My starting point in planning London Organ Day 2016 is the centenary of the death of Max Reger. However, rather than focus solely on his work I have sought to put him in context, so we will hear some sublime music by other romantic composers, especially German ones such as Brahms and Schumann. Most importantly perhaps we will hear music by J.S. Bach, whose influence cannot be understated. Two superb performers, Bernhard Haas and Henry Fairs, will be playing for us. To pull our various musical threads together Graham Barber, who currently is preparing a DVD about Reger, will tell us more about this prolific composer, his inspiration and his legacy. While there may not be a large German romantic organ in London, there is the wonderful Lewis at Southwark Cathedral, influenced heavily by the work of Edmund Schulze. The musicians of Southwark Cathedral will be giving us an introduction to the musical life of the Cathedral, and Tom Daggett will be present to tell us about the groundbreaking OBE Organ Outreach programme based at nearby St Paul’s Cathedral. If you are a Reger aficionado, this is the day for you. If you love romantic organ music, this also is the day for you. If you feel rather challenged by Reger’s music, then come to hear what he has to say and to learn more about him. I guarantee you will come away inspired: I have particularly enjoyed preparing this London Organ Day, and to be honest have in the process ‘discovered’ Reger properly for the first time myself. I am anxious to share my discoveries with you!
09.30 Registration
10.00 Welcome and Introduction
10.30 Musicians of Southwark Cathedral
11.30 Coffee
12.00 Rectial, Henry Fairs
13.00 Lunch
14.00 Recital, Tom Bell
14.30 Graham Barber
15.15 Tom Daggett
16.00 Coffee
16.30 Recital, Bernard Haas