Organo Pleno Newsletter Volume 78, Number 4 May 2017 Newsletter of the Society of (Victoria) Incorporated PO Box 315 Camberwell, Victoria, 3124 www.sov.org.au A 0028223J ABN 97 690 944 954 in affiliation with the Incorporated Association of Organists (UK)

Print Post Approved 100015777

President’s Message…

SCOTS CHURCH INTERNATIONAL ORGAN CONCERT SERIES SPONSORSHIP

We probably are all familiar with the annual Scots’ Church International series of concerts held in September arranged by Douglas Lawrence. These concerts have been in the past sponsored by the Trustees of The Scots’ Church, enabling all concerts to be presented free. This sponsorship is not available this year, and Douglas, who is a Patron of the Society, has sought sponsorship from the Society of the Opening Concert on September 2nd by Thomas Gaynor. Thomas is the winner of the third International Bach-Liszt Organ Competition in Erfurt/Weimar, Germany, the International Organ Competition and the Fort Wayne National Organ Playing Competition, as well as being a prize-winner in the St Albans International Organ Competition. The sponsorship sought is $1,750. Your Council does not have the unbudgeted resources to fund this and so we are inviting members to make a contribution towards a concert series which many of us have been privileged to attend. An initial member donation of $500 has been made. It would be great if we could show our support to Douglas as a Society Patron & in recognition of his leadership in general. A simple email reply to me or payment to our Treasurer Allan Smith will suffice.

QUEENS BIRTHDAY WEEKEND ORGAN RAMBLE

A reminder of our Queens Birthday Weekend Organ Ramble with the Sydney Organ Society commencing in Albury, the details of which are again included for your assistance.

This should provide a great opportunity for an enriching shared time together.

Best wishes, Alan Roberts.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Society Events…

QUEENS BIRTHDAY WEEKEND ORGAN RAMBLE – DETAILS

1. Deadline for Ramble Registration: Wednesday 31 May, 2017 to Andrew Davidson. Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0414 385 311. 2. Registration fee: $70 to be paid to Andrew Davidson on arrival at the Ramble. 3. Transport to, from and during the Albury Ramble, accommodation and meals are not included in the Registration fee and are the responsibility of each rambler. It is possible that some transport between venues may be available, but it will depend on spaces offered in private cars. Ramblers who are not coming by car need to be mindful of this issue.

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QUEENS BIRTHDAY WEEKEND ORGAN RAMBLE

Queen’s Birthday Weekend, 10-12 June in the NORTH-EAST VICTORIAN BORDER region.

Five organs you probably never expected to play …

With 32 speaking stops and mechanical action this organ installed in 1994 is regarded by many as the finest Létourneau organ in Australia. St Matthew’s Albury was consumed by fire in 1991 but, like a phoenix from the flames the instrument in the rebuilt church is now at the forefront of the increasing musical activities of the Albury-Wodonga southern border conurbation. It you have never had the opportunity to play the Cavaillé-Coll style reeds, now is your chance. Come aboard … After the sumptuous banquet at Albury mansion ‘Adamshurst’ where we will hear the mystery ballroom organ of about 1820, Sunday morning is free for worship, relaxation or sight-seeing before we head for the impressive Wangaratta Cathedral. Here are two English organs: the large, forty-speaking stop, three manual Willis has electro-pneumatic action and most of what you would expect a cathedral organ to have. In the Lady Chapel is the ornate restored Bevington & Sons organ made about 1845. It may be the oldest intact organ from the early days of Victoria. How often have you wished to play a cathedral Willis? Here is your chance. Come aboard … Our last morning will be spent in the small town of Walla Walla which has a large Lutheran community and college. Zion Lutheran Church doubles as the college chapel necessitating a pipe organ with the ability to support hearty singing. The present organ was made by Laurie Pipe Organs in 1967 from an 1869 Fincham organ from South , an unusually large instrument for a small town. Members are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and transport to, from and around Albury. Accommodation recommendation: The four-star Manor House Hotel, 593 Young Street, Albury. Contact (02) 6041 1777. Website: http://www.alburymanor.com.au/ Email: [email protected]

