Rochdale Town Hall Organ Recital - Gordon Stewart

Gordon Stewart

Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside Organists’ Association (ORTOA), established in 1908 is back at the newly restored town hall. The double whammy of Covid restrictions and extensive restoration meant that ORTOA became itinerant exploring and promoting other worthy organs in its patch. Now ORTOA is back with a vengeance with a superb season of celebrity organ recitals in collaboration with the town hall organizers.

First up, one of the finest players of his generation, the celebrated Scottish organ virtuoso Gordon Stewart, who knows Rochdale’s JJ Binns instrument well. His genial, engaging manner enlivened proceedings on Saturday 25 January (even more on the afternoon of Burns Night).

Following studies in Manchester and Geneva he has held several important organist posts, including musical director of BBC’s Songs of Praise for many years. Renowned as a leading teacher, recording and performing artist, he was awarded the British Empire Medal in the King’s first birthday honours.

Like all the top-line performers who come to Rochdale at ORTOA’s invitation, Gordon saluted the instrument, which is revered internationally, and its superb setting. He introduced and showed off its considerable orchestral pallet with immense energy, enthusiasm, infectious sense of humour and joie de vie. His wide-ranging programme put it through its paces and appealed to organ enthusiasts and a wider audience alike.

The opening Empire March by Montague Phillips was as bright and brilliant as the newly restored rose window and ceiling.

Praeludium in C by Georg Böhm (a great influence on JS Bach) was a tasty appetiser, and A Little Tune by the Rev William Felton, using the lighter stops, acted as a delicate sorbet before the main dish, JS Bach’s Passacaglia in C Minor. This was Gordon’s avowed favourite, and he fulfilled his promise to use all four manuals plus pedals to explore the great master’s invention and genius of development as it built in intensity and grandeur.

Moving to the twentieth century, Water Colour by Norman Cocker, whether it meant a landscape or a still life was beautifully contemplative (incidentally, the sheet music is only available in ORTOA’s own commemorative booklet). Trois Pièces by Gabriel Pierné sparkled with improvisatory feel and a witty fugato to finish. Prelude on Faithfulness by contemporary American organist Dan Miller was full of interesting chords and novel movements through keys, with just a touch of MGM movie magic.

The finale called for, and got, all the resources of player and instrument in Toccata di Concerto by Bossi, bringing an excellent concert to a blazing conclusion.

ORTOA 2025 next celebrity recital is on Saturday 22 February at 3pm (allow yourself plenty of time to see the renovated building and/or the fabulous Martlet Restaurant). Paul Hale, concert organist, ex Southwell Minster will be performing.

Admission £10 (concessions £8) concerts last one hour. Card or cash at the door or visit www.rochdaletownhall.co.uk/events.