The Wellington Town Hall is rated amongst the top ten in the world for acoustics [citation needed], and this was a significant argument in the 1970s and 80s when the demolition of the Town Hall became a possibility.  The organ in the town hall is 104 or so years old and is reknowned worldwide for being one of the few Edwardian organs in the world that has survived to the present day without alteration.

organ

Once again Wellington City Council is running a free Organ Concert Series on Sunday afternoons featuring our City Organist, Douglas Mews, and other guests. After a spell in Europe checking out a myriad of baroque instruments and playing the occasional organ recital, Douglas says he’ll be full of inspiration and enthusiasm for his concerts on Sunday 9 August and 6 September.

[the details after the jump]

Programme:

Sunday 14th June – Basically British – Guest Organist: Martin Setchell

WHOOPS MISSED THAT ONE!

Christchurch Town Hall organ curator Martin Setchell entertains with the best of British music – celebrating the anniversaries of two great composers with Purcell dances, trumpet tunes and Handel’s Overture to the Occasional Oratorio.

Sunday 9th August – Vive la France! – Douglas Mews with Young Guest Performer: Tom Gaynor

Colour and virtuosity are the fore in this French feast. Items include Gigout’s Scherzo, Franck’s Grande Piece Symphonique and Balbastre’s Variations on La Marseillaise. Also performing will be 18 year-old Tom Gaynor, NZSM student and Richard Prothero Organ Scholar at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Sunday 6th September – Germania – Douglas Mews with Young Guest Performer: Heather Easting

Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries and Prelude to the Meistersingers are balanced against J.S. Bach’s G major Prelude and Fugue BWV 541 in this display of German heavyweights. Making a special appearance is 17 year-old Wellington organist Heather Easting, NZSM student and Dean’s Organ Scholar at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Cost: FREE