World-renowned organist and Titular Organist of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris led a four-day masterclass as part of the 3rd International “Organs of St Anastasia” Festival

As part of the 3rd International Organ Festival “Organs of St Anastasia”, an organ masterclass entitled “Interpretation and Technique” was held at St Anastasia’s Cathedral in Zadar from 23 to 26 August 2026. It was led by one of the world’s foremost authorities on organ performance, Professor Olivier Latry from Paris.

This exceptional musical and educational event offered participants a unique opportunity to work with an artist whose career has been distinguished by outstanding interpretation, dedicated teaching and a profound connection with the great tradition of the French organ school.

Olivier Latry – one of the world’s foremost authorities on organ performance

French organist Olivier Latry is one of today’s most distinguished ambassadors of organ music. At the age of just 23, he was appointed Titular Organist of the renowned Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, becoming one of the guardians of one of the world’s most important organ traditions. Since 2012, he has also held the title of Organist Emeritus of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. Throughout his distinguished international career, he has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, including the Berlin Philharmonie, Philharmonie de Paris, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Gewandhaus in Leipzig, Musikverein in Vienna and Royal Festival Hall in London. He has also collaborated with leading orchestras and conductors from around the world. He is particularly renowned as an outstanding interpreter of organ repertoire from all periods, an exceptional improviser and an artist who continually explores new expressive possibilities of the instrument. His work encompasses concert performance, teaching, recording and the promotion of contemporary organ music.

Work on interpretation, technique and the tonal possibilities of the organ

The masterclass in Zadar focused on developing the interpretative and technical skills required for high-quality performances of organ repertoire from different stylistic periods, ranging from the Baroque and Romantic eras to contemporary musical expression. Through individual and group work, the participants developed their playing technique and coordination between the manuals and pedalboard, articulation, phrasing and musical expression, stylistic interpretation of works from different historical periods, registration and the creation of appropriate tonal colours, analysis of musical form and structure, as well as preparation for concerts, auditions and public performances.

One of the particular strengths of the masterclass was the individual approach offered to each participant. Every active participant prepared two works from different stylistic periods, one Baroque and one Romantic, through which they refined their technical and interpretative skills under Professor Latry’s guidance.

Masterclass on the Eisenbarth organ of St Anastasia’s Cathedral

The masterclass was held on the great organ of St Anastasia’s Cathedral, built in 2010 by the renowned Eisenbarth organ-building company from Passau. With its rich tonal possibilities and specification inspired by the French symphonic organ style of the 19th century, the instrument provides exceptional opportunities for studying a wide repertoire and developing interpretative skills. The organ has three manuals and pedal, 56 stops and approximately 4,100 pipes. St Anastasia’s Cathedral once again became a meeting place for leading artists, young musicians and organ music enthusiasts, affirming its role as one of Croatia’s important centres of organ culture.

Intensive work and fellowship among the participants

The masterclass brought together participants from Croatia, Italy, Germany and Slovakia. Beginning on Sunday, they worked intensively with Professor Olivier Latry, took part in individual lessons, observed the work of their fellow participants and practised daily on the organ of St Anastasia’s Cathedral. On Tuesday, a shared lunch was organised for the participants, Professor Olivier Latry and the organisers. The relaxed atmosphere provided an opportunity for fellowship, questions, conversation and the exchange of experiences. Wednesday, the final day of the masterclass, was devoted to final preparations and rehearsals for the participants’ concert.

Final concert of the participants

The four-day masterclass concluded on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, at 8:00 p.m. with a final concert by the participants at St Anastasia’s Cathedral. Before an audience, they presented the results of their intensive work with Professor Olivier Latry and performed works by major composers of organ music from different stylistic periods.

Nicolas de Grigny

Hymne « Veni Creator »

En taille à cinq

Fugue à cinq

Duo

Récit de Cromorne

Dialogue sur les grands jeux

Giacomo Bertolo

Johann Sebastian Bach

Prelude and Fugue in D minor, BWV 553

Samuel Banič

Johann Sebastian Bach

Pièce d’orgue, BWV 572

Arne Dunkhase

Felix Mendelssohn

Sonata No. 2

Allegro maestoso e vivace

Fuga

Andro Čalo

Josef Rheinberger

Prelude in C minor

Lucija Pahljina

César Franck

Choral No. 3

Magdalena Muše

Leoš Janáček

Postlude from the Glagolitic Mass

Lorena Herman

Marcel Dupré

Le Chemin de la Croix

XIV. Jésus est mis dans le sépulcre

Miljenko Bajat

Jean Langlais

Incantation pour un jour saint

Matea Vujčić

Following the concert, Maestro Olivier Latry formally presented certificates of participation to the active participants. The evening concluded with a reception and an opportunity for the professor, participants and organisers to spend time together.