The Schulze Organ housed at the School was again brought to life recently with the visit of Chester Cathedral�s Director of Music and Organist, Philip Rushforth. Performing in the 2nd of a series of Schulze Organ Appeal Concerts, some of the College�s singers joined him in  performing to the assembled audience in the School�s large hall.   

Members of the audience travelled from far and wide to hear the �the King of Instruments� in Big School. Former pupils, parents, staff and students were treated to an enchanting musical evening that included a series of solo performances by singers from the School, accompanied on the piano by Singing teacher, Gaenor Ellis.

Roger Paul, Director of Music, hosted the evening and was joined by Nick Pettingale, Director of Development, who explained to the audience how they could support the Appeal by sponsoring a key or pedal on this great instrument.

Following an enthusiastic welcome and brief introduction from Roger Paul, Philip Rushforth played his first piece, Symphonie no.4 in F by Widor. This was followed by the first series of solo singing performances by Senior Music Scholars. Year 9 pupil, Katy Leeming sang Shenandoah, a traditional song that was accompanied on the violin by Upper Sixth Form student Nia Squirrell. Lower Sixth Form students George Fradley then sang Ave Maria by Bach and Kate Parry, the traditional song, Danny Boy.  It was then the turn of Year 9 pupil, Lily Wilson, to sing Pie Jesu by Faure. This was followed by Philip Rushforth performing Praeludium in D by Buxtehude on the Schulze Organ.

After the interval, the Ellesmere College Singers performed a series of songs. Year 12 student, Daisy Clarke sang the traditional song, The Water is Wide and she was again accompanied by Nia Squirrell playing the violin. It was then the turn of a trio of Upper Sixth Form students, Luca Kuhn, Victoria Tadros and Nia Squirrell to sing their solos, Bring Him Home by Boublil & Schonberg, Ch�io Mai Vi Possa, by Handel and the traditional Welsh song, Suo Gan, respectively. This was followed by Daisy Clarke and Kate Parry singing a duet, Panis Angelicus by Franck. The audience was then further treated to Philip performing on the Schulze, as he concluded his performance of the Symphonie no.4 in F.          

Roger Paul commented, �We all thank Philip Rushforth for bringing the Schulze so wonderfully alive again for us. Following the success of this second Appeal Concert, we are looking forward to our next Schulze Organ recital on Thursday, 24th May 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 both organs and participate in organ masterclasses can also be arranged.

29th February 2012  Back to News