Recital, Masterclass and Playing Opportunity at the Moot Hall, Colchester Town Hall

On Tuesday 12th May, EOA President Emma Gibbins gave a very enjoyable recital on the 1902 Norman & Beard organ to an audience of over 150 people in the Moot Hall of Colchester Town Hall. Emma’s programme, which was carefully chosen to suit the instrument and to appeal to the audience, was as follows:
Crown Imperial
William Walton (1902-1983) Tr. Herbert Murrill
Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 731
J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

Waltz & Dancing Feet (from Dance Suite)
Noel Rawsthorne (1919-2019)
Variations on Amazing Grace
Denis Bédard (b. 1950)
Over the rainbow
Harold Arlen (1905-1986) Tr. David E. Coleman
Finlandia
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) Tr. Herbert Austin Fricker

This was followed by a Masterclass, led by Emma, in which two EOA members, Wendy Hildreth and Michaela Cottee, participated alongside Chelmsford Cathedral Organ Scholar, Helen Lunn. The theme of the Masterclass was ‘Confidence at the Console’. The session focussed on building confidence in performance situations – from managing nerves to developing physical and musical control at the instrument. Following an overview of strategies and techniques by Emma, the three Masterclass participants each had an opportunity to perform a piece on the Moot Hall organ, with assistance, input and insights from Emma, all of which helped to inspire confidence in the three players.