D'Arcy Trinkwon
D’Arcy Trinkwon (born 15 May 1965) is an internationally acclaimed British concert Organist.
Performances
Regarded as one of the outstanding virtuosos of recent years, early in his career earning the nickname ‘the Nureyev of organists’ in reference to his extraordinary technique (particularly of the pedals) and talent.
The Münchner Merkur described him in a review following a recital in Munich Cathedral:
“D’Arcy Trinkwon is a master of phrasing and the sensitivity of his artistry gives new life to the great Romantic works… Apart from his great awareness of nuances, it is this gifted musician’s mastery of colour that allows him to further illuminate unimagined perspectives in often complex works… Trinkwon earned enthusiastic applause for his technically immaculate playing and his great virtuosity. His splendid, but nevertheless subtle virtuosity combined with considerable artistic integrity to demonstrate that he is one of the really great artists of his genre.”
Well-known for the scholarship lying behind his performances. He has not held any specific cathedral or civic post working solely as a concert organist. Has given recitals and broadcasts in festivals and international concert series worldwide. Solo recital series include “The King of Instruments” (8 concerts featuring works of the all the ‘cornerstone’ organ composers), The English Romantic Organist, great works of Franck the complete Widor symphonies etc. Has also given numerous all-Bach programmes and series.
He made his first recording at 24, but apart from one later compilation of concert performances has been unwilling to make further recordings until asked to by Hyperion Records in 2009.
Repertoire
Unlimited repertoire of periods but particularly associated with the most demanding virtuoso works. Has also made transcriptions (especially works of Liszt) and given numerous premiers and first performances, including works of Messiaen, Vasks, Weiner, Kraft, Hampton, Odile Pierre, Wilhelm Kempff etc.
Increasingly interested in teaching, he has given masterclasses, examining and teaching at various conservatoires including Royal Northern College of Music, Trinity College of Music, Escuela Universitaria del Musica (Uruguay), Conservatoire de Troyes etc.
Jeanne Demessieux
Has a particular personal interest in the French Romantic organ school, and Jeanne Demessieux. One of the foremost authorities on her life and work, he has given performances of her music – the complete Six Etudes in particular. Has contributed several articles to various journals – most recently Organists Review (UK) and The Diapason (USA) . He is Vice-President of Les Amis de Jeanne Demessieux.
Background
He received early musical training as a choir-boy at Canterbury Cathedral under Allan Wicks (1974-1978); in 1978 he became Senior Chorister. Continuing his academic education at St Edmund's School, Canterbury, he pursued his musical tuition whilst at school with H. A. Bate in London. He studied piano and organ at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, (1984-1988) where he was nominated an Outstanding Final Year Student. After further studies with Jean Guillou, he completed his formal training with Odile Pierre, in whose class he won the Gold Medal at the Paris National Conservatoire.