Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
News Item added: 27th October
The Institute of Culture and Organistic Art is holding the following events:
Organ concert by Theo Brandmuller (Germany) - 2nd November; Organ concert by Wolfgang Kleber (Germany) - 15th November. 2009 Season (First Events): Organ concert and masterclass with Joachin Walter (Germany) - January 2009; II International Organistic Art Week - March / April 2009 with Ludger Lohmann (Germany) and Pierre Thimus (Belgium). Full details can be found at http://www.arteorganistica.org.br/events.html.
Noel Baroque Occitan
News Item added: 23rd October
The groups Les Passions and Des Sacqueboutiers will be performing a concert of baroque Noels four times in December in the Midi-Pyrenees region. Full details can be found at http://perso.wanadoo.fr/cksm.
6th International Organ Competition Musashino-Tokyo, 19-28 September, 2008
News Item added: 21st October
The 6th International Organ Competition Musashino-Tokyo finished successfully last month. The prizewinners were: First Prize: Michael UNGER, Canada(Yoshida Minoru Memorial Award, Toyota Mayor's Award, and Tokorozawa MUSE Award were given to the first prize winner); Second Prize: Jonathan William MOYER, USA; Third Prize: PARK Joon-Ho, Republic of Korea Messiaen Award: PARK So-Youn, Republic of Korea Audience Award: PARK Joon-Ho, Republic of Korea
A recording of the first prize winner is scheduled to be released on the Naxos label in October 2009. The prizewinners, from right to left, are: Michael UNGER, Jonathan William MOYER, PARK Joon-Ho, PARK So-Youn.
There were 152 applicants representing 27 nationalities and 129 actual participants representing 24 nationalities. Auditions were held at: Old West Church – United Methodist in Boston, USA: 14-17 April, 2008 Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris: 22-26 April, 2008 Toyota-shi Concert Hall (Toyota City Concert Hall) in Toyota, Japan: 1-4 May, 2008.
For more information visit www.musashino-culture.or.jp/iocm/
Commemorative recital at Adlington Hall, Friday November 14th at 8pm
News Item added: 19th October
Anne Page will play English music from Byrd to Handel, including music by Restoration composers
Henry Purcell, Matthew Locke and John Blow, the tercentenary of whose death falls this year. The recital is followed by a reception to launch a new CD recording of the organ made as a tribute to the memory of Noel Mander, whose restoration of the organ was completed in 1959 - almost 50 years ago. Bookings in advance only - no tickets available on the door. Tickets (£20 which includes reception) are available from the Hunting Lodge 01625 827595. Adlington Hall, Mill Lane, Adlington,`Macclesfield, SK10 4LF.
For more information visit www.adlingtonhall.com
RCO announces David Sanger as new President
News Item added: 18th October
David Sanger has taken up the Presidency of the Royal College of Organists. Mr Sanger is one of the world's most accomplished concert organists, and a highly regarded teacher. He takes over the office of President from Immediate Past President Peter Wright, and will serve until the end of the 2010-11 College year.
A member of the College since he was 15 years old, Mr Sanger has previously served with distinction for many years as a council member. He said: 'I am immensely proud to be assuming the role of President of The Royal College of Organists at such an exciting time. Peter Wright has done much during his presidential term to help the College adapt to the demands and challenges of the modern world, and as a result today's RCO is a vibrant, modern organisation which is fully focused on the core aims of its Charter – namely to promote the best in organ playing and choral direction through its education and outreach programme, and to maintain excellence as a professional examining body. That is a fine legacy to inherit, and I consider it a real honour to have the opportunity to continue his work as President'.
Immediate Past President Peter Wright said: 'It gives me great pleasure to be handing over the reigns to David. He is a talented musician and will undoubtedly be a great ambassador for The Royal College of Organists'.
Five Competitors Reach the Final Round – $5,000 Messiaen Prize Awarded - at the Canadian International Organ Competition
News Item added: 15th October
The Canadian international Organ Competition (CIOC) hit a high note last night as nine competitors from seven countries competing in the Second Round, dropped to five. Following a spectacular First Round in which 15 competitors from 11 countries competed at Immaculée-Conception Church between October 8 and 10, the nine competitors selected for the Second Round took the stage on October 13 and 14 on the famous Casavant Organ of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church. Each competitor played a 55-minute recital of works from composers of the 19th and 20th centuries with an emphasis on the works of Olivier Messiaen.
As the only international organ competition of its kind in the Americas in 2008, the CIOC is holding its first edition in Montreal between October 8 and 19 in three different churches. The competitors are vying for a total of $72,000 in prizes to be awarded by a world-renowned international jury comprised of nine organ experts. With the exception of the Richard Bradshaw Audience Prize, the jury will award all the prizes. Following a 30-minute deliberation yesterday evening - immediately after the last competitor's recital, the jury reached a decision regarding the five competitors moving onto the Final Round as well as the winner of the $5,000 Messiaen Prize. The president of the jury and Artistic Director of the CIOC, John Grew, announced the names of the five finalists:
Els Biesemans (Belgium)
Frédéric Champion (France)
Andrew Dewar (United Kingdon)
Jens Korndörfer (Germany)
Dongho Lee (South Korea)
'The CIOC is a first-rate competition. Attracting 15 organ virtuosos in its first edition is a great achievement! Whatever the result, these 15 competitors will always be a part of the history and success of the CIOC', said John Grew.
