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.”