Various Composers - Noël in the Musiikkitalo (Jan Lehtola)

Information

• Naji Hakim - Fantaisie sur Adeste fidèles
• Jacques Grünenwald - Variations brèves sur un noël du XVIe siècle: Je me suis levé par un martinet
• Gaston Litaize - Noël Basque
• Gaston Litaize - Douze Pièces: No. 12, Variations sur un Noël angevin
• Martin Stacey - Variations on a Ukrainian Theme: Carol of the Bells
• Jean Langlais - Noëls avec Variations, Op. 204
• Marcel Dupré - Variations sur un Noël, Op. 20

Jan Lehtola, organ

Date: 2026

Label: Toccata Next

_____________________

The recently installed Rieger organ at Helsinki's Musiikkitalo, the world's largest modern concert-hall organ, makes its solo recording debut with organist Jan Lehtola. The album highlights the instrument's extensive capabilities through an eclectic program featuring nine sets of variations on Christmas melodies by French, Franco-Lebanese, and English composers—including a famous Ukrainian tune. Moving seamlessly between traditional themes and modern compositional techniques, Lehtola exploits the full sonic palette of the new organ, displaying a virtuosic range that encompasses everything from delicate textures and rich harmonies to moments of immense, majestic power.

Distinguished Finnish organist Jan Lehtola (b. 1972) is widely recognized as one of his generation's most progressive virtuosic performers. After completing advanced organ studies across Europe and earning his doctorate from the Sibelius Academy, he established a multifaceted career as a performer, scholar, and educator. Lehtola has performed with top orchestras under renowned conductors, appeared at major international festivals, and presented recitals in premier European cathedrals and concert halls. A dedicated champion of new repertoire who has premiered over 100 works, he has served as Artistic Director of Helsinki's Organo Novo Festival, recorded extensively across major classical labels, and currently teaches as a lecturer at the Sibelius Academy.