The Schulze Organ, Launch Recital is Huge Success

The Schulze Organ housed at the School was brought to life recently with the return of renowned organist, Roger Fisher, to the School.  Members of the audience travelled far and wide to hear the the King of Instruments , former pupils, parents, staff and students were treated to a roller coaster ride of huge chords which filled Big School and then to delicate pieces which seemed to dance on the air. During the evening, Roger Paul, Director of Music who hosted the event was joined by fellow Schulze Organ Trustee, Paul Spicer, a former Director of Music at the School. Nick Pettingale, Director of Development, explained to the audience how they could support the appeal by sponsoring a key or pedal on this great instrument. See the website for details.     

Following an enthusiastic welcome and brief introduction from Roger Paul, Roger Fisher played his first 2 pieces, the Overture Hansel and Gretel, by Engelbert Humperdinck, followed by La Cinquantaine by Gabriel-Marie. It was then the turn of the Schools Music Scholars Ensemble to delight the audience with 2 well-known pieces, Thunderbirds by Barry Gray and Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1. by Elgar.

Roger Fisher  went on to play Bachs Prelude and Fugue in C Major, before Paul Spicer, took to the stage to share with the audience the story of the Schulze and how it came to be offered to the School and then installed in 1981.

After the interval, Roger Fisher played Fantaisie in E Flat by Saint-Saens and Naiades by Vierne. The Schools Ensemble delighted the audience with a Carmen Suite by Bizet before the evening came to a rousing close with Roger Fishers performance of Symphony 4 Adtante Cantabile by Widor and Guilmants Marche on a Theme of Handel.         

Roger Paul commented, Following the success of the  Launch Recital, we are looking forward to a series of Schulze Organ recitals in 2012. Thirty years after installation of the Schulze at Ellesmere College, the Trustees are looking to preserve the organ for future generations. Old age and dust are marring the grandeur of its voice. We look forward to ensure a future we can all be part of today. 

Organists from around the County are encouraged to look at the Schulze Organ website, www.schulzeorgan.co.uk, for dates of future concerts. Visits to see and play the organ and participate in organ masterclasses can also be arranged.


28th November 2011  Back to News