The Second Round ended with Noël Spinelli, chairman of the CIOC's Board of Directors, announcing the jury's choice for the $5,000 Messiaen Prize – awarded to British competitor Andrew Dewar, whose rendition of the compulsory Messiaen pieces, Le mystère de la Sainte Trinité and Offrande et Alléluia final, was very moving. 'I am not surprised Andrew won the Messiaen Prize. He has been a prizewinner at other international organ competitions, namely St. Alban's. I can't wait for the Finals. It will be spectacular!' declared Mr. Spinelli.
Next up are the Finals on October 17 at Notre-Dame Basilica, also played on a Casavant organ. The Final Round will start at 2 PM with three recitals. In their order of play, the first three finalists are Els Biesemans, Jens Korndörfer and Andrew Dewar. Followed, at 8 PM, by the recitals of the last two finalists: Dongho Lee and Frédéric Champion. The competitors will each play a 60-minute recital – for which the choice of programme has been left to their discretion. After the last recital, the jury will deliberate and announce the three top prizewinners of the Canadian International Organ Competition.
As for the Richard Bradshaw Audience Prize, the audience will select the winner of this $5,000 award among the five competitors performing at the Finals on October 17. 'This award is in honour of our friend and colleague, the late Richard Bradshaw, a great supporter of the Competition,' expressed John Grew, the CIOC's Artistic Director. The public will be able to submit their vote on site during the Finals or on the CIOC's Website (www.ciocm.org) until noon on October 19. In fact, this prize will be announced and presented at the Awards Ceremony held during the CIOC's Closing Gala Concert at Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church on Sunday, October 19 at 7:30 PM. Mrs. Diana Bradshaw will award the Audience Prize dedicated to the memory of her husband Richard Bradshaw in person.
For further information, please visit http://www.ciocm.org.
Ten competitors move on to the Second Round of the first edition of the Canadian International Organ Competition
News Item added: 14th October
The Canadian international Organ Competition (CIOC) started with on a high note on Wednesday, October 8, as15 competitors from 11 countries took the stage on the famous Beckerath organ at Immaculée-Conception Church for the First Round. Between October 8 and 10, each competitor played a 45-minute recital of works from composers of the 17th and 18th centuries with an emphasis on the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Only ten made it to the Second Round. As the only international organ competition of its kind in the Americas in 2008, the CIOC is holding its first edition in Montreal between October 8 and 19 in three different churches. The 15 competitors are vying for a total of $72,000 in prizes to be awarded by a world-renowned international jury comprised of nine organ experts. With the exception of the Richard Bradshaw Audience Prize, the jury will award all the prizes. Following a 30-minute deliberation on Friday evening - immediately after the last competitor's recital, the president of the jury and Artistic Director of the CIOC, John Grew, announced the ten competitors moving onto the next round:
Federico Andreoni (Italy)
Els Biesemans (Belgium)
Frédéric Champion (France)
Andrew Dewar (United Kingdon)
Jens Korndörfer (Germany)
Christian Lane (USA)
Dongho Lee (South Korea)
Ka Young Lee (South Korea)
Jonathan Oldengarm (Canada)
Sunny Son (USA).
'This is a first-rate competition and these young talented organists know how it goes. Whatever the result, they will always remain the first ones to play for the new Canadian International Organ Competition. They have made history and we thank them for that', said John Grew. The First Round ended with Noël Spinelli, Chairman of the CIOC's Board of Directors, announcing the jury's choice for the $5,000 Bach prize – awarded to Belgian competitor Els Biesemans, whose rendition of the compulsory Bach pieces was remarkable. 'I must admit that she played Bach superbly. I am looking forward to hearing the ten competitors of the Second Round to find out who will win the Messiaen Prize', declared Mr. Spinelli. Next up, on October 13 and 14, is Round Two on the Casavant organ at St-Jean-Baptiste Church, where the ten remaining competitors will each play a 55-minute recital of works by composers from the19th and 20th centuries, with an emphasis on the works of Olivier Messiaen. At the end of this round, the jury will choose the finalists who will perform at Notre-Dame Basilica on October 17 and announce the recipient of the Messiaen prize of $5,000. For the order of play for the second round, please visit http://www.ciocm.org.
The Canadian International Organ Competition (CIOC) welcomes young organists to Montreal from around the world. Each year, the organisation works to promote the organ as a major instrument in the world of music, and also contributes to the development of organ music through the talent of young organists. The Competition, by showcasing these impressive instruments in their historically beautiful settings, plays an important role in emphasizing the value of our heritage, and recognising Montreal as a major North American centre for pipe organ music.
