Saturday, 7th August 2021 at 2.30 pm: A talk on “Mendelssohn and the Organ” by John Bodiley, at Holy Trinity Church, Taunton TA1 3JG
The talk will be illustrated on the fine Hill organ by SOCA members Andrew Carter, Stephen Bell and Ian Heavisides. Mendelssohn was a hugely talented musician, who did a lot for the development of the organ, and other aspects of music performance, in Britain. The talk will not be overly academic, and we hope that it may appeal widely to non-organists.
Please signify intention to attend to John Bodiley – jbodiley@hotmail.co.uk
What DID Mendelssohn actually do?
Played piano concertos Wrote over 5,000 letters Was a youthful athlete
Painted quality water-colours Took over The Gewandhaus Orchestra at the age of 26
Founded The Leipzig Conservatoire and taught in Germany and England
Travelled widely, including 10 visits to England
Conducted the first performance of The St. Matthew Passion since Bach’s death
Composed 4 symphonies, a favourite violin concerto and THE Wedding March.
Wrote for many solo instruments, including the organ Composed Elijah
Widely regarded as the greatest prodigy since Mozart (better, in the view of Goethe!)
Brought the idea of what a complete organ should be to England
Spoke 3 foreign languages fluently Possibly had a love affair with Jenny Lind, the “Swedish Nightingale”
Died at 38 years old
Saturday 25th September 2021, 2.30 to 4.30 pm: SOCA visit to St Mary’s Parish Church, Ilminster TA19 0DU (also NB Philip Scriven recital here on Sat 18th Sept at 7.30 pm to celebrate the recent rebuild of the organ by Michael Farley)
Ian Heavisides has kindly arranged for us to visit the organ here (newly rebuilt by Michael Farley). The organist at the church, Peter MacKay, will give a short talk on the rebuild – and then anyone who would like to (suitably sanitised!) will be able to play. Ian adds that there are two car parks in Ilminster, but parking on the High Street is limited to one hour.
Photo and Specification available here Ilminster IH pic and spec 212v
More information about car parking is available here Ilminster Car Parking PDF 212v
Please signify intention to attend to John Bodiley – jbodiley@hotmail.co.uk
Thursday 7th October 2021 at 2.30 pm Visit to St Paul’s Parish Church, Honiton EX14 1PG
The visit to Honiton, repeatedly postponed due to the pandemic, will take place on Thursday 7 October at 1430. Andrew Carter will introduce and briefly demonstrate the magnificent 1999 organ by Kenneth Tickell (“one of the finest instruments in the South-West” – Stephen Bell) and members will then be welcome to play the instrument themselves.
Because of ongoing COVID concerns we shall observe social distancing and strongly recommend the wearing of face masks. Unless the situation radically improves we shall sadly not be able to socialise informally over tea and cakes. But we hope that members will still welcome the opportunity to experience and enjoy this remarkable organ, as well as to explore the many other attractions of Honiton.
Please signify intention to attend to John Bodiley – jbodiley@hotmail.co.uk
Saturday 6th November 2021: SOCA A.G.M at St Mary Magdalene Church, Taunton (with lunch at nearby restaurant): Paul Hale will be the guest speaker and he will also give a recital on the Father Willis organ.
Provisional programme:
10 am AGM
11 am Organ Recital by Paul Hale
12.30 pm Lunch
2.30 pm Presentation on Father Willis organ renovation projects by Paul Hale
4.00 pm Tea
Mid-Autumn 2021 or during 2022: At a date and venue to be arranged, and in conjunction with the RSCM, it is hoped to hold an event featuring young musicians. Any young organists will be encouraged to play, and other young singers and instrumentalists will be asked to perform. SOCA members who know of likely youthful performers will be encouraged to invite them.
