Halifax & District Organists' Association

for all lovers of the organ and of organ music

West Yorkshire Organ Day

Sixty-two organists and organ enthusiasts met in Huddersfield on Saturday 14th May 2011 for a day of events to celebrate the organ. The day began with a dazzling recital by Thomas Moore, Director of Music at Wakefield Cathedral, on the magnificent 1860 Father Willis organ in the Town Hall. His programme was as follows:

After this came a demonstration on ‘Pipe making and voicing’ by Terry Shires of the Bramley pipe-making firm and David Wood of the Huddersfield organ builders. In a fascinating session an organ pipe was created from scratch and passed around the audience at the various stages in its production, accompanied throughout by an informative and entertaining commentary from Terry with asides from David. A member of the audience, Errol Davis of the Halifax association, volunteered to try his hand at some delicate soldering which he did to great effect. Time ran out before any proper voicing could be achieved but the pipe was finished and did indeed speak.

The afternoon session at St Patrick’s Church began with a Masterclass by Dr Gordon Stewart, Kirklees Borough Organist, and three students, Michael Burt, Adam Greenhalgh and Henry Websdale. All acquitted themselves to great acclaim on an instrument with which they had had very little time to become acquainted. Gordon’s commentary, advice and thoughts were imparted with characteristic humour.

There followed a most interesting and informative talk on "Northern Organ Builders" by Dr Simon Lindley, Master of the Music of Leeds Parish Church and Leeds City Organist. The wide-ranging talk, which brought in builders from further afield with installations in the north, was delivered with Dr Lindley’s usual aplomb and wit.

Next came an introduction to and explanation of the philosophy behind the new Skrabl instrument in St Patrick’s by the church’s organist and a Choral Director for the Diocese of Leeds Thomas Leech. The day ended with a very fine recital by Tom on the new organ which included the following:

All in all, a most enjoyable and instructive day. Congratulations and thanks to all who took part in or helped organise the event, and special thanks to Sheila Scott who was responsible for most of it.

Watch this space for details of next year’s event!