New Flentrop organ revealed at the Royal College of Music
February 16, 2018
The new Flentrop organ at the Royal College of Music in London is still to have its first proper public appearance, as it were, but already it's gathering appreciative comments from those who've had a chance to play it. Flentrop Orgelbouw have created an instrument with a warm, clear sound that, although it has only 34 stops, is convincing, on its own terms, in French, North German, English, Baroque and Romantic repertoire. Thomas Trotter will give the opening recital on 25th February, to round off an organ festival that celebrates the organ music of composers associated with the College since the time of Parry.
Read MoreA Liverpool Father Willis – an instrument for all
February 12, 2018
The Liverpool Blue Coat School has a national treasure in its assembly hall - a 1874-built Father Willis organ. Thanks to support from the National Lottery, the school is developing a project to restore it, to be a focus for music within the school, and also to support a new Blue Coat Organ Scholarship. This scholarship will not only involve the restored Father Willis, but will extend to the use of both the Liverpool Cathedral and Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral organs.
Read MoreThe organ on film – Will Fraser and Fugue State Films
February 5, 2018
Ten years ago Will Fraser spotted a market for recordings of keyboard instruments, using the global reach of the internet to find their niche market. "I wanted to produce films that you can't find on television, knowing there was an audience which would react when word of them arrived on the web. And out of that, Fugue State Films was born." He talks about the challenges of fundraising and filming Fugue State's acclaimed organ series, especially the recently released box set on Max Reger, their biggest project so far.
Read MoreTwo new competitions for university and conservatoire organists
January 29, 2018
Two new competitions for university and conservatoire organ students (including recent graduates) have been launched this year, and the deadlines for entries for both are rapidly approaching, in February. Read on for details of the CAOS inaugural student organist competition to be held in Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, and the IAO - RCO competition, with finals in Peterborough Cathedral this summer.
Read MoreWin a chance to play at Chelmsford Cathedral
January 15, 2018
The Essex Organists' Association invites organists from beginners to advanced, and whether RCO Members or not, to take part in their annual organ competition this Spring. The winner of the Advanced class will be given the opportunity to perform a pre-Sunday Evensong recital in Chelmsford Cathedral.
Read MoreReflections of a fledgling organist, aged eighty
January 5, 2018
Peter Woodward came to organ playing late in life. It was unexpected, but the involvement with the instrument and its music has been transforming. Here's the story in his own words - how on the death of his wife Mary he took up the piano and then the organ, and followed her in attending the RCO's big Summer Course for the last three years.
Read MoreJanuary deadline for Leicester MusicFest organ competition- enter now!
December 22, 2017
Leicester MusicFest 2018 welcomes amateur organists of all ages and abilities to showcase their talents in two competition classes in their annual pipe organ competition which takes place on the afternoon of Saturday 10th February 2018, on the Peter Collins organ in the St Cecilia Auditorium at English Martyrs Catholic School in Leicester.
Read MoreVirtuoso contemporary music from trumpet and organ duo
December 1, 2017
Trumpeter Ellie Lovegrove and organist Richard Moore spent three nights earlier this year in the magical space of Portsmouth Cathedral, recording the music for their debut CD. Ellie and Richard form Illumina Duo, and this recording project was funded in the main by the Eric Thompson Charitable Trust for Organists as their 2016/2017 Annual Award. The CD is now available to buy online, and includes previously unrecorded virtuoso contemporary music by by contemporary British and American artists - including two new commissions by emerging British composers.
Read MoreThe President’s Evening 2018
November 30, 2017
Westminster Cathedral’s Grand Organ Festival 2017 ended on Wednesday 29 November with a recital by the Cathedral’s Master of Music, Martin Baker. In his role as RCO President, Martin arranged for this also to be an occasion for members of the College’s Anniversary Circle and other supporters to enjoy a pre-concert talk and post-concert reception in the atmospheric surroundings of the Clergy House Library.
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