Julian Haggett Organ Recital at St. Peter Mancroft Church

After my morning at Norwich Cathedral on Wednesday 1st January 2014 I made my way to the St. Peter Mancroft Church next to Norwich Marketplace for the Julian Haggett New Year's Day Organ Recital 2014 at 12 noon. As Organist at St. Peter Mancroft Julian Haggett provides voluntaries sensitive to the liturgical focus of services, ranging from 17th Century French and North European organ music of Tunder and Buxtehude to French 20th Century organ music by Alain and Messiaen.

The programme for this New Year's Day Organ Recital consisted of Piece d'Orgue BWV 572 - Bach, Noel avec variations - Langlais, Chorale Prelude In dulci jubilo Bux WV 197 - Buxtehude, Suisse Noel - Daquin, Chorale Prelude In dir ist Freude BWV 615 - Bach, Paean - Leighton and Toccata from Symphony V - Widor.

Two brilliant Organ Recitals on New Year's Day was a splendid start to the year. The highlight of the Recital at St. Peter Mancroft was the Widor Toccata from Symphony V which filled the church with the sound of beautiful music.

Greg Morris Organ Recital at St. Peter Mancroft Church

On Saturday 23rd November 2013 I attended the Greg Morris Organ Recital at St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich in the Mancroft Music Autumn Recitals 2013 Series. Greg Morris is Associate Organist of the Temple Church in London and Musical Director of Collegium Musicum of London.

The programme consisted of Lo, he comes with clouds descending - Kenneth Leighton, Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland BWV 659 - Bach, Praeludium in D major - Buxtehude, Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland BWV 660 - Bach, Veni Emmanuel - Kenneth Leighton, Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland BWV 661 - Bach, Wachet auf - Bach and Fantasia and Fugue in G minor - Bach.

Greg's solo performances have included concerts at Notre Dame de Paris, the Neubradenburg International Organ Festival, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, King's College, Cambridge and many other cathedrals and major churches. Greg began to study the organ with Andrew Dean at The Manchester Grammar School. He held scholarships at St. George's Chapel, Windsor and Jesus College, Cambridge, studied the organ with Paul Stubbings, John Kitchen and Thomas Trotter and was awarded the top performance prize for the Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists and the Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians. He then moved to Blackburn Cathedral as Assistant Director of Music.

This was another wonderful Organ Recital at St. Peter Mancroft Church in the heart of Norwich with brilliant music by Bach, Kenneth Leighton and Buxtehude. Greg Morris put on a fantastic performance which was greatly appreciated by the enthusiastic audience.

Julian Collings Organ Recital at St. Peter Mancroft Church

On Saturday 16th November 2013 I attended the Julian Collings Organ Recital at St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich in the Mancroft Music Autumn Recitals 2013 Series. This recital replaced that due to be given by Svyati Duo. Unfortunately Rebecca Hewes sustained a wrist injury and with regret had to withdraw. We were very grateful that Julian was able to put together a solo programme at short notice.

The programme consisted of Fantasia in G BWV 572 - Bach, Nun bitten wir den Heiligen Geist - Buxtehude, Andante with variations in D - Mendelssohn, Annum per annum - Part, Postlude pour l'office de complies - Alain and Pax vobiscum - Karg-Elert.

Julian Collings was educated as an organ scholar at Tonbridge School in Kent, before winning an organ scholarship to Christ's College, Cambridge in 1999. He is currently Director of Music at St. Cyprian's Church, Clarence Gate and regularly deputises as an organist at St. Bride's Church on Fleet Street. As organist with Svyati Duo, he regularly collaborates with cellist, Rebecca Hewes, performing concerts in the UK, Europe, Asia and the United States of America.

This was another wonderful organ recital at St. Peter Mancroft Church which was greatly enjoyed by the audience in attendance. The Mancroft Music Recital Series is always one of the highlights of the Music Calendar in Norwich both in the Autumn and Summer.

John McGreal Organ Recital at Norwich Cathedral

On Thursday 14th November 2013 I attended the John McGreal Lunchtime Organ Recital at Norwich Cathedral which featured work by Bach, Vierne and Daquin. This was another great opportunity for Norwich workers to listen to some fantastic music during their lunch breaks.

