Programme

D. Buxtehude (1637-1707) – Praeludium, Fuge und Chaconnne C-dur   (BuxWV 137)

J.S. Bach (1659-1750) – Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein    BWV641

J.P. Sousa (1854-1932) – The Liberty Bell

G. Hancock (1934-2012) – Aria

J.K. Paine (1839-1906) – Concert Variations on ‘The Star Spangled Banner’

F. de La Tombelle (1854-1928) – Toccata (from Op.23)

Gary Desmond first studied the organ with Clifford Harker at Bristol Cathedral and then spent four years at the Royal Academy of Music, subsequently studying with Susi Jeans and David Briggs.

After a substantial period as Director of Music at Bristol Grammar Junior School and the City Parish Church of St Stephen, he is now a freelance recitalist, accompanist and teacher. In 2008 he was appointed Deputy Organist of Bath Abbey and, since 2016, he has combined this with the post of Director of Music and Organist at St Mary’s, Bathwick.

Gary gives recitals throughout the UK and he also plays regularly in Germany, most recently in Trier and Wiesbaden, and in the recital series at Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris. Visits to the USA have included concerts in Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington National Cathedral.  The programme for 2023/24 includes concerts in the UK and return visits to Germany and the USA.

Future Tuesdays@1pm Organ recitals

July 11            Michael Stoddart

July 18            no recital

July 25            Emma Gibbins

August 1        David Hirst

August 8        Williams Reynolds

August 15      Jeff Howard

August 22      Performed by organists from the RSCM’s Bath Course for Young People

August 29      Hayden Payne