UQ Mayne Hall Organ Series with Christopher Wrench

Join us for an engaging evening of music with an Organ Recital by Christopher Wrench, as part of UQ’s Mayne Hall Organ Series.

Set in the stunning surrounds of the UQ Art Museum, this 70-minute program showcases the expressive power and grandeur of the Mayne Hall organ through masterworks by Bruhns, Bach, and well-known Brisbane composers Lloyd Vick and Robert Boughen. From the dramatic Præludium in G to the intricate beauty of Bach’s Leipzig Chorales and the contemporary flair of Vick’s Chorale Variations, this recital promises a rich and moving musical journey.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of Australia’s finest organists in an intimate and inspiring setting.

Date: Saturday 18 October 2025
Time: 7–8:10pm, followed by a reception with light refreshments until 9pm
Location: UQ Art Museum, UQ St Lucia
Ticket price: $60 general entry. Your ticket includes light refreshments following the performance.

Christopher Wrench

Widely recognised for his passionate and authoritative performances, internationally acclaimed Australia organist Christopher Wrench is equally at home in the varied roles of soloist, liturgical musician, pedagogue, accompanist and chamber player. 

Born in Brisbane, Wrench is a graduate of the Queensland and Vienna Conservatoria and the Vienna University of Music. Prize-winning performances at international competitions in Melbourne (1st Prize 1985), Dublin, St Alban’s UK (Audience Prize 1989) and Odense (1st Prize 1992) established his presence on the world stage.

A regular guest at festivals throughout Australia, incl. Armidale, Barraba, Ballarat, Brisbane, Melbourne, Mofo, and Sydney; Christopher has also appeared as soloist with the Adelaide and Australian Chamber Orchestras, the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Camerata and the Queensland Youth Symphony in concerti by Guilmant, Handel, Jongen, Leighton and Poulenc.

Twenty-two international tours have included Austria, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, England (incl. Westminster Abbey, Kings College & Trinity College Cambridge), Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden. In 2014 Wrench was one of ‘five organists from five continents’ invited to perform the Silbermann 300th Anniversary Gala concert in Freiberg Cathedral, Saxony. His CD of Bach’s Six Organ Sonatas received rave reviews from around the globe. 

From 2016-23 Wrench was senior tutor at the ACT Organ School in Canberra. He is currently Director of Music at Christ Church St Lucia (Brisbane), Chapel Music Director at St John’s College, The University of Queensland and performs Principal Harpsichord/Organ with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. 

Exuberant recital by Wrench. Vibrantly musical from the first moment. Underlying Wrench's extremely dynamic and supple music-making is a great sense of style. A master of his instrument ... An outstanding Australian artist. - Lidova Demokracie (Czech Republic)

Important event information

The UQ Art Museum will open from 6:15pm if you would like to explore the current exhibition before the concert commences at 7pm. 

Parking: Casual parking is available at UQ St Lucia and parking is free on weekends. More information about parking at UQ. St Lucia campus is conveniently accessible by bus and ferry. More information about public transport options.

Enquiries: engagement@hass.uq.edu.au

This event is proudly presented by the UQ School of Music, UQ Art Museum and UQ Arts.

Banner image: The University of Queensland