Those who attended our Organ Concert experienced the joy of being back together in Overture Hall with Greg Zelek, MSO’s Principal Organist and Nicholas Mischler Curator of the Overture Concert Organ Series. The concert opened with an arrangement of Elgar’s beautiful Nimrod, from the “Enigma” Variations followed by one of the most familiar works of Bach, the powerful Toccata and Fugue in D minor. Zelek then presented his own arrangement of a waltz by Satie. He finished with one of the organ symphonies of the great French organist Widor: virtuoso music designed to use all of the sonic resources of a large concert organ. Read the audience reviews and view photos from the concert below!
Hear what the audience had to say…
Greg’s amazing art at the organ. His playing, his interpretations, his arrangements are extraordinarily beautiful and exciting to hear.
Greg is an outstanding musician who also connects across audiences of different ages through the selection of the pieces he plays as well as his happy go lucky and personal style of talking to the audience which often has us laughing. This is a special gift and I have watched the attendance rise from a partially filled auditorium to a fully filled auditorium over the few years he has been the organ master. For someone so young, this is truly an achievement and a testimony to his talents and infectious enthusiasm for the organ. His selection of artists over each season has also been exceptional.
I SO missed hearing the Mighty Kleis and seeing Greg Z perform in person. So great to be back!
All excellent – watching Greg Zelek perform & hearing his comments – both serious & funny!
Greg’s involvement with the audience is very compelling. He is exciting to watch and hear.
Greg Zelek’s ability to showcase the different tonal colors of the organ – both the grand sounds and the lush, colorful, softer stops of the instrument. It was thrilling to hear that again in person after a long time away! Thank you, Greg, from one organist to another!
The joy that Greg brings to the musical experience and his immense talent.
Greg’s rapport with the audience, the virtuosity with which he played the pieces, and the pieces themselves. What a fantastic program!
This was our (and my 17 year old daughter’s) first organ concert – simply put: AMAZING!!! The music was phenomenal, the pieces were intriguing and engaging, Greg’s on-stage presence is “so right” – a perfect balance of professionalism and endearing us to him and the organ and the featured pieces … and also just the right length – left us wanting more and left me looking forward to when can i go again?! We left feeling exhilarated and enriched – thank you so much!
Hearing live music! I got choked up!!! The organ symphony was just mind blowing!!
Mr. Zelek is fantastic. He is a genius musician with the most pleasing stage presence and personality. We could not be more fortunate to have him in the MSO! The audience obviously agrees with me.
The sense of intimacy Greg was able to cultivate with the audience.
It was delightful to hear Greg play the mighty Klais in person with an appreciative group in attendance. His musical selections were captivating and rapport with the audience heartwarming.
We were very impressed — as we always are — with Greg’s excellent musical talents and with his very personable manner. The concert yesterday evening was spectacular and demonstrated Greg’s care in putting together an outstanding program.
All of it was beyond spectacular. One of the most memorable concerts I’ve ever attended. The Widor 6th and the encore were off-the-charts thrilling!
Greg’s absolutely fabulous performance, his conversational, self-effacing style, and the incredible range of sounds he can coax from the instrument, and the variety of genres and time periods represented.
Greg Zelek is a treasure of extraordinary musical talent and also of humanity. He is now revealing his personality to us – his great sense of humor, sharing his family and Cuban heritage with us, sharing his girlfriend exchanges with us. He is showing us his vulnerability and his humanity. It takes a strong, positive, and confident personality to do that. I really treasure having Greg in our community.
The perfection that was exhibited by Greg and especially his delightful down to earth attitude. He has a way of making the magnificent music brought to life and most enjoyable.