The programme consisted of Ciacona in e minor, BuxWV 160 - Buxtehude, Chorale Prelude on: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland BWV 659 - Come now, Saviour of the Heathen - Bach, Prelude and Wedge Fugue in e minor BWV 548 - Bach, Noel: A l'Etranger - Daquin, From:24 Pieces en Style Libre - Berceuse - Vierne and Toccata in D Major - Lanquetuit.

John McGreal read music while organ scholar at Peterhouse, Cambridge where he studied organ with David Rowland and Peter Hurford. He then continued his studies at the Royal College of Music in organ with Nicholas Danby and harpsichord with Ruth Dyson. From 1999 - 2011 he was Organist at the London Oratory where he maintained and developed the role of the organ in the liturgy. He has been based in Norwich since 2011 and now plays at the Shrine Church of St. Julian of Norwich.

I greatly enjoyed this brilliant Organ Recital from John McGreal at Norwich Cathedral. My particular favourite pieces being the music of J.S. Bach which filled the Cathedral and the audience with lots of joy.

Douglas Hollick Organ Recital at St. Peter Mancroft Church

On Saturday 9th November 2013 I attended the Douglas Hollick Organ Recital at St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich. Heinrich Scheidemann: a context celebrated the 350th anniversary of Scheidemann's death. This was the latest recital in Mancroft Music's Autumn Recitals 2013 series.

The programme consisted of Fantasia auf die manier eines Echo - Sweelinck, Erbarm dich mein O Herre Gott - Scheidemann, Herzlich lieb hab ich dich, O Herr - Scheidemann, Jesu, wollst uns weisen - Scheidemann, Toccata in G - Scheidemann, Chorale Fantasia - Buxtehude and Nun freut euch, lieben Christen gmein BuxWV 210 - Buxtehude.

Douglas Hollick is an organist and harpsichordist with an international reputation who teaches in Clare College Cambridge. In 1995 he recorded an organ CD entitled The Young Bach for Supraphon in the Czech Republic which attracted very favourable reviews. He was awarded a year 2000 Churchill Fellowship to visit North Germany and Denmark researching organs and other keyboard instruments of Buxtehude and the young J S Bach.

Heinrich Scheidemann, organist of Hamburg's Katharinenkirche, was one of many North German organists who studied with Sweelinck in Amsterdam. Dutch influence in North Germany was also strong in the sphere of organ building, which very rapidly in the early 17th century began to develop a much larger and more independent pedal department than the organ of Sweelinck and indeed much larger organs. The tonal design still largely followed the Dutch pattern, with great variety of reed and solo colours apart from the main principal chorus and flutes.

This was another wonderful organ recital at St. Peter Mancroft Church which highlighted the teacher/pupil link from Sweelinck all the way to the young Bach. It is always brilliant to hear the organ at St. Peter Mancroft Church being played and Douglas Hollick made this one of the highlights of the Autumn Recitals 2013 series.

Kris Thomsett Organ Recital at Norwich Cathedral

On Thursday 16th May 2013 I attended the Big Screen Lunchtime Organ Recital at Norwich Cathedral performed by Kris Thomsett. The Norwich Cathedral's Organ Scholar played a varied programme of organ music.

The programme consisted of Chorale No.3 in A minor - Franck, Majeste Du Christ Demandant Sa Gloire A Son Pere - Messiaen, Praeludium in D BuxWV 139 - Buxtehude, Arabesque - Langlais and Litanies - Alain.

A large enthusiastic crowd in attendance at Norwich Cathedral enjoyed a wonderful lunchtime treat of splendid organ music. This was a great way to take a break from work with the added bonus of trying to spot the Cathedral's peregrines on the way to the performance.

Ben Morris Organ Recital at Norwich Cathedral

On Thursday 18th April 2013 I went to Norwich Cathedral for the Ben Morris Big Screen Lunchtime Organ Recital. This was another opportunity for the music lovers of Norwich to experience more splendid organ music at this historic venue.

The programme consisted of Toccata in F BuxWV 156 - Buxtehude, Dies sind heilgen zehen Gebot BWV 678 - Bach, Prelude and Fugue in C BWV 547 - Bach, Chanson de Matin Op.15 No.2 - Elgar trans. A Herbert Brewer, Invocation and Dance - Morgan, Allegro vivace from Symphonie No.1 in D minor Op.14 - Vierne and Toccata from Pieces de Fantaisie Suite No.2 Op.53 - Vierne.

