Dream comes true for organist

ORGANIST David Franks has celebrated a lifelong ambition by playing the organ in the Caird Hall.

He travelled 11,500 miles from Australia to visit friends in Dundee when his dream came true.

Senior citizen David plays the church organ in the Sydney and Canberra areas.

Throughout his life, he has researched the history and location of most of the famous concert and church organs in various locations around the world.

However, throughout his playing career the one which has always captured his interest most is the Harrison organ in the Caird Hall with its notably excellent acoustics.

It was during a visit to Dundee four years ago that his local hosts were informed about David’s keen interest in playing organ music.

When the same Dundonian family were informed that David was again coming to Scotland this month and wanted to visit them, a phone call was made to Caird Hall manager Susan Gillan.

She contacted city organist, Stuart Muir to ask if it would be possible for the Australian to be shown and permitted to play the organ and the request was quickly granted.

David played six classical pieces for the organ, including two of his favourites – the Prelude and Fugue in E minor by J.S. Bach (BWV 533).

David said that he was “in seventh heaven” and it was the best day of his visit to Scotland.