CARLO Curley is back. One of the world’s foremost concert organists, Carlo had to pull out of the first of the current Kirklees lunchtime recital series because of a knee injury.
Now this American master of the organ console is again fit and well and will play the opening organ concert of 2008 in Huddersfield Town Hall.
Regular concert-goers were disappointed when Carlo was unable to play the October concert of this season following an accident. He promised at the time that he'd be back – and indeed he will, at 1pm on Monday January 7.
Carlo was born in North Carolina in the early Fifties. His was a musical family and he was coached privately by two hugely admired musicians, Arthur Poister and Robert Elmore.
Ultimately, he studied with two of the world’s greatest organists, America’s legendary Virgil Fox and Sir George Thalben-Ball who, though Australian-born, made his distinguished career in Britain.
One of the early highlights of Carlo’s career was an invitation to play at the White House. He made history as the first classical organist to give a solo organ recital there.
Now he tours the world, having played in every state and province in North America and Canada, as well as across Europe, Asia, Australia and Hong Kong. His recent concert tour of Japan with the King’s Singers was a sell-out everywhere.
Wherever he goes, Carlo’s charismatic personality finds its way on to TV and radio.
His network TV appearances in the United States, England, Australia and Japan are well-known and he has worked extensively for the BBC.
Also, he recently Classic FM broadcast live his concert at Westminster Abbey, given in aid of the Abbey Choir School and the Royal School of Church Music.
At his concert in Huddersfield Carlo will play pieces by Handel, Bach, Buxtehude and Wagner and including a number of his own arrangements.
The concert starts at 1pm and tickets cost £3 (£2 concessions). They are available in advance from Kirklees booking offices, by phoning 01484 223200 or from the Town Hall box office on the day of the concert. Lunches are available in the Old Court Room from noon.
