Recitals Options

[organistno1]

I have a question


What's the best way of giving recitals at venues around the country? I agree that the big names like Olivier Latry have agents who book them up but if you are a Parish Organist who doesn't have an agent, how does it work?

It's just that someone from a local, small, bog standard, parish church has managed to get to do a recital at a big, well known, prestigious church in London. How?

I have a load of contacts but whenever I contact them, the response is often..."yes...BUT..."

Anyway my question really relates to places where you have no contacts. Will these places contact you or do you have to make yourself known because I'm seeing a lot of new young organists on the recital circuit, who I'm sure don't have agents!

[vectistim]

Send them a recording? Do one at the small parish church next door and invite people from the big church?

[Floss]

Sometimes it's about who you know... Is this organist is perhaps well-known on the organ scene? I know local organists who hob-### with extremely well-known organists and land themselves all sorts of opportunities despite perhaps not being fantastic players or playing in prestigious churches.

ETA Since when were biscuit names censored?!

Edited again: Actually, I'm not sure I've answered your question! I'm not an organist but I'm slowly beginning to be noticed on the recital scene in our area. I started off doing recitals for free in small venues and have slowly worked my way up to doing paid gigs. I still have a long way to go though!

[fsharpminor]

I too would love to give an organ recital, even for no fee. My own church isn't interested, and Im not in with many others in this area. Managed two pieces in the forums event in Roundhay though (You and mwl1 were there, Floss)

[Floss]

I too would love to give an organ recital, even for no fee. My own church isn't interested, and Im not in with many others in this area. Managed two pieces in the forums event in Roundhay though (You and mwl1 were there, Floss)

M and I recently did a recital in our local church. The priest took a LOT of persuading to let us do it. In the end the church was full and we raised over 300 pounds for charity. I think sometimes churches need to be more open minded about these things.

[Tenor Viol]

Find a church with an active music department.

The MD of the parish where one of my choirs gives its concerts (he's not my choir's MD) is keen to have music recitals and has a big programme of lunchtime recitals throughoutt May - July each year. in additon, he gets people in giving concerts/recitals on a regular basis.

The church has a decent 3 manual organ, which they are shortly going to spend some serious money on to update the electrics and mechanicals and probably some work on the pipework.

Another local parish has a very musical new incumbent who is very keen to have his church used and a supportive parish group that's happy to do the organising.

[pitcher54]

Are you a likeable, friendly, outgoing (dare I say it, pushy) sort of person? It makes a difference. An organist from one of my local town churches has managed to get recitals in some of the major cathedrals and big parish churches simply by force of personality, and milking his connections for all they are worth.

And as others have pointed out, you have to climb the tree branch by branch. It's no good waiting to be asked, you have to work hard at making opportunities. No one is going to invite an unknown organist, so you have to get yourself known by whatever means you can devise.

It might be worth asking yourself "what can I offer that no one else does?". Organ recitals of bog standard repertoire are two a penny (and desperately dull), and there are lots of organists out there who can churn out this stuff at the drop of a hat, but it is rare to find a recital that offers something unfamiliar. What can you play which will make me want to come and hear you?

[Swell Box]

Are you a likeable, friendly, outgoing (dare I say it, pushy) sort of person? It makes a difference. An organist from one of my local town churches has managed to get recitals in some of the major cathedrals and big parish churches simply by force of personality, and milking his connections for all they are worth.

I cannot imagine who you might be thinking of Pitcher. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

On the other hand, some parish organists are exceptionally good; and are able to balance their organ playing and choir directing duties with day jobs such as teaching, which allow opportunities to travel and give recitals during extended holiday periods.

For instance, the HoM at the parish church in Newcastle (where SBJ holds his organ scholarship) is a school chemistry teacher and Head of Department by day, but is in constant demand to give organ recitals in his spare time. He has also taken the church choir to places such as Westminster Abbey, Durham and Chester Cathedrals, where we have firm invitations to return.

Returning to the OP's question, the point I am making is that you don't have to hold a cathedral post to be a good organist and to give recitals; but you do need to have a broad repertoire, and the ability to devise a varied, interesting and entertaining programmes.

By contrast, we had a recital series in our own parish last year, where one of the recitalists (a parish organist) decided to impress everybody by playing an hour and a half of Reger. By the end of the recital the church was empty; but worse still, several further recitals passed before attendance figures returned to normal. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

That is not a reputation that anybody needs.

SB

[fsharpminor]

I have today been in touch with a different church from that where I normally play (though Im really freelance and have no formal ties with them) They want me to go on their Q1 rota. Its Willis organ from 1936, though only 2 manual, and they get 90+ congregation for their main service and are enthusiastic singers.