DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Christopher
Wrench
is
a
graduate
of
the
Queensland
Conservatorium
[http://www.griffith.edu.au/music/queensland-conservatorium] (piano major - Nancy Weir, organ - Robert
Boughen & Graeme Morton), the Vienna Conservatorium [http://www.konservatorium-wien.ac.at/] and the
Vienna University of Music and Performing Arts [http://www.mdw.ac.at/], where he studied with Michael
Radulescu [http://members.inode.at/mi.radulescu/english.html].
Prizewinning performances at major
competitions in Melbourne (1st Prize 1985), Dublin (2nd Prize 1988 & 1990), St Alban's (Audience Prize 1989),
Calgary (European Finalist 1990) & Odense (1st Prize 1992) established his international reputation. Wrench
returned to Australia in 1991 to become Lecturer in Organ at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University
[http://www.griffith.edu.au/music/queensland-conservatorium].
Equally skilled as soloist, liturgical musician chamber player, and pedagogue, Wrench is widely regarded as one
of Australia’s finest organists. He has performed recitals throughout Australia (including the Melbourne
International Festival of Organ and Harpsichord, the Sydney Festival, the Brisbane Festival, the New England
Bach Festival, the Barraba Festival and Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields) and appeared as soloist with the
Australian Chamber Orchestra [http://www.aco.com.au/], the Queensland Symphony Orchestra
[http://qso.com.au/], the Camerata of St John’s [http://www.camerata.net.au], the Queensland Youth Symphony
[http://qyo.org.au/queensland-youth-symphony], the Canberra Symphony Orchestra [http://www.cso.org.au] and
the Adelaide Chamber Orchestra. 18 international tours have taken Wrench to Austria (incl. St Stephen's
Cathedral, Augustinerkirche, Klosterneuburg), Canada, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, England (incl. Westminster
Abbey, King's College-Cambridge & Bournemouth International Festival), Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Norway
and Sweden.
Wrench is principal organist (casual) with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and continuo player with the
Badinarie Players and Camerata of St John's. He has made numerous broadcasts on ABC ClassicFM and MBS
community radio networks was awarded the Lord Mayor's Australia Day Cultural Award in 2008 for his
contribution to the musical life of Brisbane. Wrench commands a broad solo repertoire spaning many centuries
including the complete organ works of J.S.Bach, Brahms, Buxethude, Mendelssohn, Mozart & Duruflé. His
Melba
Recordings
SACD
of
J.S.Bach's
Six
Organ
Sonatas
[http://www.melbarecordings.com.au/catalogue/album/js-bach-organ-sonatas] at the Garrison Church,
Copenhagen received rave reviews from around the globe.
Wrench began playing the harmonium in his home parish of All Saints, Chermside at the age of 10 before
becoming Organist at St Michael & All Angels, New Farm (1975-77) and Organist & Choirmaster at Christ
Church St Lucia (1977-82). Following post-graduate study in Vienna (Austria) Christopher was organist at St
Salvator Catholic Church, Vienna (1984-86), and Director of Music at Christ Church, Vienna (1986-90). After
returning to Australia he was Organist/Music Director at St Mary's Kangaroo Point (1994-2012) before his
appointment to Christ Church, St Lucia in January 2013. Christopher is married to renowned choral director
Emily Cox. Christopher and Emily have a son named Oliver.
What the critics said:
His is the bold and determined approach of a perfectionist, whose superb artistic quality is balanced by an
extraordinary technique … a serious reminder that some of the world’s best performers live right here among us.
Organ Australia, December 2013
spirited, articulate, exuberant and flawlessly played … wonderfully expressive - performed with sensitivity &
flair … Wrench’s interpretation was masterly - making it all look effortless.
Organ Australia, December 2012
… a perfection of execution that is jaw dropping … the musical beauty of these gems shines through and
Christopher Wrench achieves the Holy Grail of trio performance … Brilliant music, brilliantly performed.
Church Music Quarterly, June 2013
Wrench tackles these tricky trios with agility, grace, deftness, clarity, crispness, control and style … exceptional
performances on an outstanding instrument
The American Organist, 2010
Australian-born organist Christopher Wrench has scored ... sheer joy in music-making--an unequivocal triumph
Fanfare, USA
This goes right to the top of the list for these works...
Audiophile Audition, USA
read more Bach CD reviews [http://www.melbarecordings.com.au/catalogue/album/js-bach-organ-sonatas]