Itinerary Saturday 10 June 12.05pm Departure from Melbourne, if travelling by train (Southern Cross). 3.55pm Train arrival in Albury. Then check in at chosen accommodation. 4.30pm Registration at St Matthew’s Church, 516 Kiewa Street, Albury. [email protected] (02) 6021 3022 5.00pm Demonstration of 2/32 Letourneau pipe organ by Society member and Albury organ scholar, James Flores. Open console to follow. [email protected] 6.30pm Ramblers visit ‘Adamshurst’, 603 David Street. Five-rank ballroom pipe organ (ca.1820) to be demonstrated by Tom Summerfield (aged twelve). Open Console to follow. Dinner Own arrangements.

Sunday 11 June Morning: free for ramblers for sight-seeing or to attend church services as they wish. Lunch: own arrangements. 2.00pm Depart Albury for Wangaratta by private vehicles. Travel time 50 minutes by road. 72 km. 3.00pm Arrive Holy Trinity Cathedral, 6 The Close, Wangaratta, Vic 3677. Demonstration of both Willis (3/40, 1922) and Bevington organs, followed by Open Console. 5.00pm Return to Albury 6.00pm A la carte dinner for ramblers (venue to be confirmed).

Monday 12 June 9.00am Depart Albury by private vehicles to Walla Walla. Travel time 30 minutes. 35 km. 10.00am Arrive Zion Lutheran Church, 17 Commercial Street, Walla Walla NSW 2659. Demonstration of Fincham/Laurie pipe organ followed by Open Console. 11.30am Ramble concludes. Depart Walla Walla by private vehicles to Albury. 12.45pm Train departs Albury. 4.40pm Train arrives Melbourne (Southern Cross).

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Other Events… LUNCHTIME CONCERTS AT ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL St Paul’s Cathedral, cnr Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne. Admission by donation. Wednesday 3 May, 1.00pm Colin Andrews, organ recital Wednesday 10 May, 1.00pm Paul Glass, piano Xinyu Zhang, violin: Beethoven Spring Sonata Wednesday 17 May, 1.00pm Arwen Hur, organ recital Wednesday 24 May, 1.00pm Christopher Trikilis, organ recital Wednesday 31 May, 1.00pm Andy Howlin’ Wind, original amplified flute music Wednesday 7 June, 1.00pm Daniel Thomson, tenor, and Hannah Lane, harp Wednesday 14 June, 1.00pm No concert Wednesday 21 June, 1.00pm Jennifer Chou, organ recital Wednesday 28 June, 1.00pm No concert Please check www.cathedral.org.au for more details as they become available. Further concerts will be held in August 2017.

ATELIER OWNERS MASTERCLASS SERIES Wednesday 3 May, 2.00pm – 4.00pm at Bernies Music Land, 381 Canterbury Road, Ringwood. Wednesday 17 May, 2.00pm – 4.00pm Bernies Music Land is proud to announce a two-part Masterclass series exclusively for our Atelier owners. Presented by the Master himself, Mr. Tony Fenelon, this close-up experience offers you the chance to explore a whole new world of music making, filled with tips and tricks for Atelier playing. Tony will explore… registrations for popular styles, introductions and endings, flourishes, arrangements, how to treat a song, and a selection of ‘user’ technical questions. Enquiries: 9872 5122. Buy your ticket here now! http://www.musicland.com.au/Events-68/Players-Afternoon-670

FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC Friday 5 May to Sunday 7 May in Historic Churches of Geelong. Friday 5 May, 8.00pm: Festival Opening Concert ‘From Harmony to Harmony’. Windfire Choir and Instrumental ensemble, conducted by Rick Prakhoff with soloists Sally Wilson – soprano, Michael Petruccelli – tenor, Tom Healey – baritone will perform Handel’s Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day and Vaughan Williams Five Mystical Songs. Saturday 6 May Workshops: 1. Running with Zithers with Angelika Smales, where participants will learn how to play a zither 2. Laudes Deo, an introduction to chant in the Christian Church, with John Weretka. Saturday 6 May Concerts: 1. Sing Praises – with Vocal Dimension, a choir of 20 singers from Wangaratta, who will sing choral favourites old and new. 2. Thomas Heywood, International – Thomas will put the newly refurbished organ at St. Paul’s Geelong through its paces! Sunday 7 May Concerts: 1. Crux Fidelis – e21 a program of chants sung by a fine male voice ensemble. 2. Song of Songs – Ensemble 642. Hannah Lane – Italian triple harp, Nicholas Pollock – theorbo, will be joined by soprano, Roberta Diamond, to present musical settings of the enchanting, erotic and complex poems from the Bible known as the ‘Song of Songs’. Full details from www.musicatthebasilica.org.au