Ben Morris is Junior Organ Scholar and a Foundation Scholar at Jesus College, Cambridge, in his second year studying for a degree in Music. As Organ Scholar he accompanies the College's two choirs for regular Chapel services, assists the training of the boys choristers, occasionally conducts rehearsals and services, and accompanies their numerous concerts, tours and recordings.

I very much enjoyed this Organ Recital which included music composed by Dietrich Buxtehude, Johann Sebastian Bach and Louis Vierne. These big screen events are now becoming established at Norwich Cathedral and are a welcome addition to the music events in the fine city of Norwich.

Kris Thomsett Organ Recital at Norwich Cathedral

On Thursday 14th February 2013 I attended the Big Screen Lunchtime Organ Recital at Norwich Cathedral which featured the Cathedral's Organ Scholar Kris Thomsett performing a varied programme of organ classics. Once again there was a large audience in attendance to enjoy the wonderful and beautiful music being performed.

The programme consisted of Prelude and Fugue in C BWV 545 - Bach, Touch her lips and part (from Henry V) - Walton, Meditation - Durufle, Chaconne in E minor BuxWV 160 - Buxtehude, Adagio from Symphonie III Op 28 - Vierne, Marche des Rois Mages - Dubois and Final from Symphonie I Op 14 - Vierne.

There were a lot of tranquil pieces in today's programme which made for a relaxing time at Norwich Cathedral. This is especially welcome during a lunchtime break from work. Kris Thomsett once again put on a great performance which was very well appreciated by the enthusiastic audience.

New Year's Day Organ Recital at Norwich Cathedral

On Tuesday 1st January 2013 I attended the New Year's Day Organ Recital from Kris Thomsett at Norwich Cathedral which delivered some New Year cheer with a varied programme of organ favourites. The programme consisted of Carillon de Westminster - Vierne, Praeludium in C Bux137 - Buxtehude, Wachet Auf Ruft Uns Die Stimme BWV 645 - Bach, Dialogue Sur Les Mixtures - Langlais, Radetzky March - Johann Strauss, Toccata (Symphony No.5) - Widor and Hornpipe Humoresque - Rawsthorne.  Elgar's Nimod was added to the programme by Kris on the day.

Kris Thomsett is currently Organ Scholar of Norwich Cathedral, a post he will hold for the next three years whilst completing a degree in music at the University of East Anglia. Prior to coming to Norwich, Kris was Organ Scholar of Chelmsford Cathedral in Essex for his gap year. His role in Chelmsford, similar to that here, involved accompanying the daily services and regularly playing for the Cathedral Girls Choir.

Kris started the organ at the age of twelve, and at the age of fourteen was appointed Organ Scholar of All Saints parish church in Maidstone (Kent). After being there for just over a year, Kris then moved on to become Organ Scholar of the King's School in Rochester where he accompanied the schools' services in the Cathedral. Whilst there, Kris studied the organ with Roger Sayer. As well as playing the organ, Kris enjoys singing and has sung counter-tenor in Rochester, Chelmsford, and now Norwich, Cathedrals

This was a wonderful way to start the New Year as Norwich Cathedral was filled with wonderful organ music from the brilliant piece by Buxtehude to the traditional march from Johann Strauss. Kris Thomsett finished the recital with the jolly Hornpipe Humoresque which put lots of smiles on faces in the audience.

Preparing for Christmas at St. Peter Mancroft

On Saturday 1st December 2012 I attended the Mancroft Music Autumn Recital Preparing for Christmas at St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich. This event was part of Familiar Fields, celebrating Benjamin Britten's life and music in Norfolk and Suffolk. Performing were Julian Haggett - organ, Rhian Hanson - harp, Jody Butler - director. The Girls' Choir, Choral Scholars and Organ Scholars.

The programme consisted of Nun bitten wir den heiligen Geist BuxWV 209 - Buxtehude, Creator of the stars of night - Mode iv melody arr. John Scott, Long ago prophets knew - Piae Cantiones arr. Malcolm Archer, How beautiful upon the mountains - John Stainer, Lift up your heads, O ye gates - William Mathias, Chancon dans la Nuit - Salzedo, Corpus Christi Carol - Britten, King Herod and the Cock - Britten, Praeludium in F - Lubeck, Nocturne from Suite for Organ - Clucas and A Ceremony of Carols - Britten.

