The last few months have been very frustrating for Graham and Sarah Wilkinson and all the team at Spotlight Productions. They have had to cancel their annual show – ‘Oliver!’ – and income from their costume and scenery hiring ‘business’ used to fund their annual show has been decimated. Being the positive people they are, the unexpected lull has provided an opportunity to plan ahead and reshape Spotlight for the future. I’ve been really enjoying our regular Zoom and Skype […] . Click here to read the full article.
Classical
Recording ‘The Swan’ by Saint-Saëns
One of the most popular, and beautifully romantic, organ pieces is ‘The Swan’ (or Le Cygne) by the French composer Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns, who composed the piece as part of his Carnival of the Animals in 1868. Apparently, The Swan was the only movement from The Carnival of the Animals that the composer allowed to be played in public during his lifetime. Below, I have just recorded this piece, below, using the Hauptwerk Virtual Pipe Organ and using samples of the […] . Click here to read the full article.
Learning to Play the Hauptwerk Virtual Pipe Organ
What a strange period we are experiencing with the coronavirus pandemic sweeping across the world. It is having dramatic social and economic impacts, and causing people to be on ‘lockdown’ in their homes. While the pandemic is having an adverse financial impact on friends, I am loving the lockdown period for other reasons. It’s delightful having my daughters home from university and I am using some of the time to rekindle my passion for the church organ. I’ve had to […] . Click here to read the full article.
Recording Saxophonist Rob Burton Performing ‘Braemar’ by Graham Fitkin
I was asked by Rob Burton’s father to record Rob live at a Christmas concert in Spaldwick Church. He played a modern composition entitled ‘Braemar’ by Graham Fitkin, who is a British composer, pianist and conductor. This piece was premiered in St. Margaret’s, Braemar at the 2017 ‘One Fine Day’ Music Festival and was played by Rob Burton during the BBC Young Musician of the Year Woodwind Finals in April 2018. The saxophone was invented much later than other traditional […] . Click here to read the full article.
Videoing Ben Rice Singing at the Spaldwick Christmas Concert
At the 2018 Christmas Carol concert held in Spaldwick Church, Ben Rice sang ‘The Three Kings’ in German. At Kimbolton School, he was active in a number of musical pursuits, including the school’s Chamber Choir. He played the role of Javert in the school’s production of ‘Les Misérables’ and achieved a Grade 8 with Distinction. Ben was invited to join the Rodolfus Choir, which is one of the leading young choirs in the UK (with its members aged between 16 […] . Click here to read the full article.
Photographing 12 Year Old Saxophonist Rob Burton at Grafham Concert
I’ve known Rob Burton and his mother and father for many years, and Rob was in the same school year as my daughter Bethany. It’s always a pleasure to photograph or record Rob when I get the chance. The earliest photos I have are when I recorded Rob at a concert in Grafham back in 2012. Rob was only 12 years of age, but already showed impressive talent. The photo below is my favourite, as it shows proud dad in […] . Click here to read the full article.