The University of Aberdeen is preparing to recreate a wall of sound from hundreds of years ago with the arrival of two unique 16 th century English organs.
The University will host a residency of the Early English Organ Project early next year, giving music lovers and organ enthusiasts a rare opportunity to see and hear the two magnificent reconstructed instruments in the 16th century setting of King's College Chapel.
The Early English Organ Project, sponsored by the Jerwood Foundation, has commissioned the two organs from internationally renowned organ restoration firm Goetze and Gwynn of Welbeck, using the evidence of surviving parts that were recently discovered in East Anglia . No organs from this period have survived intact in the UK, so the recreation of these instruments means we can now explore at first hand the ways in which they were used in churches, cathedrals and monasteries in the 1500s.
The Early English Organ Project residency at the University of Aberdeen will run from February to April, 2005, and will offer the only opportunity to experience the sound of the type of organ that Bishop Elphinstone, founder of the University of Aberdeen, would have known. As well as recitals, there is an exciting programme of events for school children and local musicians.
The culmination of the residency will be marked by a Festival of Organs and Virginals – a major international event including recitals and a ‘Symposium of Early English Keyboards' which will celebrate the end of the organs' three month reign at the University.
The weekend will run from 15 to 17 April, 2005, and will feature an exciting programme of recitals, and lectures from the most eminent scholars and award-winning performers, including the Gramophone award-winning Davitt Moroney.
The Early English Organ Project residency at the University of Aberdeen has so far received sponsorship from the Scottish Arts Council, but more funding is required and the University is appealing for sponsors.
Dr David Smith is a Lecturer in Music at the University of Aberdeen, and is leading the Early English Organ Project. He said: “We are delighted and honoured that we will have a chance to experience these fantastic organs in Aberdeen .
“The sound of the English organ is so completely different from what many organists who play this repertoire expect. The great thing is that the whole community can benefit - we are hoping that the instruments will be used not only by our staff and students for services, recitals and teaching, but by local organists and choirs, and then, of course, all the concerts are open to the general public. Although there have been residencies elsewhere in the UK, ours is the only one to bring in the best performers and scholars from around the world, and promises to be a significant event not just for Aberdeen, but for the international musical community.
“We are currently in the process of seeking sponsorship for the residency and would like to appeal to the business community of the North East to support this innovative project that will provide musicians and the general public alike the chance to experience a once in a lifetime musical treasure.”
The University of Aberdeen recently welcomed the arrival and installation of the first Aubertin organ in the UK . Housed in King's College Chapel, the organ, designed by the French master organ builder, Bernard Aubertin, gives the University an instrument of international distinction and provides a focus for international research on organ music and early keyboard music. The Early English Organ Project residency will build on the interest in organs and organ playing created by the arrival of the new Aubertin instrument.
Anybody wishing to make a donation to the Early English Organ Project at the University of Aberdeen should contact Dr David Smith at University Music on (01224) 274737, or e-mail d.j.smith@abdn.ac.uk, for more information.