Philip Tordoff
Philip Tordoff, Organist Emeritus at Halifax Minster
Last September (2017), Philip Tordoff celebrated his 80th birthday. I was asked to say a few words at the end of the lunchtime recital at Halifax Minster. The recital was given by one of my students, Ted O’Hare. Below is a resumé of what I said.
‘Today we celebrate a very special birthday – that of Philip Tordoff, Organist Emeritus at Halifax Minster and before it Halifax Parish Church.
I am honoured to be the person to say a few words on this occasion. Indeed, I would have it no other way. Philip has played such an important part in my life, as he has of so many people in this region.
I first met Philip when I was about 13 and my parents had written to him saying that I was keen to learn the organ, and would he take me on as a student. I went for a very informal audition, but despite my enthusiasm, was told that I needed to develop rather more before I was ready to be taught by PCT (as my parents and I often referred to him subsequently).
Another few months, however, I tried again, and had obviously made enough progress to be taken on. This is not the place to talk about my subsequent career as an organist, except to say that much of my success was down to Philip’s expert tuition. I learnt so much from him in terms of technique, interpretation, organ registration and performance practice. I shall always be grateful to him for the lessons on that wonderful organ on which he used to play at St John’s Church, Bierley, near Bradford.
But I am not alone. Generations of organists have benefited from Philip’s tutelage. I am sure that they would all agree what a wonderful teacher he has been. And what a player! It was indicative that there was a full church here when the 1000th recital was given (by PCT himself of course!) since he started as organist at what was then Halifax Parish Church. And only Philip could ensure that there was a unique ale being served at the event – Snetzler Special!
Having had the benefit of Philip as a player, teacher, colleague, role model and friend, it was only natural that when I retired back to Yorkshire a few years ago that I would set up the Halifax Organ Academy (HOA). I was keen to ensure that wherever possible people wanting to learn to play the organ could have the same kind of expert tuition that I had had as a youngster. For me, setting up the HOA has been a way in which I could both honour Philip and give something back for all the benefits that I have had through being an organist.
Today’s recital was given by Ted O’Hare, one of my students, and a product of the HOA. Turning the pages was Robbie Lumb, also a product of the HOA and Organ Scholar here at the Minster. As I passed by Philip on the way to the front of the nave to give this speech, PCT beckoned me over. ‘There’s a lot of you in that playing’, he whispered. That is true and what a compliment! But Philip also needs to realise that there is a lot of him in Ted’s playing today, just as much of what I am – always have been and always will be – is Philip.
I am reminded of the famous phrase attributed to Sir Isaac Newton: ‘if I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants’. What a giant Philip is in the world of the church organ and its music, and how many are the people – of whom I count myself privileged and fortunate to have been one – who have seen further by standing on his great shoulders!
Thank you, Philip, for all that you have given – and continue to give – and a very happy 80th birthday!’
