Congress begins with Gala Gold
The ORGANZ 46th Annual Congress started with an exciting and varied Gala concert held in St Andrew's Church, Palmerston North.
It was a rare treat to have the opportunity to hear so many pieces and performers all in one concert of organ and different instruments together. The audience of were presented with three organs - the fine 3 manual rebuilt organ installed in St Andrew's, a freestanding chamber organ of a few hundred pipes, and a harmonium - which were played in combinations with each other, voice, brass, recorder, electric guitar and more.
It was also a mixture of 'serious' music with lighter moments to bring laughter from the audience. In a tantalising preview of the Sunday recital at All Saint's, visiting recitalist Thomas Heywood provided both: The Handel organ concerto with the Manawatu Sinfonia was a brilliant performance with the organ and strings blending superbly; the solo finale (Humoresque for a Pedal Trombone) wowed all present with dazzling footwork.
Congratulations are due to all the performers, Roy Tankersley who when not conducting or playing was hard at work behind the scenes, and all Manawatu Organ Group, Wellington Organists Association and the people of Palmerston North for providing such a worthy opening to the weekend.
Photos below, Paul Rosoman at the St Andrew's organ console (with Charles Sullivan assisting); Roy Tankersey (chamber organ) and Maurice Quinn (recorder).
