AN ARBORFIELD church is to hold its autumn lunchtime concert next month.
St Eligius will welcome organist Christopher Dew on Thursday, November 7.
Starting at 12.30pm, his programme will include French composer Léon Boëllmann’s well-known Gothic Suite, composed in 1895 and an organ version of J S Bach’s sacred cantata Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Sleepers, awake!), from the Six Schübler Chorale Preludes.
Also included will be Air and lively Gavotte by Samuel Wesley (1766-1837), Cantilena Romantica by Thomas Dunhill (1877-1946), from Four Original Pieces, Op.101, No. 4 and recessional Carillon-Sortie, with sounds of bells and chimes, by the French composer and organist Henri Mulet (1878-1967).
To ensure everyone in the audience can see what is going on in the organ pit, the church will be transmitting a live video of Mr Dew’s performance.
Originally from Cape Town, the organist started his musical career with his church choir, becoming its organist when he was 16 and choirmaster shortly after.
During the 1970s, he taught music and also directed and conducted the Cape Town Gilbert and Sullivan Society in the 1970s.
Since 1991, Christopher has focussed on his piano playing and teaching at his home studio in Aldershot.
The organ has continued to feature: he was Director of Music at Christ Church Crookham in the 1990s, and more recently as a recitalist at All Saints Church in Fleet, St Eligius Church, St Andrew’s Farnham and Romsey Abbey.
Entry to the concert is free, and there is a buffet lunch afterwards. To book, contact organiser Rita Le var by Tuesday, November 5. She can be contacted by calling 01252 372320 or e-mailing: rita_le_var@ntlworld.com
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