This year’s Lunchtime Organ Music series at St Swithun’s Church Retford starts at 1.00pm on Thursday 20th April with Colin Walsh, the Organist Emeritus of Lincoln Cathedral.
Colin has played in all the major venues in the UK, most European countries, the USA, Australasia, Hong Kong and Russia. He studied in Paris with Jean Langlais, the blind French organist and composer, and in 1988 he played the music of Olivier Messiaen at a public concert in front of the composer. He teaches in Cambridge and London, and in 2013 he received an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the University of Lincoln.
When asked if he would be prepared to play at St Swithun’s in Retford, Colin’s reply was ‘You try and stop me!’. He enjoys playing the St Swithun’s organ and he appreciates the friendly mood of the audience. He is playing pieces by JS Bach, Cesar Franck, Widor, Schumann, Vierne and Jongen.
You may have heard that big changes are occurring at St Swithun’s, but this will not affect the Organ Music series: the church will be open at 12.00pm for light lunches before the organ music as always.
Admission is free, but they do depend on generous voluntary contributions which help to keep the organ in good condition.