MUSOC – MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY SERIES OF ORGAN CONCERTS Fridays during Semester, 1.10pm at various venues in The University of Melbourne. An on-going initiative featuring the next generation of Australian organists, the MUSOC is presented by the Australian and College of Organists, with generous support from the University of Melbourne and Trinity, Ormond and Queen’s Colleges. Every Friday during Semester there will be a free lunchtime organ concert performed on one of the pipe organs at the University of Melbourne, which has more pipe organs than any other Australasian University. In accord with ANZCO’s mission, by promoting organ performance, teaching and learning, the MUSOC will help to build the profile of the King of Instruments and develop a sustainable pipe organ culture in Australasia. Information on performer, venue and programme at anzco.org or facebook.com/anzco

JOHANN VEXO AT SCOTS’ Friday 5 May, 1.10pm at The Scots’ Church, cnr Collins and Russell Streets, Melbourne. Johann Vexo will perform the following program: (1685-1750) Prelude and Fugue in D Major (BWV 532) César Franck (1822-1890) Choral No. 2 in B minor Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937) Finale from Symphonie No. 6, Op. 42 No. 2 Opened in 2000, the current organ in The Scots’ Church was built by Rieger Orgelbau of Schwarzach, Austria and designed in association with Douglas Lawrence OAM, the Organist and Director of Music of The Scots’ Church. The instrument incorporates the magnificent cedar casework from the original organ of 1874, designed by the acclaimed Melbourne architectural firm Reed & Barnes, with new polished tin façade pipework. The new gallery casework, housing the Gallery division, was brilliantly designed in complementary Victorian-gothic style. The organ is built on a grand scale, with the Pedal windchests placed at the rear and sides of the main instrument, the enclosed Positive division behind the arcades at the base of the case, the Great centrally placed behind the façade pipework, and the Swell to the rear. The main console is terraced and detached from the instrument. The organ is one of the finest instruments in Australasia, on account of its excellence of construction and its outstanding tonal quality. 4

ORGAN RECITAL BY JOHANN VEXO Friday 5 May, 6.30pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Cathedral Place, East Melbourne. Johann Vexo, Choir Organist, Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris, with Chant Soloist Damien Rivière.

Program… (1672 - 1703) Hymne Ave Maris Stella with Gregorian chant alternation - Ave Maris Stella en taille à 5 - Fugue à 4 - Duo - Dialogue sur les grands jeux Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750) Puer natus in Bethlehem BWV 603 Puer natus est (Gregorian chant) Prelude and fugue in C Major BWV 547 (1965) Cinq versets sur Victimae Paschali with Gregorian chant alternation Jehan Alain (1911 - 1940) Variations sur Lucis Creator with Gregorian chant alternation Jean Langlais (1907 - 1991) Cantilène from Suite brève Te Deum laudamus (Gregorian chant) Hymne d’action de grâce Te Deum from Trois Paraphrases grégoriennes Maurice Durufle (1902 - 1986) Prélude, adagio et choral varié sur Veni Creator Op. 4 with Gregorian chant alternation

