Monthly Archives: June 2021

Simon Lindley reflects on the commemorative recital for Sir George Thalben-Ball…

“Sir George Thalben-Ball’s Last week was 125 years on from the birth of Sir George [or Doctor] in Sydney NSW.

The Thalben Ball Memorial Trust, headed up by founder Jonathan Rennert, Organist at St Michael’sCornhill – home of succesive holders of the Thalben-Ball Trust Organ Scholarship – had arranged a magnificent commemorative recital in the capable hands – and feet – of Carl Jackson MVO, Organist of HM Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace, and Immediate Past Grand Organist to the United Grand Lodge of English Freemasons. Carl and Christopher Stokes his successor in office have recently presented wonderful Concerts on the Willis IIIi instrument of 1933 recently splendidly restored and renewed by Harrison with s new central diapason chorus and a “Grand” Tuba – one couldn’t really give it any other title! – within a new case. The Willis III scheme has been left untouched.

Google Cornhill Music Carl Jackson and you’ll easily locate their You tube provision I think for some time yet!  Carl and Chris’s performances at Freemasons’ Hall are likewise still available.

Today’s was a simply inspiring and deeply memorable commemoration. 

Wonderful music. brilliantly played.

Grateful thanks to Jonathan and  his Cornhill Music colleagues and warmest congratulations to Carl of course.”

1st August – Henry Websdale (Florence) including Bach’s ‘Wedge’ Prelude and Fugue, Vierne’s ‘Gargouilles and Naïades’ and Walton’s Orb and Sceptre

8th August – Alexander Woodrow (Leeds) including Bach’s G major Prelude and Fugue, Rheinberger’s Sonata VIII and Dupre’s Prelude and Fugue in G minor

15th August – Peter Irving (Solihull) including Mendelssohn’s Third Sonata in A major, Elgar’s Chanson de Matin, and the Final of Vierne’s Symphonie V

22nd August – Thomas Moore (Wakefield) including a complete performance of Vierne’s Symphonie I, plus music by Bach and Carson Cooman

29th August – Cathy Lamb (Lichfield) including music by Francis Jackson, Bach’s C minor Passacaglia, and Whitlock’s Plymouth Suite

Standard Admission: £5, under-18s Free.

Season Ticket to all five recitals: £20

Email alex.woodrow@leedsminster.org to purchase season tickets in advance or for any other details.

This organ which is owned by the Christian Society Keighley is looking for a new home due to the sale of their premises. It is labelled as a New English Organ Series 70 Spec C from Miller Organs Ltd Norwich.

If you are interested, please contact Paul on pandcrhodes@btinternet.com. Please note, it needs to be removed from the premises by 30 June 2021.