Carlo Curley

Carlo James Curley, an American classical concert organist, captivated audiences worldwide with his extraordinary talent and charisma, earning him the nickname "the Pavarotti of the organ." Born in North Carolina, Curley made Britain his home, where he maintained his awe-inspiring touring organ at St. Paul's Church, Knightsbridge. Unlike many organists, Curley supported himself solely through concert performances, making him one of the few artists to do so without additional teaching or church appointments. His repertoire spanned classical masterpieces, and his improvisational skills were renowned, with notable pieces like his improvisations on Dvořák's "New World Symphony" and the traditional Welsh melody "Ar Hyd y Nos." Curley's passion for music was matched only by his love for cookery, as evidenced by his affinity for Julia Child's cookery books. His untimely death in 2012 left a void in the classical music world, but his legacy continues to inspire organists and music enthusiasts alike.