Johann Vexo was born in 1978 in the north-eastern French city of Nancy. At the age of 25, he was appointed Choir Organist of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Soon thereafter he was also appointed Organist of the Cavaillé-Coll organ of the Cathedral in Nancy, Professor of Organ at the Angers Conservatory, and the European Music Summer Academy in Nancy. Johann has performed extensively throughout , the , and . He has appeared as a featured artist in numerous international music festivals and organ series in cities such as , New York, Quebec, , Antwerp, Düsseldorf, , and . His performances have also included notable venues such as the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington DC, the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in , the Wanamaker Grand Court in , the Notre Dame Basilica in and the Yekaterinburg Philharmonic Hall. Johann Vexo is represented by Phillip Truckenbrod Concert Artists, LLC. ANZCO gratefully acknowledges the generous support of The Scots’ Church. Damien Rivière began studying music at the Maîtrise Sainte-Marie in Antony, with whom he sang numerous concerts in France and elsewhere in Europe. He entered the singing class of Catherine Cardin, followed by the Maîtrise Notre- Dame de Paris, where he went through comprehensive musical training and performed a diverse repertoire, ranging from medieval to contemporary music, directed by Lionel Sow, Sylvain Dieudonné, and guest conductors such as John Nelson, Jérôme Correas, Reinhard Goebel and Sir Norrington. Damien Rivière has worked on his singing with Mickael Mardayer, Yves Sotin and Christiane Patard, and has learned from Margreet Hönig, Paul Triepels, Udo Reinemann, and Alain Buet in masterclass settings. He sings with numerous early music groups, including the William Byrd ensemble, Venance Fortunat, Vox Cantoris, Energeia, and the Vocal Ensemble of Notre-Dame de Paris. As an oratorio soloist, he can be heard singing Baroque repertoire (Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit, Les Méditations pour le Carême, and Te Deum; Purcell’s King Arthur; Handel’s Dixit Dominus; Gilles’s Requiem and Delalande’s Te Deum among others). He has also sung a variety of cantatas: many works of Bach (including the role of Endymion in the Hunting Cantata), the title role in Carissimi’s Jephté, Tancrede in Monteverdi’s Il combatimenti di Tancredi e Clorinda. Notable among Rivière’s recent romantic and contemporary performances are Dvorák’s Mass in D with the orchestra of Luxembourg (conducted by Nicolas Brochot) and Ramirez’s Missa Criolla. On the operatic stage, Damien Rivière has played the roles of Gontran in The Musketeers at the Convent, Admète in Lully’s Alceste, and Master Peter in Master Peter’s Puppet Show by De Falla. He has recorded for Psalmus: Jeux d’orgue et de voix (2012), Certon’s Requiem with Vox Cantoris (2013), and an album of baroque plainsong for the CMBV and Xavier Bisaro (2014). Damien Rivière regularly sings in services at Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. $20 per person (no conc.) Children under 15 free. Bookings not required. Email: [email protected] or Tel: 9926 5753 (Wed-Sun) 5