Toulouse les Orgues
News Item added: 13th October
The Grand Prize for the 10th International Xavier Darasse Organ Contest of Toulouse, organized by Reappearing Arts, was awarded on Wednesday October 8, 2008. At the conclusion of four splendid one-hour concerts given within the framework of the prestigious Toulouse International Organ Festival, Jan Willem Jansen and Michel Bouvard, the co-presidents of the jury, announced the names of the prizes winner: 1er prix : Yoann TARDIVEL ERCHOFF - France;
2è prix : Sylvie PEREZ - France; 3è prix : Jean-Baptiste DUPONT - France; 4è prix : Magdalena MALEC - Pologne
The eliminatory tests were completely anonymous and the young organists had complete freedom to choose their own repertory, the organ on which to perform it and, if required, to be accompanied by other musicians. Among the 47 registered candidates, there were organists from Mexico, the United States, Romania, Israel, Korea, Lithuania, & Per.
Two finalists chose the Cavaillé-coll of the basilica Saint-Sernin, one played the Ahrend organ of the Augustins. The prize winner, preferred the Puget organ of Notre Dame de Taur.
The seventeen members of the jury were drawn from thirteen European countries. The majority of them are members of the committee of ECHO (European Cities with Historic Organs) and organize concerts or organ festivals in their country. In 2009, Yoann Tardivel Erchoff will be thus the first to carry the promising title of “organist of the ECHO”.
Toulouse les Orgues
News Item added: 11th October
This autumn's Toulouse les Orgues opens with the 10th International Organ Competition Xavier Darasse. Events run from 3 – 19 October and include three regional organ crawls taking in the Tarn region, Quercy and Perigord. There will also be a recital on the wonderful baroque organ in Cintegabelle. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the birth of Jean Boyer there will be a whole day in Toulouse given over to his music making. Alongside the regular lunchtime organ recitals across the city and the many evening concerts Wolfgang Seifen with improvise for Murnau's 1926 silent film version of Faust. Brian Hick is covering the festival for the magazine. Full details can be found at http://www.toulouse-les-orgues.org.
Oxford Organ Conference 16 - 19 April 2009:'Hope and Glory: The British Organ in the Age of Empire'.
Announcement and Call for Papers
News Item added: 10th October
The Betts Fund of the University of Oxford, and the British Institute of Organ Studies are pleased to announce the third Conference of a four-year sequence entitled 'The Organ in England: Its Music, Technology, and Role through the Second Millenium'. The next conference will take place from 16 to 19 April 2009 at Wadham College, Oxford. and will cover the organ and its music in the late 18th and 19th centuries. The working title for the Conference is 'Hope And Glory: The British Organ In The Age Of Empire' (1785-1901). 300-word proposals for 20-minute papers and lecture-recitals are welcome on any and all topics relating to the British organ in the late 18th and 19th centuries. Possible areas of enquiry are organ building, organ music, the role of the organ in church and secular locations, organs and theology, the public role of the organ, the organ as a domestic instrument, organs and voices, organ cases, music and the technology of the period, economics and organ building and/or playing and any other relevant topics. Please note that we not intending to be rigid in applying the specific dates indicated and are more interested in philosophies of organ building, music, performance etc in the general period.
Abstracts will be due by 15 December, with responses from the panel of readers by mid-to-late January. The website will be updated soon: either follow the links from http://www.bios.org.uk/; or go to http://www.music.ox.ac.uk/organconference/.
Copy of Historic Quebec Organ Commissioned from Juget-Sinclair Organbuilders
News Item added: 10th October
In the 1980s, Quebec musicologist Élisabeth Gallat-Morin found letters written by a certain Canon La Corne to his confrères at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Quebec City concerning his search on their behalf for an organ for the cathedral. Apparently, sometime after renovations to the cathedral were completed in 1744, the canons in Quebec sought to purchase a new organ of exceptional quality from a Parisian builder. In 1753, they asked Canon La Corne—who was already residing in Paris—to negotiate the purchase. Having been alerted to Gallat-Morin's discovery, French musicologist Pierre Hardouin found a 1753 contract for an organ ordered by the canons from the Parisian builder, Robert Richard. A contract having been signed in early March 1753, the completed one-manual instrument with pulldown pedals and fewer than a dozen stops arrived in Quebec City that same year. Six years later, the instrument was destroyed during the siege of Quebec. In honour of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City, Juget-Sinclair Organbuilders has been commissioned to construct a replica of this instrument which is to be installed in the chapel of the Musée de l'Amérique Française in 2009—the culmination of ten years work by an ad hoc committee set up to recreate this key instrument in Quebec's musical history.
Mendelssohn Concert
News Item added: 10th October
A recital of the original 1846 version of Mendelssohn's Elijah will take place at the Town Hall in Birmingham on 18 October, 6.30pm. Using a new edition created for the concert, it will be the first time that the original version has been fully recreated since the composer stood on the Town Hall rostrum in 1846. It's the second collaboration between Ex Cathedra and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and features team of leading soloists, including James Rutherford singing the part of Elijah.
And it will feature the only fully-functional 'monstre' (contrabass) ophicleide in the world, which is being shipped over from the US!
