Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Organ Recital: Samuel Holmberg
Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
Hear an organ recital by American organist Samuel Holmberg, of Minneapolis, Minn. Currently at the Basilica of St. Mary in that city, and formerly organist of two other American cathedrals, this expert in big spaces will surely bring out the best of our landmark building and instrument. Don’t miss it.
Our organ recital series features some of the finest organists playing one of America’s great organs. Grace Cathedral’s 7,466-pipe Aeolian-Skinner instrument, the Charles B. Alexander Memorial Organ (1934), is one of the first and finest American classic-style organs and is among the largest church organs in the West. Experiencing music in our gothic cathedral with its unique acoustics, soaring nave, and jewel-like stained glass windows is a feast for the ears, eyes, and soul.
Recorded on August 2nd, 2026.
Program
Toccata for Organ | Nancy Plummer Faxon (1914-2005)
Chaconne (from Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004) | Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), transcribed by Matthias Keller (b.1956)
Intermezzo: Allegro (from Organ Symphony No. 6 in G minor, Op. 42 No. 2) | Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937)
Siciliano for a High Ceremony | Herbert Howells (1892-1983)
Organ Sonata | Philip Moore (b.1943)
Allegro Agitato
Andante Tranquillo
Allegro con Brio
About the Organist
Samuel Holmberg is the Organist and Director of Cathedral Concerts at The Basilica of Saint Mary (Co-Cathedral) in downtown Minneapolis. Prior to his appointment, he held positions at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette, Michigan and at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and Luther College, he holds degrees in organ performance, literature, and sacred music. His principal teachers include David Higgs, William Porter, Dr. Gregory Peterson, and Dr. Lynn Trapp. He studied improvisation and repertoire with visiting Professors Michel Bouvard (Toulouse/Versailles) and the late Edoardo Bellotti (Bremen). Further study was at the Yale School of Music and Institute of Sacred Music. Samuel has performed throughout the United States and Europe on landmark venues. He has recorded for Minnesota Public Radio in solo and ensemble roles and has given the world premiere of several newly commissioned works.
Give to Grace
Your gift helps Grace Cathedral realize its vision: a spiritually alive world. There are many ways to give: please visit gracecathedral.org/give to learn more.
Experience the Exceptional
GraceArts connects a wider community of people through art and cultural events held in our awe-inspiring space. If you have a passion for the arts, become a GraceArts member and enjoy discounts and benefits while supporting our cathedral. Sign up today to be part of GraceArts! Gracecathedral.org/join.
Organ Recital: Samuel Holmberg
Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
Hear an organ recital by American organist Samuel Holmberg, of Minneapolis, Minn. Currently at the Basilica of St. Mary in that city, and formerly organist of two other American cathedrals, this expert in big spaces will surely bring out the best of our landmark building and instrument. Don’t miss it.
Our organ recital series features some of the finest organists playing one of America’s great organs. Grace Cathedral’s 7,466-pipe Aeolian-Skinner instrument, the Charles B. Alexander Memorial Organ (1934), is one of the first and finest American classic-style organs and is among the largest church organs in the West. Experiencing music in our gothic cathedral with its unique acoustics, soaring nave, and jewel-like stained glass windows is a feast for the ears, eyes, and soul.
Recorded on August 2nd, 2026.
Program
Toccata for Organ | Nancy Plummer Faxon (1914-2005)
Chaconne (from Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004) | Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), transcribed by Matthias Keller (b.1956)
Intermezzo: Allegro (from Organ Symphony No. 6 in G minor, Op. 42 No. 2) | Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937)
Siciliano for a High Ceremony | Herbert Howells (1892-1983)
Organ Sonata | Philip Moore (b.1943)
Allegro Agitato
Andante Tranquillo
Allegro con Brio
About the Organist
Samuel Holmberg is the Organist and Director of Cathedral Concerts at The Basilica of Saint Mary (Co-Cathedral) in downtown Minneapolis. Prior to his appointment, he held positions at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette, Michigan and at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and Luther College, he holds degrees in organ performance, literature, and sacred music. His principal teachers include David Higgs, William Porter, Dr. Gregory Peterson, and Dr. Lynn Trapp. He studied improvisation and repertoire with visiting Professors Michel Bouvard (Toulouse/Versailles) and the late Edoardo Bellotti (Bremen). Further study was at the Yale School of Music and Institute of Sacred Music. Samuel has performed throughout the United States and Europe on landmark venues. He has recorded for Minnesota Public Radio in solo and ensemble roles and has given the world premiere of several newly commissioned works.
Give to Grace
Your gift helps Grace Cathedral realize its vision: a spiritually alive world. There are many ways to give: please visit gracecathedral.org/give to learn more.
Experience the Exceptional
GraceArts connects a wider community of people through art and cultural events held in our awe-inspiring space. If you have a passion for the arts, become a GraceArts member and enjoy discounts and benefits while supporting our cathedral. Sign up today to be part of GraceArts! Gracecathedral.org/join.