GRAND ORGAN MASTER SERIES St Andrew's Church, Brighton, cnr New Street and Church Street, Brighton. Sunday 7 May, 2.30pm Johann Vexo Nicolas de Grigny (1672-1703) Hymne Ave Maris Stella with Gregorian chant alternation * i. Ave Maris Stella en taille à 5 ii. Fugue à 4 iii. Duo iv. Dialogue sur les grands jeux Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Chorale Prelude on Puer natus in Bethlehem from the Orgelbüchlein, BWV 603 Gregorian chant – Puer natus est * Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 547 Thierry Escaich (b. 1965) Cinq versets sur Victimae Paschali with Gregorian chant alternation * Jehan Alain (1911-1940) Variations sur Lucis Creator with Gregorian chant alternation * Jean Langlais (1907-1991) Cantilène from Suite brève Gregorian chant – Te Deum laudamus * Jean Langlais (1907-1991) Hymne d’action de grâce Te Deum from Trois Paraphrases grégoriennes, Op. 5 No. 3 Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986) Prélude, Adagio et Choral varié sur le thème du ‘Veni Creator’, Op. 4 with Gregorian chant alternation * * Gregorian chant performed by Damien Rivière – Tenor. Sunday 4 June, 2.30pm Thomas Heywood Sunday 2 July, 2.30pm Ned Wright-Smith Sunday 6 August, 2.30pm Hannah Gibson Sunday 3 September, 2.30pm Thomas Heywood Sunday 1 October, 2.30pm Ria Angelika Polo Sunday 5 November, 2.30pm Douglas Lawrence OAM Admission at the door includes program: Adult $30 / Concession $25 / U18 Free. Car: Free Parking - enter the St Andrew's Church grounds from New Street. Train: 450 metres (4 minute walk) from Middle Brighton Station. Bus: Routes 216, 600 and 923 stop directly outside the Church. Church Street Cafés and Restaurants: a 30-second walk; serving all day. Enquiries: [email protected] Tel: Parish Office 03 9592 1240 Website: www.concertorgan.com ORGAN MASTER CLASS Monday 8 May, 4.00 - 6.00pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne. With Johann Vexo (Choir Organist, Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris) on French Repertoire & Liturgical Accompaniment. Cost: $20 (no concessions) Bookings Required. Email: [email protected] or Tel. 9926 5753 (w) (Wed-Sun) FREE THURSDAY LUNCHTIME RECITALS Every Thursday 1.00pm to 1.30pm St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne. Every Thursday at 1.00pm, the St Michael’s Carillon is sounded and the grand organ comes to life for a free 30 minute recital. Now into their ninth year, these recitals are well attended by the public. Performed by organist Rhys Boak and visiting artists, these recitals bring the joy and beauty of live music to many Melbournians and visitors. Check our facebook page www.facebook.com/stmichaelsmelbourne/ each week to see who will be performing the following Thursday. Thurs 18 May features Colin Jenkins, details below. Also check website http://www.stmichaels.org.au or Phone: 9654 5120. ORGAN RECITAL - COLIN JENKINS Thursday 18 May, 1.00pm at St Michael’s, Collins Street, Melbourne. Galliard for the Victorie, from ‘Mr. Byrd’s Battel’ William Byrd (1563-1623) Elevazione Domenico Zipoli (1688-1726) Aria, from Eleventh Sonata Giovanni Battista Martini (1706-1784) The Heavens Declare the Glory of God, Benedetto Marcello (1686-1739) from Psalm Paraphrases ‘Estro Poeticoarmonico’ Arranged for Organ by Brian Hesford (1930-1996) Flower Duet, (Sous le dôme épais) from ‘Lakme’ Leo Delibes (1815-1910) Sarabande, ‘Freu dich sehr, 0 meine seele’ Opus 65 No.5 Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877-1933) Pax Vobiscum, Opus 86 No.5 Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877-1933) 6

BACH CANTATA SERVICES AT ST JOHN’S SOUTHGATE St John’s Lutheran Church, Southgate presents an ongoing series of services incorporating the choral music of J.S. Bach in the context for which it was written, liturgical Lutheran church services. 2017 is its 20th liturgical year. Services include organ music on the 23-stop gallery organ (Smenge, 1992), usually by Bach. Thursday 25 May, 7.30pm Vespers (Ascension of our Lord) Christ lag in Todes Banden (BWV 4) for 4 soloists, chorus, strings and continuo. Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Early Voices and Baroque Orchestra, Directed by Erin Helyard. Guest Preacher: Robert Gribben former Chair of the Standing Committee on Ecumenical Relationships, World Methodist Council. Sunday 20 August, 9.00am Eucharist (11th Sunday after Pentecost) Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir (BWV 38) for 4 soloists, chorus, strings, 2 oboes, 4 trombones and continuo. St Johns Bach Choir and Orchestra directed by Graham Lieschke, with Guest Ensemble La Compañia (directed by Danny Lucin). Guest Preacher: Stephen Pietsch Lecturer in Pastoral Theology, Australian Lutheran College, Adelaide. Sunday 1 October, 9.00am Eucharist (St Michael and All Angels) Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele (BWV 69) & Nun ist das Heil und die Kraft (BWV 50) for 4 soloists, chorus, strings, 3 oboes, 3 trumpets, timpani and continuo. St John’s Bach Choir and Orchestra directed by Graham Lieschke. Guest Preacher: Mark Whitfield Bishop of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand. Sunday 29 October, 9.00am Eucharist (Commemoration of the Reformation – 500 years) O ewiges Feuer, O Ursprung der Liebe (BWV 34) for 4 soloists, chorus, strings, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 3 trumpets, timpani and continuo. St John’s Bach Choir and Orchestra directed by Graham Lieschke. Preacher: Tom Hoffmann Pastor of St John’s Southgate. St John’s Southgate, 20 City Rd, Southbank. No admission charge (donations/offerings are gratefully received). Parking available at service times. Enquiries: telephone 9682 4995. www.stjohnssouthgate.com.au AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER CHOIR CONCERTS Saturday 17 June, 3.00pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 210 Richardson Street, Middle Park. Sunday 18 June, 3.00pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 210 Richardson Street, Middle Park. By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept … As for our harps, we hanged them up upon the trees that are therein. For they that led us away captive required of us then a song, saying “Sing us one of the songs of Sion” … “How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” Many composers have set this heart-wrenching text, telling of the exile of a people from their homeland. JS Bach sets the poem as a solemn hymn, Palestrina as a multi-voiced motet. The text is no less potent in the 21st century than it was in 500 BCE. The Australian Chamber Choir has commissioned Australian composer, Tom Henry to write a new work on this theme.

