The Third International Organ Festival “Organs of St. Anastasia” continued on Saturday, 1 August 2026, with a concert by the young German organist and composer Paul Fey at St. Anastasia Cathedral.

On the Eisenbarth cathedral organ, Paul Fey performed a programme featuring works by some of the greatest composers of the organ repertoire – Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Friedrich Händel and Gordon Young – as well as compositions by Pier Angelo Sequeri and several of his own works: Festive Prelude, Introduction, Organ Sonata I, Aria and Fantasie on “Now Thank We All Our God”.

The diverse programme offered the audience an opportunity to experience different stylistic periods, as well as the composer’s own artistic expression. Through his musicality, assured technique and profound understanding of the cathedral instrument’s sound, Paul Fey created a memorable evening of organ music in Zadar’s cathedral. A large audience filled the cathedral, and after the final notes, expressed their appreciation with a long and heartfelt applause. At the request of the audience, Paul Fey performed an additional piece, bringing this special evening of organ music to a close.

An artist who brings the organ closer to audiences around the world

Paul Fey is one of the distinguished representatives of the younger generation of organists. He serves as one of the organists at the renowned St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, a place forever connected with the name of the great composer and organist Johann Sebastian Bach. As a concert organist, he performs throughout Europe and around the world. Alongside his concert career, he is active as a composer, editor of music publications, and creator of video content through which he introduces the world of the organ to a broad audience. A special feature of his artistic work is the way in which he approaches the organ. For him, the instrument is not merely a means of performing music, but a story of history, craftsmanship, sound and cultural heritage. Travelling from one organ to another, he explores their unique characteristics and presents them to organ enthusiasts worldwide through his YouTube channel.

His work is followed by a large number of organ music lovers, and through his dedication, his approach to the instrument and the way he presents it, he has become an inspiration to many young organists.

A special connection with the Zadar Cathedral organ

Paul Fey’s connection with the Zadar Cathedral organ began with his first performance at St. Anastasia Cathedral on 23 November 2023. During his stay in Zadar, he recorded several videos through which he presented the cathedral organ, the cathedral itself and the musical heritage of the city of Zadar to organ enthusiasts around the world.

The Zadar Cathedral organ inspired him to compose his Organ Sonata No. 2, which he premiered here, in St. Anastasia Cathedral. This composition bears witness to the special artistic connection between the organist and the instrument he came to know through his performance and stay in Zadar.

Meeting with the audience and gratitude for participation in the Festival

Before the beginning of the concert, Paul Fey met with visitors in front of St. Anastasia Cathedral. He spent time talking with guests from Passau, Germany, with whom he also took photographs, as well as with other organ music lovers who attended the concert. Through his simplicity, kindness and openness, he left a warm impression on those gathered and expressed his gratitude to the audience for attending. After the concert, the Festival organisers presented Paul Fey with a certificate of appreciation for his participation in the Third International Organ Festival “Organs of St. Anastasia” and flowers as a sign of gratitude for his artistic contribution and his special connection with the Zadar Cathedral organ.

Paul Fey’s concert once again confirmed the value of the “Organs of St. Anastasia” Festival, which brings outstanding artists from different countries to Zadar Cathedral and offers audiences the opportunity to discover the richness of organ music and the beauty of this unique instrument.

Concert program:

Paul Fey (1998.)

Festive Prelude

Introduction

Gordon Young (1919. – 1998.)

Cathedral Suite

I. Prelude

II. Allemande

III. Aria

IV. Rigaudon

V. Sarabande

VI. Toccata

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685. – 1750.)

„Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring“

BWV 147

Paul Fey (1998.)

Organ Sonata I

Paul Fey (1998.)

Aria

Georg Friedrich Händel (1685. – 1759.)

Largo

Paul Fey (1998.)

Fantasie on „Now Thank We All Our God“ 

Pier Angelo Sequeri (1944.)

Improvisation on Symbolum

Biography

https://www.paulfeyorganist.com/en-enn

His music education started when he was in kinder garden and his parents signed up for 'early music education'. He really enjoyed making music, so they decided the next step would be to start  with classical guitar lessons during his first grade at primary school. About one year later, he also discovered the magic of piano music. When he was about 15 years old, he was eventually introduced to the pipe organ at our local church - which caught his attention almost immediately! He went on to practise and experiment on this instrument for several hours at a time, never once getting tired of all the possible combinations of the different timbres.

After studying organ and sacred music full time at the specialist university in Halle (Saale) he is now a full time musician, composer and 'Youtuber'. Furthermore he was appointed as one of the organists at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, also working with the choirs there.