The 12 Ensemble and James McVinnie: Poulenc Organ Concerto

Poulenc’s wild and wonderful Organ Concerto raises the roof: just the climax of a voyage of spiritually-charged sounds from The 12 Ensemble and organist James McVinnie.

“Half monk, half hooligan” was how one friend described Francis Poulenc and for this most stylish of French composers’ religion was a life-force – explosive, exuberant, and powered by an unstoppable sense of joy. Expect melting harmonies and raw thunder as the energy of 12 Ensemble comes together with St Martins Voices and organist-turned-sonic explorer James McVinnie in two of Poulenc’s most personal masterpieces. They’re the wild, sensual centrepiece of a concert that also features Messiaen at his lushest, Fauré at his sweetest and something rapturous and new, written specially for these performers by Isabella Gellis.