Saturday 11 November, 3.00pm at St Andrew’s, cnr New and Church Streets, Brighton. Sunday 12 November, 3.00pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 210 Richardson Street, Middle Park. By popular demand, with the ravishing sound of Italian renaissance instruments we celebrate our 10th Birthday, singing music for multiple choirs of voices and instruments, mostly written for the Basilica of San Marco, Venice. Claudio Monteverdi (1567–1633) Domine ad adiuvandum, Cantate Domino, O Jesu mea vita, Duo Seraphim. Heinrich Schütz (1585–1672) Ist nicht Ephraim mein teurer Sohn, Saul was verfolgst du mich? Giovanni Antonio Rigatti (c.1613–48) Magnificat Giovanni Gabrieli (1557–1612) Omnes Gentes, Jubilate Deo, Canzona à 15, In Ecclesiis Andrea Gabrieli (1533–85) Kyrie, Christe, Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus Adults $130, Seniors $115, Pensioners $95 Website bookings: http://www.auschoir.org/concerts/ TONY FENELON IN CONCERT Thursday 15 June 2.00pm Thursday 15 June 7.30pm at Bernies Music Land, 381 Canterbury Road, Ringwood. Bernies Music Land is thrilled to welcome one of the world's greatest theatre organists back to our stage. Join us for an all new program, with never-before-seen arrangements by Tony on both Roland Atelier organ and the spectacular Schimmel K280 Konzert grand piano. Tony can't wait to show you his new pieces so please book now, online or by phoning 9872 5122. Website: www.musicland.com.au/ Links to on-line ticket purchase: 2.00pm concert 7.30pm concert ST OSWALD’S SUNDAY CONCERT SERIES St Oswald’s Anglican Church, 100 High Street, Glen Iris 3146. Sunday 18 June Pippa Wilson - Wonderful jazz singer and band. Sunday 17 September Emre Cakmakcioglu, Arman Cakmakcioglu and other brilliant young musicians from Camberwell Grammar School playing classical music for organ, piano and string instruments. Sunday 22 October Concert by wonderful Melbourne based soprano Jaqueline Porter, accompanied by Calvin Bowman. Tickets will be available through Trybooking or enquiries to Judy Johnson 9087 7647. www.stoswaldsgleniris.net.au 7

