ECMS Organ Recital
ECMS Secretary and Keeper of Organs Richard Gowers gave an excellent recital last Friday on the historic Dutch organ (partly dating from 1773) in School Hall. He was playing the first 8 of Bach’s sublime ‘Eighteen’ or ‘Leipzig’ chorales, products of Bach’s last years. Richard recently gained his FRCO, a post-graduate diploma rarely achieved by a schoolboys (one who did was his teacher, the College Organist, Mr David Goode). He introduced the chorales engagingly, and the recital was much enhanced by the use of a video link to enable the audience to see Richard (otherwise hidden behind the instrument). A pleasing spread of boys and adults attended; but it is hoped that audiences will continue to grow for these events.
This was the second of a series of ECMS organ recitals on selected Friday evenings through the year; these were begun last year and variously showcase many of the schools 40 or so organists. The next, featuring a number of players, takes place in College Chapel on 30th November at 9.00. On October 28th, five organists will play a recital in Cranbourne Church at 5.30 pm.
Boy organists also play, under supervision, for most of the Chapel services each day; they also provide organists for several parishes in the surrounding towns and villages when there is a need, just one of the ways a school with extraordinary resources and depth of talent can engage with the community.
D.W.G
