This was a first attempt to organise an opportunity for our young organists to play to an audience. Clare Mingins was hoping to interest four or more organists but there were only two organists, Grant Todd and Alice Sheppard, both pupils of Ian Hare. Alice is just 11 but has already reached Grade 4. Also performing were Anne Maguire who sang Gershwin accompanied by Oliver Jones at the piano (both from memory!). David Gibbs acted as com'père and although there were only a few of us to listen there were a number of visitors to the Cathedral who showed interest in the performances. David very kindly invited us to his home for tea and cakes and this rounded off a very interesting event made all the more impressive by Clare's and Andrew Caskie's contributions on the organ before and at the end of the programme respectively. This is an event very much to be encouraged despite the difficulties in 'persuading' our younger brethren to play in public. Our thanks are due to Clare's interest in the young organists' cause.

Programme

Back to Reviews Page