THE SCOTS' CHURCH INTERNATIONAL ORGAN SERIES A donation will be requested for each of these performances. Saturday 2 September, 3.00pm Thomas Gaynor - (New York) Winner of the Third International Bach-Liszt Organ Competition in Erfurt/Weimar, Germany, the Sydney International Organ Competition and the Fort Wayne National Organ Playing competition, as well as being a prizewinner in the St Albans International Organ Competition and second prize winner in the Miami International Organ Competition, Thomas Gaynor is rapidly making his mark on the organ scene in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. A student of David Higgs at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, Thomas recently graduated with an MM degree and the Performer’s Certificate. He is currently pursuing his D.M.A. degree there, as well as the prestigious Artist’s Certificate. Born in New Zealand, Thomas was Richard Prothero Organ Scholar at Wellington Cathedral of St. Paul for a number of years before being granted the title of Honorary Sub-Organist. His teachers included Douglas Mews for organ and harpsichord repertoire, Michael Fulcher for organ and church music, and Judith Clark CNZM for Piano. He later held the Maxwell Fernie Scholarship at St Mary of the Angels church in Wellington. Presently, he is Assistant Director of Music at Christ Episcopal Church in Rochester, NY, where he works closely with concert organist David Baskeyfield. An aspiring concert organist, Thomas has studied in masterclasses and workshops with many of this generation’s most influential organists, including Edoardo Bellotti, Michel Bouvard, Cameron Carpenter, James David Christie, Ken Cowan, , Nathan Laube, Jean- Baptiste Robin, Jaques Van Oortmerssen, Stephen Tharp, Thomas Trotter and Harald Vogel. He can be heard frequently in solo and collaborative recitals across the USA, as well as in Australasia. Recent and upcoming projects include a complete performance of Bach’s Clavierübung III, Mahler’s Rückert Lieder and Vaughan Williams’s Five Mystical songs with Baritone, Jarrett Logan Porter, and concert featuring Liszt’s ‘Ad Nos’ paired with a transcription of the first act of Meyerbeer’s Le Prophète, complete with soloists and chorus. Thomas recently released his first CD, recorded at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, New Zealand. Jamal Rossi, dean of the Eastman School of Music, picked this CD as one of five recent recordings that best represent the current Eastman School sound in an interview in the Rochester Review, the University of Rochester’s alumni magazine. Thomas is a grateful recipient of an Arts Excellence Award from the Dame Malvina Major Foundation, a Freemasons University Scholarship the Kiwi Music Scholarship, and the Maxwell Fernie Trust Scholarship. Most recently he was awarded the New Zealand/Aotearoa Scholarship from Creative NZ, Arts Council of New Zealand. Tuesday 5 September, 6.15pm Thomas Wilson - (St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney) Saturday 9 September, 3.00pm Esther Schöpf - Violin, (Munich) and Norbert Groh - Organ, (Munich) Sunday 10 September, 3.00pm Markus Karas - (Bonn Cathedral) Tuesday 12 September, 6.15pm David Macfarlane - (Melbourne) Tuesday 19 September, 6.15pm Douglas Lawrence - (Scots' Melbourne) Saturday 23 September, 3.00pm Alice In Organ-Land by Jean Guillou A programme for children of all ages, Pipe demonstration, Open console, Tour of the instrument. Organist - Ria Angelika Polo with Narrator - Douglas Lawrence (Scots' Melbourne) Tuesday 26 September, 6.15pm Arno Hartmann Bochum (Northern Germany) Saturday 30 September, 3.00pm Hans Uwe Hielscher Marktkirche, (Wiesbaden) Tuesday 3 October, 6.15pm Orthulf Prunner Villach, (Austria) Wednesday 4 October, 2.00pm Master Class with Orthulf Prunner. Orthulf Prunner was a student of Anton Heiller. He is encyclopaedic and has a special affinity with the music of J S Bach. 40th ANNUAL OHTA CONFERENCE Sunday 25 - Saturday 30 September in Melbourne and Ballarat Regions. The Organ Historical Trust of Australia’s 2017 conference will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the foundation of the organisation in May 1977 as well as focussing upon the work of 19th century Melbourne organ builder Alfred Fuller. There will be papers and panel discussions associated with these two themes, details of which are given below, together with a number of recitals and demonstrations. The conference will also include visits to significant instruments, not only by Alfred Fuller, but also by Alfred Crook, George Fincham, Balbiani, Harrison & Harrison, Samuel Joscelyne, Henry Willis & Sons, J.W. Wolff, Hill Norman & Beard, Halmshaw and Hamlin & Son. The programme will include a number of organ recitals and a visit to the Grainger Museum. Student bursaries are available for full-time students under the age of 25. Applications should be sent to Christopher Cook [email protected] The conference will start on Monday 25 September, with registration from 9.00am at St Paul’s Cathedral. It will conclude in Ballarat on Saturday 30 September at 12.15pm and after a lunch break the coach will drop participants at Melbourne airport by 3.00pm and then central Melbourne. Plans are as follows: • Monday 25 September Central Melbourne and to the north and south of the city. • Tuesday 26 September North of the city – Fitzroy, Carlton and Parkville. • Wednesday 27 September Alfred Fuller day in Flemington, North Fitzroy, Heidelberg and Blackburn. • Thursday 28 September South and east of the city – East St Kilda, Caulfield and Hawthorn. • Friday 29 September Country tour – to Craigie, Talbot, Clunes and Creswick. • Saturday 30 September Country tour – Ballarat. Full booking details, including a brochure and accommodation arrangements, are available on the OHTA website www.ohta.org.au 8

