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.

Henry Macey Organ Recital

St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich was full of the Henry Macey Fan Club on Tuesday lunchtime as we were treated to an Organ recital that warmed our hearts. With a varied programme there was something for everyone.

The programme consisted of Voluntary No.3 in C - Beckwith, Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor BWV 582 - Bach, Pastorale (Six Pieces) - Franck, Eucharistia, Meditation on East Aklam - Watson, Pomp and Circumstance March No.4 in G major - Elgar, Le Cygne (The Swan) - Saint-Saens and Toccata - Lanquetuit.

Henry Macey is organist at Aylsham Parish Church and gave a wonderful performance in this splendid historical Norwich Hall. When a swan swims it sits on the water. When you hear great organ music you feel very privileged. This was a lunchtime treat not to be missed.