Discover the Majesty of the Organ with Organist Michael Murphy

The St. Andrew the Apostle Concert Series presents Organist Michael Murphy in "Christus Vincit – The Majesty of the Organ" on Sunday, May 19 at 4:00 pm in Clifton, Virginia.

What to Expect

Experience the grandeur of the St. Andrew the Apostle Pipe Organ of the Holy Archangels as Michael Murphy performs a free concert of organ masterpieces from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Program highlights include such well-known works as:

•  Johann Sebastian Bach’s Fantasy and Fugue in G minor
• The Sonata III of Felix Mendelssohn
• The Allegro from Symphony VI by Charles-Marie Widor

 In addition to these concert favorites, Murphy will also perform pieces by Langlais, Persichetti, and more.   The program will include a series of chorale preludes (pieces based on hymn tunes) which cover the liturgical year, beginning with Advent and culminating with the Christus vincit ("Christ conquers”) celebrating Easter.  The St Andrew the Apostle Choir will introduce each piece with a singing of the corresponding hymn.  Stay after the concert for a free post-concert reception where you can mingle with friends and meet the artist.

About the Artist

Michael Murphy is the Director of Music Ministries at St Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Clifton, Virginia, where he leads a vibrant music program including multiple choirs and an annual concert series of organ and sacred music.   Murphy holds a Bachelor of Music degree in organ performance from the Eastman School of Music, studying with renowned professor and concert artist David Craighead. While at Eastman, he was runner up in the local Young Artists Competition of the American Guild of Organists.  Murphy has held a number of positions throughout the country as a church musician, including serving as assistant organist at St Andrew the Apostle for many years, prior to his being named Director in March of 2022. Murphy has also served two terms as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Rome School of Music, Drama and Art at the Catholic University of America. Prior to his assuming his current duties at St Andrews, Murphy had a 26-year career in the US Navy as a carrier-based fighter pilot, test pilot, and program manager for the Navy’s enterprise IT systems.

Support the Arts

While this is a free concert, your donations help to make this concert, and others like it, possible. A free-will offering will be taken up during the concert to benefit this and future events. Credit card donations may be made at the reception following the concert or anytime on-line at http://www.st-andrew.org/concerts. Your generosity in support of the arts is always appreciated!

For More Information

St. Andrew the Apostle is located at 6720 Union Mill Road in Clifton, Virginia. For more information about the St. Andrew the Apostle Concert Series, visit http://www.st-andrew.org/concerts, or call 703-817-1770.