Opportunities and Trading Table ORGANIST WANTED Full-time or part-time, at East Kew Uniting Church, cnr High Street and Normandy Road, East Kew, to play one 10.30am service on Sundays on a Johannus Opus 15 two manual, full pedal board organ. Starting in July or earlier. Small enthusiastic singing congregation. It might be possible to form a team of part-time organists so that one person is not committed to playing every Sunday of the year. If this interests you, please phone Jeannie Poole 9859 1967 or 0409 400 021 for more details. ORGANIST REQUIRED The Hungarian Reformed Church in Australia, North Fitzroy district, requires an organist to play for church services on the first Sunday of each month. Enquires: Steven Csutoros, Mob: 0407 683 002, Email: [email protected] Location: 121-123 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North.

AIMS and OBJECTIVES of the SOCIETY OF ORGANISTS To promote and cultivate an interest in the organ and its music. To promote a friendly exchange of ideas amongst members of the Society. To assist players and encourage those who may be interested in learning the organ To offer advice, if requested, on the rebuilding and design of instruments. To encourage a high standard of musicianship amongst members.

MEMBERSHIP of the SOCIETY OF ORGANISTS For a membership form, please visit our website, www.sov.org.au . Membership is not restricted to organists, and anyone with a love and interest in the organ and its music is welcome to join. If you know anyone – young or old! – who might enjoy the activities and opportunities offered by the Society, why not give them a gift subscription? Membership benefits include this Newsletter, which includes notices of coming events, concerts and other organ-related activities in Victoria, and Organ Australia, the national quarterly journal. SUBSCRIPTION PAYMENT Many members now pay their subscription by bank transfer. This is quick and easy, and saves paper; however, in a few cases the name of the member does not appear on our bank statement – which means we have no information about the person making the payment. As a consequence, reminder notices will continue to be sent. To confirm that you have paid your membership, please return the reminder with a note of the date when the bank transfer was made. For any questions, call our Treasurer, Allan Smith (contact details below).

SOV WEBSITE www.sov.org.au Email addresses and telephone numbers for all Council members and other office bearers can be found on the Contact Us page.

REGISTRAR OF LOCUMS Warwick Lewis (contact details below), keeps a list of members willing to play for weddings, funerals or locums for Sunday Services.

Advertising in Organo Pleno Newsletter News of forthcoming events, advertisements and other items of interest are published in this newsletter free of charge as a service to members. All copy for advertisements is due by the 20th of each month (no newsletter in January). All job advertisements which have a specific due date will be included in each issue until that date, whereas items for sale and job advertisements with no date will be included in the current issue only. All items are subject to renewal, amendment or withdrawal by the advertiser, and minor correction or reformatting by the Editor. Please send all advertisements to the Newsletter Editor, Colin Prohasky (contact details below).

SOV COUNCILLORS FOR 2017 Lynn Blom, Robert Craven, Olivier David, Brendon Lukin, Alan Roberts and Allan Smith. Society of Organists (Victoria) Directory Patron in Chief Her Excellency The Hon Linda Dessau AM, Governor of Victoria. Patrons The Most Revd Denis J Hart DD The Right Revd Andrew St John DD Mr Douglas Lawrence OAM President Alan Roberts [email protected] 03 9596 8692 Vice-President Brendon Lukin [email protected] 0408 212 210 Secretary Lynn Blom [email protected] 03 9523 6068 Treasurer Allan Smith [email protected] 0419 347 787 Membership Secretary Olivier David [email protected] 0439 589 399 Webmaster Alan Thomas [email protected] Editor - Organ Australia Christopher Akehurst [email protected] 0415 192 929 Editor - Organo Pleno Newsletter Colin Prohasky [email protected] 0425 726 880 Registrar of Locums Warwick Lewis [email protected] 0499 171 701