Montreal-based organist, Maria Gajraj (MMus’20, current DMus) was recently appointed Assistant Organist at Christ Church Cathedral Ottawa. One of her first major activities in that role was to play in the National Commemorative Ceremony in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on September 19. A soloist having played solo concerts throughout Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, and Boston, she was ready to meet the moment.
Maria studies with Dr. Isabelle Demers, and her research focuses on Caribbean organ repertoire in the 20th century. She is passionate about studying and programming works by historically underrepresented composers, such as composers of colour and women composers. She strives to break stereotypes, and to make the organ more accessible to everyone.
Maria plays in the first noon-hour organ concert of the season, on October 7 and we spoke with her over email to find out what piece we should look out for in that programme, what drew her to study the organ, and more about her experience playing at the Queen’s National Commemorative Ceremony.
How long have you had the post of Assistant Organist at Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa?
My first day playing at Christ Church was September 11th. It was definitely an eventful first week on the job, since we had to start funeral preparations before I even played my first official service!
How did your playing at the national commemorative ceremony come about?
Christ Church Cathedral was the official venue for the Queen's National Commemorative Ceremony. As the Assistant Organist, I played organ preludes before the ceremony, and assisted the Director of Music (another Schulich grad, James Calkin, MMus '96!) during the ceremony.
What did you play? Is it something you’d played before?
I played works by Canadian composers Gilles Maurice Leclerc and Rachel Laurin, and British composers C. Hubert H. Parry and Percy Whitlock. I had never played these pieces before, and a couple of the Canadian works were composed specifically for this occasion.
Could you take us behind the scenes and share what that day was like?
The day was very well planned, down to the minute. In the days leading up to the event, we rehearsed the various cues and the order of the service. We had our traditional post-it notes stuck to our scores, to know exactly when to press our pistons (to change the combinations of stops pulled), and everything went smoothly, according to plan. I was tucked behind the organ as usual, away from all the cameras, lights, security details, and bagpipers, so when it was my time to play, it was easy to be in the moment and focus on the music.
What drew you to studying the organ?
When I started organ lessons at 18, I was so fascinated by the variety of sounds and colours we can create, by selecting different combinations of stops. I also loved the challenge of playing with all four limbs at the same time :)
What’s one of your favourite things about playing the organ?
I love practicing in beautiful churches late at night or early in the morning, before the rest of the world wakes up, and being able to fill these incredible buildings with sound.
What’s something that everyone should know about the organ?
It is not just a big piano! :) It is also not only a church instrument; the organ can be used in many different contexts, from electroacoustic music to silent films, and recently, to yoga classes!
Yoga and organ? Tell us more!
I am actually playing for a yoga/organ class on October 22, as part of the Canadian International Organ Competition (CIOC) Grand Organ Festival. Here is the event link for Mats and Music on October 22 at 9:30 am. This yoga/organ combination has become popular in the last year, and this is my first time participating in a session!
What is a piece we should look out for at your recital on October 7?
"Von Gott will ich nicht lassen" by Bert Matter, a contemporary Dutch composer. This minimalism-inspired piece is comprised of a chorale and variations on a Dutch folk melody, and it is very fun to play on the organ in Redpath Hall!
What's something that every student should leave Schulich knowing?
There are lots of us organists walking amongst you! Ask us anything about our instrument — we would love to answer any questions you may have! :) Also, the Marvin Duchow Music Library and the Interlibrary loan system are incredible, we have access to an extensive number of scores, music journals, books, recordings, and more.
How does music move you?
Music moves me by its power to connect people; to unite kindred spirits across nationalities, ethnicities, races, genders, religions, etc., and to create community.
Is there a composer / genre / single piece of music that never fails to transport you?
Right now, I have to say the third movement of Olivier Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur, “Dessiens éternels." Whether playing this piece or listening to it, I feel an immense sense of peace and stillness
You can find out more about Maria on her website, mariagajraj.com or you can follow her on instagram @maria_organist
