Lunchtime Organ Recital: The Music of César Franck

We are delighted to welcome Francois Cloete, organ scholar of Westminster Abbey, to play these magnificent works on the organ of St Margaret's church.

César Franck’s Trois chorals pour orgue - the first written for the new 'symphonic' organs, and the last works he composed before his death, are considered the masterpieces of his late creative period and a cornerstone of French Romanticism.

César Franck inaugurated the French Romantic school of organ composition whose members included Widor, Vierne, and Duruflé. Franck was the first to write for the new symphonic organs of Cavaillé-Coll, which featured a new range of orchestral sounds - music of “symphonic” scale and intensity, inspired by the monumental works of Beethoven.

Franck wrote in August 1890: ‘I have written a long organ piece that I have entitled simply “Choral”. A chorale it is, indeed, but with plenty of fantasy’.

Ticketing information Attendee tickets for young people under the age of 18 are free.Westminster City card holders receive 50% discount - see the ‘Culture offers’ on the Westminster City card scheme website for details.

This event does not include entry to Westminster Abbey.

We recommend looking at the Visit us pages to plan a visit during opening hours. If you would like to look around the rest of the Abbey during your visit then we recommend you do so before you attend the Lunchtime Concert. This is to allow you enough time to see as much as possible.

Age suitability This event is suitable for adults and young people over the age of 12.

Timings Doors will open at 12:45pm and the concert will begin at 1:00pm.

Meeting location This event takes place in St Margaret's Church, please follow main visitor entry route through the security check where the event will be signposted.

Access and security Please have your ticket ready to show our staff (either printed or on your mobile phone).

On your arrival, your bag will be searched and we ask you not to bring any large items with you (for example suitcases, large backpacks or folding bicycles) as these will not be allowed inside and we are unable to store them for you.

The Abbey is committed to creating inclusive and accessible events for all. If you have any access requirements or questions about your visit, please contact us when booking. [email protected]

Filming and photography Please note that filming and sound recording are not permitted in St Margaret's. See our photography policy for more information.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Westminster Abbey