WEEKDAY CONCERTS

Praeludium in E Minor
Nicholaus Bruhns (1665-1697)

Vater unser im Himmelreich
Georg Böhm (1661-1733)

Italian Concerto, BWV 971
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Herr Gott, nun Schleuß den Himmel auf, BWV 617
J.S. Bach

Praeludium in G Minor, BuxWV 149
Dieterich Buxtehude (ca 1637-1707)

The turning point in Uriel Valadeau’s musical education was his introduction to the great French organ virtuoso, Francis Chapelet, who awakened in him a passion for the baroque organ and the art of improvisation. Valadeau has worked regularly with Chapelet for many years, collaborating, assisting him at concerts and with his research.

In June 2006, at the request of Alain Paquier, President of Chemins du Baroque,
Francis Chapelet and Uriel Valadeau gave the inaugural recital to mark the restoration of the two organs in Cusco Cathedral (Peru), dating from 1656. At the same time, they recorded a CD which received critical acclaim:  « 5 Diapasons » from the French magazine, Diapason, and 4 stars from Monde de la Musique. In one of the reviews, Valadeau was acclaimed as a « stylistically accomplished organist, with a lively and vigorous approach. »

Chapelt and Valadeau also gave the inaugural recital subsequent to the restoration of the
oldest organs in the Americas, in Andahuayillas (Peru). This took place as part of a
celebration sponsored by Chemins du Baroque which involved some 90 musicians and received critical acclaim by the international press. The program was recorded by the K617 label ; the organ recital is placed in the context of traditional Peruvian music.

Uriel Valadeau enjoys the benefits of working regularly with the exceptional collection of eight historic organs in Montpon-Ménésterol (Dordogne) and his repertoire includes
works from the romantic and symphonic repertoire as well as baroque music. He was awarded a « Diplome d’Études Musicales » by the Consevatoire de Bordeaux and was unanimously awarded First Prize for his organ studies.

Uriel Valadeau has recently given concerts in Spain (Palencia, Ciudad Real, Albacete),England (Liverpool) and Cuba. In France, he has performed in Guîtres, Bordeaux (the historic Dom Bedos organ in the Church of Sainte Croix), the cathedrals of
Albi, Rodez and Sarlat and at the festivals of Montpon, Arcachon, Rouillé, Nontron
and Bergerac, both as soloist and accompanist in a wide range of repertoire.
Uriel Valadeau’s faith, religious culture and skill in improvisation make him a highly sought-after liturgical organist.  He plays an active part in the « Friends of the Cavaillé-Coll organ of St Jacques, Bergerac ».  Uriel Valadeau is also organist at the historical organ of La Réole and a member of the « Fondation Francis Chapelet. »

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