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RCO Young Organist Recital - Lawrence Thain

RCO Young Organist Recital - Lawrence Thain

1 pm Holy Trinity Church (Event 14)

Supported by Pat Hugill in memory of her late husband

The first in a series of four recitals by young players selected following examinations by the Royal College of Organists in 2008.

Lawrence Thain

J S Bach   Selections from Clavierubung III
Prelude in Eb BWV 552i
Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam BWV 684
Aus Tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir BWV 686
"St. Anne" Fugue BWV 552ii

César Franck   Prelude, Fugue et Variation

Herbert Howells   Psalm Prelude no. 1, set 1

Maurice Duruflé   Choral Varie sur "Veni Creator Spiritus"

Lawrence began studying the organ under Julie Ainscough at secondary school whilst a chorister at the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace. His seven year tenure as a chorister saw him sing in performances with Cliff Richard, José Carreras and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa as well as for HM The Queen and HRH Prince Charles. At the age of 15, only a few months after his voice broke, Lawrence returned to the Chapel Royal to begin a three year posting as organ scholar whilst continuing A-level studies in Music, German, Russian and Biology. He was awarded the organ scholarship to New College, Oxford,aged just 16 and also passed his ARCO.

Next month will see Lawrence enter his second year of study at New College where he is reading music. During University term, he works with the choristers daily and shares the playing of six services a week with the Assistant Organist, Steven Grahl. He is regularly sought after as an accompanist, for recitals and as a deputising organist both. As a very able flautist and bassoonist, he is also asked to play in orchestras and chamber groups across the University. Lawrence's interests branch outside of the music sphere however and when not in the organ loft, he can be found on the lacrosse field as a member of the Varsity Mixed Lacrosse team.

He tours with the famous New College Choir and his first year has seen him travel to places including Cyprus, Venice and Metz. Future plans include a tour to France in September and a European tour at Christmas, and in January, Lawrence will sit his FRCO examinations.

 

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