Specializing in and exclusively performing works written for four hands and four feet at one pipe organ console, Elizabeth and Raymond Chenault (“The World’s Premiere Duo-Organ Team,” Atlanta Journal & Constitution) have made a monumental and unmatched contribution to the pipe organ repertoire through their commissioning, premiering, and recording of over 70 organ duets in a wide array of styles, from composers such as John Rutter, Stephen Paulus, Rachel Laurin, and others, to their own arrangements of Christmas carols, opera arias and overtures, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, April 26, 2024 Sunday, May 12, 2024 Sunday, June 2, 2024 Sunday, September 8, 2024 Friday, September 20, 2024 |
From the Critics
“Kudos to the Chenault Duo for bringing another two excellent works into the repertoire, as part of a well-played,
attention-holding program.”
(Mark Gresham, EarRelevant, Atlanta, GA, July 2019)
“Raymond and Elizabeth Chenault played with a flawless technique and communicative energy throughout the program.
It was riveting to watch the performers interact as hands, arms, and feet vied for position on the keyboards and
pedalboard.”
(Daniel Hathaway, clevelandclassical.com)
“Elizabeth and Raymond Chenault: The World’s Premiere Duo-Organ Team”
(The Atlanta Journal and Constitution)
“No one can contest the spectacular facility, musicianship, and ensemble that these two offer in every musical style
represented. Amazing artistry and technique, creative and diverse programming, and an accurate sense of what the
public − from casual listeners to highly trained church musicians − will enjoy and appreciate.”
(The Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians)
From the Presenters
“Ray and Beth Chenault charmed the audience with their spellbinding mastery of the instrument, clever programming,
and informative program notes. Ever gracious and friendly, the Chenaults were a delight to host.”
(Kristin Lensch, Calvary Episcopal Church, Memphis, TN, January 2019)
“Rarely do we hear their level of artistry, particularly in the challenging field of organ duets. Ray and Beth are both
outstanding musicians; everything they played was note-perfect. They lifted the music off the page. They are also lovely
people and became part of our musical and personal families here this past week. We hope they can return here soon;
to hear them perform was a musical highlight of my life.”
(John Palmer, Associate Organist/Choirmaster, Calvary Episcopal Church, Memphis, TN, January 2019)
“Your success in having [your duets] published in this day and age is really remarkable. And there can be no other
‘team’ so convincing and polished in duo organ performance.”
(Thomas Murray, Yale University, January 2019)
“Their recital was, in a word, fabulous. They played a technically challenging program while at the same time offered a
little music for everyone’s taste – a difficult combination to pull off. And, of course, they managed it with incredible
style and grace. I truly hope that they will come back at some point in the future!”
(Wm. Jefferson Bush, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Atlanta, GA, November 2018)
About Their Recordings
“‘Volume 4’ in the title implies an on-going series of recordings, and although not all have been received for review, I am
very pleased this latest issue has arrived, for it is a remarkably successful collection of recent new music and
transcriptions, quite brilliantly played and recorded. The repertoire ranges widely [Paulus, Decker, Briggs]…but the duo’s
own Phantom of the Opera Medley arranged from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hugely successful show, is perhaps the most
dramatic of all, as a result of it being the most familiar and most popular music on the album, and it makes a thrilling and
enjoyable conclusion to a CD that deserves wide dissemination and every success.”
(The Organ, England)
“The Chenaults are consummate musicians who think and play as one. Combining technical mastery, interpretive
acumen, and imaginative registration exploring the full capabilities of the large instruments, their performances are
exciting and satisfying.”
(James Hildreth, The American Organist, January 2016 – on the Chenaults’ “20th−21st Century Organ Music for Two,
Volume IV” CD recording)
“The Chenault’s disc features an entire programme of music written for the players themselves. There are not many
records of organ duets; there are even fewer as good as this. It consists of really first-rate playing — musical, rhythmic,
colourful and infectiously enjoyable–and a thoroughly interesting programme.”
(The Organists’ Review, England)
“The playing here is nothing short of electrifying. There is a clarity of purpose and depth of musicality in every
selection. There is nothing superficial in the music or their performance. Their handling of the organ in Washington
National Cathedral is first-rate, making full dramatic use of its resources and generous acoustics. A recording I will enjoy
for years to come!”
(American Record Guide, Jan./Feb., 1996)
20th Century Organ Music for Two (Gothic #49043)
20th Century Organ Music for Two, Volume 2 (Gothic #49073)
Christmas at Spivey Hall (Gothic #49084)
20th-21st Century Organ Music for Two, Volume 4 (Gothic #49292)