Organists set for big return

A fantastic weekend of live music is returning to Hamilton this month after a two-year absence.

Organists from all over Scotland will be coming to play their long-awaited shows in this year’s Scottish Federation of Organists Conference.

Hosted by the Lanarkshire Society of Organists, the event sees renowned and talented musicians entertain locals on both Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14.

Music lovers are most welcome to attend the long-awaited concerts which will see a jam-packed programme of talented musicians playing throughout the two-day festival.

The Lanarkshire Society of Organists is providing the soloists who will also play at the event.

It will be held in St Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Church, 4A Auchingramont Road, in Hamilton.

Due to a number of cancellations during the pandemic, the concerts have been unable to go ahead until now, with many eagerly anticipating their return.

During the shows, highly-regarded John Kitchen, originally from Coatbridge, will give an organ recital on Friday, May 13, at 7.30pm. John is the City Organist for Edinburgh and is renowned for his organ recordings.

The following day, at 11.15am, John will present a workshop on improvisation for locals to attend.

That’s followed at 1.15pm by soprano, Maureen Todd, and tenor, Raymond Tulips, who will give a musical interlude.

At 1.45pm, David Hamilton, well-known local organist and teacher, will give an organ recital. This will be followed at 3pm by Choral Evensong.

Those interested are asked to simply come along. And anyone who wishes more information about the conference, or who wants to register for the whole event should email conference@ lanarkshireorganists.com

More information can be found on the The Lanarkshire Society of Organists’facebook page.