This was a splendid concert at St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich which took place the day before Advent Sunday, the beginning of the season of Advent, when we prepare for the coming of the Lord at Christmas, and ultimately the 'end of time'. The highlight was Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols which has become a tradition to be performed at St. Peter Mancroft to mark the start of Advent.

Big Screen Recital at St. Peter Mancroft

On Saturday 17th November 2012 I attended the Julian Haggett Big Screen Organ Recital at St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich as part of the Mancroft Music Recital Series. The Big Screen was sponsored by Merge Bar and Restaurant.

The programme consisted of Praeludium in g BuxWV 149 - Buxtehude, Nun komm der Heiland BWV 599, Gottes Sohn ist kommen BWV 600, Herr Christ der ein'ge Gottes-Sohn BWV 601, Lob sei dem allmachitigen Gott BWV 602 - Bach, Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott BuxWV 199 - Buxtehude, Nun komm der Heiden Heiland BWV 659, Wachet Auf! BWV 645 - Bach, Motet coloration: Dixit maria and angelum - Scheidemann and Prelude and Fugue BWV 543 - Bach.

Julian Haggett became a star of the big screen at St. Peter Mancroft Church as we were entertained with a recital of splendid organ music. Mancroft Music's Recitals are always a wonderful way for the people of Norwich to experience this historic city centre church along with beautiful music.

Celebrate at St. Peter Mancroft Church

On Saturday 30th June 2012 I attended the Julian Haggett Organ Recital at St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich in the Mancroft Music Summer Recital series. Celebrate was a recital marking the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The music chosen included works by Walton and Elgar to mark this special year.

The programme consisted of Praeludium in F BuxWV 145 - Buxtehude, Crown Imperial - Walton, Nimrod - Elgar, Nun danket alle Gott BWV 657 - Bach, Chorale Prelude on Eventide - Parry, Chorale Prelude on Croft's 136th - Parry, Voluntary in A - Prelleur and Toccata from Symphony No.V - Widor.

This was a wonderful Summer Recital at St. Peter Mancroft Church in Norwich City Centre with a programme of music which celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in splendid style. Julian Haggett put on a delightful performance with Crown Imperial and Nimrod especially putting us all in a Jubilee mood.

Douglas Hollick at St. Peter Mancroft Church

On Saturday 16th June 2012 I attended the Douglas Hollick organ recital at St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich which was part of the Mancroft Music Summer Recital Series 2012. Douglas Hollick is an organist and harpsichordist with an international reputation who teaches in Cambridge and at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

With the title Bach and the Hamburg connection the programme consisted of Praeambulum Primi toni a 5 - Weckmann, Fugue in G minor - Reinken, Lobet den Herren, den er ist sehr freundlich - Scheidemann, Praembulum in F major - Praetorius, Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott Bux WV 199 - Buxtehude, Fugue in C major Bux WV 174 - Buxtehude, An Wasserflussen Babylon BWV 653 - Bach and Dorian Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 538 - Bach.

This was a wonderful organ recital at St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich which was enjoyed by the large audience in attendance. Douglas Hollick gave a talk before playing his programme of music. He was awarded a year 2000 Churchill Fellowship to visit North Germany and Denmark to research the organs and other keyboard instruments from the period of Buxtehude and the young J S Bach.

Bank Holiday Organ Recital at Norwich Cathedral

On Bank Holiday Monday 2nd January 2012 I attended the Norwich Cathedral Organ Recital from the Cathedral's Organ Scholar Kris Thomsett which attracted a large audience including some from the faraway land of Kent.

The programme consisted of In Dulci Jubilo BWV 729 - Bach, Imperial March - Elgar, Fantasia Ut re mi so fa - Byrd, La Nativite Du Seigneur - V - Les Enfants De Dieu - Messian, From the Orgelbuchlien: Herr Christ, Der Ein'Ge Gottes-Sohn BWV 601, Lob Sei Dem Allmachtigen Gott BWV 602, Von Himmel Hoch, Da Komm' Ich Her BWV 606 - Bach, Noel etranger - D'Aquin, Passacaglia in D BuxWV 161 - Buxtehude, Hymne d'actions de graces Te Deum (from Trois paraphases gregoriennes Op.5) - Langlais and Festmusick from Vag a leve (Dare to live) - Takle.

