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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Johann Vexo was born in the French city of Nancy–a city close to the borders of Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. Surrounded and influenced by the rich musical and cultural heritage of that region of France, Johann’s training and performance career developed so rapidly that at age 25 he was appointed Organiste de Choeur (Choir Organist) at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris. Soon thereafter, he was also appointed Organist of the grand Cavaillé-Coll organ of the Cathedral in Nancy and, most recently, Professor of Organ at the Superior Music Academy in Strasbourg. His very physical approach to playing results in wonderfully rhythmic music-making, “the kind you feel as well as hear, and in riveting performances where this is no notion of organ playing as dull or dutiful or pompous.” (Dallas Morning News)
From the Critics
“…superbly conceived…but also greatly enjoyable…superb understanding of style and flawless
technique…sumptuous. Those who were able to attend the Kincoppal-Rose Bay event were treated to a
wonderful afternoon of music making, being briefly transported to the delightful world of French
music of a period when its artistic creativity was of the
highest order.”
(Kelvin Hastie, The Sydney Organ Journal, Australia, 2017)
“Johann Vexo displayed a level of refinement in his approach to the questions of authentic
performance practice in French Baroque organ music that is rare. His sensitive, nuanced use of
notes inégales in the works of arguably a composer at the very apogee of his art was particularly
gratifying. We heard Johann Vexo display a level of brilliant virtuosity. This was not mere
technical display however, (which is often times so shallow) but in the hands of a
performer of such a high level of musical intelligence it became an exposition of keyboard artistry
at the highest level.”
(Kurt Ison, The Sydney Organ Journal, Australia, Winter 2017)
“Vexo, choir organist at Notre-Dame in Paris and organist of Nancy Cathedral, is clearly a rising
star. He certainly played to this particular instrument’s strengths…and his very physical
approach to playing was borne out in wonderfully rhythmic music-making, the kind you feel as well
as hear. He clearly sensed, and expressed, the dance at the heart of
nearly all baroque music. But his playing was blessedly free of the fussy, point-making
articulation too often heard in this fare. These were performances that belied any notion of organ playing as dull or dutiful or
pompous.”
(Scott Cantrell, The Dallas Morning News, April 2016)
From Presenters
“Johann Vexo’s organ recital at All Saints’ Episcopal Church (Atlanta) was as good as it gets.
Playing an all French program, Johann demonstrated the Buzard organ beautifully. His technique is
astounding, but that became secondary as his interpretations and musicality brought the music to
life in every phrase. The audience could have listened to him all night. Johann Vexo is truly one
of the great French organists!”
(Raymond and Elizabeth Chenault, All Saints Episcopal Church, Atlanta, February 2017)
“His playing of German Baroque music was the best I’ve ever heard from a French organist, and his
handling of both organs (mechanical action, then electro-pneumatic) was exemplary.”
(Joel Martinson, Church of the Transfiguration, Dallas, 2015)
“Phenomenal playing; meticulous, imaginative, creative, delightful. The audience absolutely loved
him!”
(Russell Weismann, St. Jane de Chantal Catholic Church, Bethesda, MD, 2015)
“From the very beginning of the concert it was quite evident that Mr. Vexo would demonstrate
virtuosic command of the magnificent Aeolian-Skinner organ of the National Presbyterian Church. [He performed} with
smooth and fluid technique…[and] his commanding technical prowess and clean articulation provided extreme clarity in
the musical lines. His masterful command of the console along with agile and seamless registration
changes made for a delightful orchestral transcription experience. This was a well-balanced aural
experience that, for me, was not to be soon forgotten.”
(Irvin Peterson, Co-Dean, District of Columbia Chapter AGO, The Coupler, October 2015)
About His Recordings
“Johann Vexo’s first recital recording (JAV #188, 2011) is a real masterstroke. From one end of
this program to the other we are transported by an organist who not only perfectly masters his art
form but furthermore exhibits a rare inspiration and extraordinary knowledge of this “organ
machine” (the Notre Dame, Parish grand orgue). A celebration of sounds, colors, and rhythms, this
recital will be long remembered as one of the most beautiful recitals recorded at Notre-Dame
Cathedral.”
(Frédéric Muñoz, RESMUSICA, 2011)
About His Teaching
Johann was excellent in the class, and what I think really made it excellent is first of all his
command of the English language. Also, he taught all the music so well, but was incredibly
knowledgeable of the Franck and Vierne – taught them musically and expressively, while also
bringing up new and interesting ideas for registrations.
(Edward Landin, board member, The Philadelphia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, 2016)
Johann Vexo plays Liszt, Franck, Vierne, Durufle, Escaich on the Great Organs of Notre-Dame, JAV #188