walther at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, Austria.
In 2020, he spent a year abroad at the Académie Supérieure de Musique de Strasbourg in France under the tutelage of Johann Vexo.
Further stays abroad also took him to New York City. Lukas completed his studies in cultural and media management at the University of Hamburg, Germany, where he finished in 2019 with a Master’s degree.
In addition to his participation in the opening ceremony of the Salzburg Festival, he has also performed at the Tyrolean Festival Erl, organ summer at the Saint Florian Bruckner Organ, at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall in Boston, at the International Organ Festival in Düsseldorf (IDO) as well as at the Russian music festival of the Volgograd Philharmonic.
To learn more about Hasler, check out his website.
