Jens Korndörfer at the University of Dubuque -- September 13. (photo by Julia Dokter)
Sunday, September 13, 3 p.m.
University of Dubuque's Heritage Center, 2255 Bennett Street, Dubuque IA
A lauded German-American organist regularly invited to perform and teach at prestigious venues and festivals around the world, Jens Korndörfer will be showcased in a special recital at the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center on September 13, his performance held in institution's sixth-annual John and Alice Butler Pipe Organ Recital Series.
Praised as “a virtuoso in the grand Romantic tradition” who creates “performances that are deeply musically satisfying as well as exciting” (The American Organist), highlights of Korndörfer’s performance career, as stated at JensKorndoerfer.com, "include Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, the Cadet Chapel in West Point, Duke University Chapel, the Cathedral-Basilica in St. Louis, the Montreal Bach Festival, the Cathedrals in Washington, Berlin, Bremen, Paris, Salzburg, Oslo, and Moscow, Westminster Abbey in London, the Royal Chapel in Versailles, the Frauenkirche in Dresden, Suntory Hall and Metropolitan Art Space in Tokyo, Kyoto Concert Hall, and the Cultural Centre in Hong Kong.
"Korndörfer’s repertoire reaches from the Renaissance to the 21st century, including transcriptions, and world premieres. Widely recognized as a "prodigious technician" (La Presse, Montreal), his 'effortless and poetic playing' (Susan Landale) delight both organ aficionados and first-time visitors alike. In addition to frequently collaborating with other musicians, he has also performed with ensembles such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra, and the Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini.
"Since 2023, Korndörfer has been directing the organ program at Baylor University. In addition to teaching organ performance, service playing, and improvisation, he has also founded the annual National High School Organ Competition, organizes annual study trips (Paris in 2024, Boston in 2025, Germany in 2026) and performance opportunities at prestigious venues for his studio (St. Patrick’s Cathedral and St. John the Divine in New York, First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston), and directs Baylor’s Summer Organ Camp.
"Previously, he taught at Georgia State University (2017-23) and Agnes Scott College (2014-19). As 'a leading professor of organ' (The American Organist), he is frequently invited as guest speaker and clinician at universities, concert halls, and chapters of the American Guild of Organists. Recent teaching engagements include Rice University in Houston, the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, the Musikhochschule in Saarbrücken, and Ewha University in Seoul. Korndörfer has released five CDs on major instruments in France, Japan, Canada, and the USA. Most recently, Korndörfer’s collection of 10 festive hymn introductions and re-harmonizations was published by MorningStar Music."
The John and Alice Butler Pipe Organ was dedicated in May 2021 and has 3,033 pipes. The pipe organ has enhanced campus events and been utilized as a practice and recital instrument. UD Trustee John Butler (DHL’17) and his late spouse, Alice (DHL’17), gifted the instrument. Dobson Pipe Organ Builders built and installed the pipe organ – the 97th new organ built by the firm.
Jens Korndörfer will perform in the John & Alice Butler Hall of the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center on September 13, admission to the 3 p.m. recital is $16, and more information and tickets are available by calling (563)585-7469 and visiting Dbq.edu/heritagecenter.
