Organ spectacular at village church

A concert of magnificent organ music featuring a worldrenowned recitalist is to be held in a village church.

The performance on Friday, November 17, at St Mary’s, Wingham, marks the launch of the Kent Organ School and is being given by Daniel Moult, right, who is head of organ studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

The school has been started by Francis Murton, who says there is a chronic shortage of young people learning to play the pipe organ.

He will join Daniel in pieces by Widor, Purcell and Bach, including his famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor.

Mr Murton hopes the concert will inspire a new generation of players, and the following day will hold a Discover the Organ Day, offering a chance for visitors to learn more about the instrument and try their hand at the keyboard.

The event is free and at 1pm there will be a 45-minute recital by four students on three organs – the church’s own fine organ, a chamber organ on loan from Canterbury Cathedral and an electronic instrument from Viscount Classical Organs.

The new school is supported by the Royal College of Organists and its patrons are Canterbury and Rochester Cathedral organists Dr David Flood and Scott Farrell.

Tickets for the Organ Spectacular, which starts at 7.30pm, cost £10 from Francis on 07969 123005 or through www.kentorganschool.com.

The Dog at Wingham is also offering a dinner and concert ticket special for £35.