Francois Espinasse

Organist

Francois Espinasse was born in 1961. He graduated from the Conservatoire de Toulouse, having studied the organ under Xavier Darasse. In 1980 he won first prize for a performance of organ music, and the next year he completed a course of study to improve his performing technique under Andrй Isoir. Espinasse has been a prize-winner of international competitions in Toulouse (“contemporary music” category, 1986) and Musashino (Japan, 1988).

Francois Espinasse is Assistant Organist at the Eglise Saint-Sйverin in Paris; he also teaches at the Conservatoire National de Lyon and is on the National Committee for the Preservation of Historic Monuments (organ department). Recently he was appointed Assistant Organist of the chapel at the palace of Versailles.

As a concert musician and guest teacher, Espinasse has visited more than twenty countries. Moreover, he also sits on the juries of several international organ competitions. His recordings never fail to draw glowing praise from the critics.

A passionate admirer of contemporary music, Espinasse frequently performs works by living composers. Recently he added new works by Betsy Jolas and Philippe Hurel to his repertoire.