UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE – BARONY HALL INAUGURAL RECITAL – FRIDAY 30th APRIL 2010
As a representative of the Lanarkshire Society of Organists I was invited to the inaugural recital of the new Bach-style organ. It was built by the Austrian firm Orgelbau Koegler.
The recitalist was John Scott Whiteley, Organist at York Minster. First he was interviewed by John Warburton, producer of BBC TV’s series “21st century Bach”. They believe that in the new organ Glasgow has a world-class instrument.
John Scott Whiteley then introduced a series of short pieces by Bach going through the church year to show off the colours of the organ. He added the first Scottish performance of a work, “Wo Gott der Herr nicht bei uns haelt”, the manuscript of which came to light only recently. The final dramatic piece was the Prelude and Fugue in E minor.
We look forward to hearing more of this magnificent new Baroque organ.
Mary A. Smith
Some information about the organ: Strathclyde University is proud to be launching its recently-built “Bach-Style” pipe organ. Built by the Austrian firm of Koegler, this 3-manual organ comprises 41 stops. For more images of this magnificent instrument visit Koegler’s website.
Spring Organ Recital on 12th March, 2011
Cadzow Parish Church, Hamilton
The LSO was delighted that Peter Howard, a young talented organist, accepted the invitation to be our recitalist for our penultimate event of the session. Peter’s first post was Organist and Choirmaster at Eaglesham Parish Church. He is currently Organist and Choir Leader at Greenbank Parish Church, Clarkston, Glasgow. He maintains strong links with Giffnock South Parish Church, where he began studying the organ in 2004, and continued to take part in choral events and accompanying on the piano or organ. He will be accompanying a special service there, entitle “Music for a Royal Occasion” at the end of March 2011, and again at Kings Park Church on May 8th.
Attendance at the recital was affected by adverse weather and the forecast of further snowfalls; however those who gathered were treated to a well chosen programme, starting and ending with a flourish. Peter commenced by playing the Allegro from Organ Sonata No. 1 by Mendelssohn and finished with Sortie by Lefebure-Wely. The rest of the programme covered music by J.S.Bach, John Stanley, Alfred Hollins, Laurence Caldecote, Mozart and Widor.
In the vote of thanks, Peter was commended for his thoughtful choice of programme and the wide variety and selection of music, and congratulated on his most competent performance. All present were most enthusiastic in their praise of his performance. Thanks were also recorded to the minister and office-bearers of Cadzow Parish Church for their welcome, and for willingly permitting LSO to hold the recital there.
Marjory Macdonald, Vice President of the LSO (2010-11)
Lanarkshire Organists 