Lunchtime Concert - Samuel Giddy (Organ)

The St James' Lunchtime Concert on Wednesday the 30th of October at 1:15pm is presented by Samuel Giddy - Organ. Tickets are $10.

Programme:

Toccata in F Major BWV 540 - J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

Fugue in F Minor - Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

Vers L’esperance - Thierry Escaich (b.1965)

Nun ruhen alle Wälder - Jan Brandts Buys (1868-1933)

Passacaglia in F Minor (from Monologe, Op. 63) - Max Reger (1873-1916)

Sydney-based organist Samuel Giddy enjoys a varied career as a recitalist, liturgical organist and educator. From 2016 – 2019 he gained a Bachelor of Music from Sydney Conservatorium, studying organ with Philip Swanton and graduating with first-class honours and the Frank Hutchens Student of the Year Award. As a recitalist, Samuel has performed at major venues including Brisbane City Hall, Sydney Town Hall, Chester & Guildford Cathedrals (UK), and St George’s Hanover Square (London). He has also appeared in international competitions, including as the winner of the Sydney Organ Competition (2018 & 2022), as a finalist in the Silbermann Competition (Freiberg, 2019), and as a semi-finalist in the International Organ Competition of Korea (Seoul, 2023). In 2024 he was awarded 3rd prize at the International Martini Organ Competition in Groningen, Netherlands (resulting in recital engagements in the Netherlands in 2025). While studying at the Conservatorium, Samuel served as the inaugural organ scholar at St Mark’s Darling Point. He has subsequently held posts as organist at St Paul’s Burwood, as assistant organist at St Andrew’s Cathedral, and (since 2023) as Music Minister at St John’s Darlinghurst, where he founded and directs the choir. When not playing the organ, Samuel regularly teaches and composes. In addition to his musical pursuits, he holds a Graduate Diploma of Divinity from the Australian College of Theology. He is married to Wayomika and they live in Sydney’s inner east.