Organists pull out the stops in head-to-head

TWO top organists are to battle it out on one of the country’s finest instruments.

Alexander Binns and Keith Hearnshaw will go head-to-head in the Battle of the Organs at Rochdale Town Hall tomorrow.

The concert, starting at noon, is being staged by Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside Organists Association.

Keith is an acclaimed concert organist who has played around the world.

A former organ scholar at Liverpool Cathedral, he became a fellow of the Royal College of Organists in 1997.

Alexander is an organ student at the Royal Academy of Music in London and was an organ scholar at Leeds Parish Church.

The 19-year-old played for royalty when he was organ scholar at St George’s Chapel and School at Windsor Castle, taking part in famous occasions such as the Garter Day service.

Association committee member Mark Johnson, director of music at St James’s, Thornham, said: “This is the first time we have staged such an event . It is part of our season of concerts and recitals at Rochdale Town Hall. It is also our annual Brereton Memorial Recital which was set up nine years ago in memory of two stalwarts of the association, both locally and nationally, Philip and Gwen Brereton of Rochdale.

“The magnificent Gothic splendour of the town hall and its wonderful pipe organ is unsurpassed in this area, and it is one of the finest town hall organs in the country.

“Many hundreds of organists including world famous concert organists have played this fine organ.”

Tickets costs £7 (£6 concessions/members) followed by a two-course lunch for £3.50. For more information contact 01706-343163 or 0161-626-6995.