Tales from the Organ Bench- a presentation by Martin White, Church Organist
- Occurring
- for 1 hour
- Venue
- Holy Innocents - Southwater Parish Church
- Address Church Lane Southwater Horsham, RH13 9BT, United Kingdom
Organists are usually very visible (especially at Holy Innocents!) but how they got there is usually a mystery. They also seem to do with their feet what most people struggle to do with their hands. 22 November is the day we celebrate St. Cecilia. She became the patron saint of music and musicians as it is believed that musicians played at her wedding and Cecilia "sang in her heart to the Lord." I have been a church organist since 1963, and at Holy Innocents at 7.30pm on Sunday 22 November I will talk about some of the highlights of my career, such as being locked inside York Minster after an evening practice session! I will also be recounting the history of the three (possibly four) organs that have been installed in the church, playing music by some Sussex composers (including one who lived just a couple of miles away), illustrating why organists have to wear special shoes and explaining (and demonstrating) what organists and jazz musicians have in common. To round off I will talk about my appearance on Mastermind in 2003. My talk will last around an hour and questions will be most welcome. No need for a ticket, but a donation to the church to complete the work of redecoration would be appreciated.