Lunchtime concerts brighten up Autumn days
Organ lunchtime concerts at Huddersfield Town Hall are sure to brighten those dull days with amazing programmes and a special guest this Autumn.
What can you expect?
These popular concerts feature amazing music played by Gordon Stewart, the Kirklees Borough organist, on the famous 1870 Father Willis organ.
Several concerts throughout the Season include visiting organists and musicians, the next of which takes place this October.
Cllr Rob Walker, Cabinet Member for Culture & Environment said:
“The quality of the music at these events is extremely high and we are proud to be able to offer them.
Set in the historic venue of Huddersfield Town Hall, the concerts offer a chance for people to enjoy the range of music on offer, as well as to meet others and make new friendships.
With lunch, wonderful anecdotes and a friendly welcome in store, these lunchtime concerts are sure to brighten the dullest Autumnal day.”
The fantastically talented George King, one of the finest classical pianists in the country, will join Gordon for his concert on Monday 21 October.
King is also known for his jazz improvisations and has played at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, New York.
Concert goers can expect works for piano and organ by Franck, Rawthorne and Philip Moore as well as King’s solo, improvised pieces in his own inimitable style.
Monday 4 November 2019
On Monday 4 November Gordon will play organ pieces which might come under the heading ‘look, no hands’ – virtuoso pieces for pedals.
The concert includes Leo Sowerby’s pedal showpiece that was premiered by the Italian virtuoso Fernando Germani on an American tour in 1931. Sowerby writes separate parts to be played by each foot and at times asks for both feet to play two notes, resulting in four-part harmony.
The programme also includes music by French composers from Clérambault to Lefébure-Wély, whose Sortie in B flat is a town hall favourite.
Monday 11 November 2019
On Monday November 11, Gordon plays a programme in two halves.
The first half takes ‘birdsong’ as its theme and features fluttering music from Daquin, Handel and Respighi.
The second moves to Paris and includes two of the most requested pieces, Alain’s Litanies and Widor’s Toccata. Every stop of the famous Father Willis organ will be heard in this wide-ranging programme.
How can I purchase tickets?
All lunchtime concerts start at 1pm. Tickets cost £5.50 per person including booking fee and can be purchased beforehand, or on the door on the day of the concert.
A reasonably priced pre-concert lunch is available to purchase in the Town Hall prior to the concert starting.
More information
For more information or to book a ticket in advance go to kirkleestownhalls.co.uk or call the box office 01484 225755.
last time i was in Leeds, I noticed their town hall organ concerts were free ? I assume kirklees are as usual tight when it comes to culture and art but squander our rates on misguided follies.
used to love these but I have a blue badge now and cant park anywhere. I cant walk from the multi storey to the town hall.