This was a wonderful and varied programme that thrilled everyone in attendance at Norwich Cathedral at the beginning of a new year. A time to celebrate and as the closing piece states dare to live. 

Matthew Pitts Organ Recital

On Saturday 29th October 2011 I attended the latest Mancroft Music Autumn Recital at St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich featuring Organist Matthew Pitts from Yorkshire who between 2006 and 2009 was Organist at this church making it a kind of homecoming.

The programme consisted of Praeludium in E minor BuxWV 142 - Buxtehude, Trio Sonata No.1 in E flat major BWV 525 - Bach, Vom Himmel hoch da komm'ich her BWV 700 - Bach, Vater unser im Himmelreich BWV 7377 - Bach, Praembulum in E major - Lubeck, Prelude and Fugue - Succo, Pastorale on 'Nun danket alle Gott' from op.46 - Herzogenberg and Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 538 - Bach.

This was another great example of music being provided for the people of Norwich by Mancroft Music, giving everyone an opportunity to experience these splendid pieces in such a wonderful setting. Matthew Pitts didn't let us down as he played brilliantly for about a hour.

The glory of the Norwich Singers!

Norwich Singers put on a wonderful concert at St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich on Saturday evening that featured an invited orchestra and a number of splendid soloists. Soprano - Jayne May-Sysum, Alto - Ruth Peel, Tenor - William Falconer, Bass - Brent Palmer, Musical Director - Howard Rooke and Organist - Jim Laird.

The Norwich Singers were formed in 1954 and rehearse at St. Anne's Church on Colman Road, Norwich. Their programme for this performance was Magnificat - Buxtehude, Requiem - Durufle and Mass in D minor (Nelson Mass) - Haydn. We were also treated to organ solos of Sinfonia from Cantata 29 - Bach arr Dupre and Variations on Amazing Grace - Dedard from Jim Laird.

The manuscript for Magnificat did not originally bear the name of any composer. At a later date Buxtehude's name was added. My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Jim Laird's organ solos were very entertaining especially the variations on Amazing Grace. We all applauded loudly with smiles on our faces. It was then on to Maurice Durufle's Requiem which incorporates Gregorian chant. May the chorus of angels receive you and with Lazarus once poor may you have eternal rest.

After an interval apple juice I was looking forward to Haydn's Nelson Mass. This work was first performed in 1798. When Nelson and Lady Hamilton passed through Austria in 1800 several concerts were arranged in their honour. The works performed included the Nelson Mass and soon afterwards the Mass became known under its present title.

The choir and the soloists all showed great enthusiasm and put on a brilliant performance. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Overall this was a very enjoyable night at a historic venue with a splendid orchestra and choir with wonderful soloists.

Organ Music at St. Peter Mancroft Church

St. Peter Macroft Church Organ

On Saturday afternoon it was the first Mancroft Music Summer Recital of 2011 at St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich. This featured Kris Thomsett who is Organ Scholar at Chelmsford Cathedral.

He has recently been appointed as Organ Scholar at Norwich Cathedral a post he will hold for three years whilst studying for a degree in Music at the University of East Anglia.

The afternoon's programme consisted of Praeludium in D BuxWV 139 - Buxtehude, Fantasia 'Ut re mi so fa' - Byrd, Praeludium et Fuga in C BWV 545 - Bach, Fugue in C BuxWV 174 - Buxtehude, Praeludium in A minor BWV 543 - Bach, O Lamm Gottes, unshulgid BWV 618 - Bach, O Mensch, bewein dein Sunde gross BWV 622 - Bach, Canzon detta 'La Spiritata - Gabrieli and Praeludium in C BuxWV 137 - Buxtehude.

Kris Thomsett will be a face we will see on the Norwich music scene in the future. He turned up on Saturday in a suit and matching socks to say hello and introduce himself to us. it was a wonderful experience listening to this early music that will always inspire. He played the church organ with great enthusiasm that was greatly enjoyed by the audience.