Audience welcome inclusive approach to Richard McVeigh’s organ concert

Arriving as they did In torrential rain, a grateful audience appreciated the fully warmed and welcoming church for the concert to be given by organist, Richard McVeigh, on Sunday 12th November.

Richard McVeigh has performed and played up and down the UK and has worked with many professional choirs and orchestras.   Amongst many things, he was the founding Director of the Winchester Cathedral Chamber Choir. Formerly Assistant Organist at Winchester Cathedral, Richard is currently Assistant Organist at Romsey Abbey and at Arundel Cathedral.

He also manages his own business: Beauty in Sound (BIS).  This is an online offering, primarily on YouTube,  and already has some 100,000 subscribers.  It offers online concerts, workshops, organ marathons and much more! (www.youtube.com/beautyinsound ).

Richard McVeigh at St John’s Organ

There were a number of distinctive aspects of Richard’s concert in  St John’s, which were very appealing to the audience.

‘Fantastic. Great programme, informative, warm welcoming atmosphere and beautiful surroundings’. (Audience comment)

Firstly, in advance of the start of the concert, the audience had been invited to arrive early, if they wished to.  Richard was there to chat, to answer questions about the organ, and to do some demonstration playing before the concert itself.  A small number of people took up this opportunity.

Secondly, Richard introduced each piece and also made reference to the workings of the organ:

‘Simply magnificent concert – I usually sit with my back to the organist in the choir stalls so being on the opposite side was incredible! Watching a master!’

Thirdly, he invited the audience to come to the organ (at any point) to view his playing and observe the very different aspects of his performance and how he used the organ during this process.  At one point, it seemed as if the entire audience were gathered round the instrument!

‘Excellent - so good to enjoy the organ. Well selected pieces. Very engaging and inclusive/encouraging (and welcoming) to join in watching the performance.’

 ‘A wonderful, thoughtful programme, carefully set out in the information leaflet and with clear explanations by the organist.  The audience were invited to come up and view the organ in operation-  and many took up the opportunity.’

The programme featured pieces by Bach, Mendelssohn, Franck, Elgar, Walton – and appropriately, given that it was also Remembrance Sunday, the pieces by Elgar - including a special arrangement (arr. Grace) of a movement from Elgar’s, ‘Spirit of England’ (entitled Solemn Prelude, ‘For the Fallen’), as well as ‘Nimrod’ - were much appreciated.  The concert ended with a rousing performance of Walton’s ‘Crown Imperial’ (arr. Murrill and McVeigh). Finally and delightfully, Richard played a short encore by Vaughan Williams

What was also remarkable about the concert was Richard’s ability, artistry, and creativity in his playing to draw out the varied tones and timbres of the renovated organ.

‘A wonderful demonstration of the flexibility and variety of the organ’.

There was no doubt that the audience enjoyed the event and particularly the opportunity to feel included and involved.  There was also much appreciation of the heritage of the church, its sculptures and carvings – indeed, for some visitors, this was their first visit.

‘Although I live quite near, I didn’t know about this beautiful church.  I love the reredos, the beautiful pew carvings and the big candelabra, Hope to come to more concerts in future. Large carpark, definitely a bonus!’

‘A beautiful church. I’m so pleased that the funds have been found to achieve so much.  Long may it continue!’

‘Stunningly beautiful building and decorations.  I visited once previously and came back to show friends and family.’

 Finally  - it may be worthwhile noting that this was also the first time that the new under-pedal heater purchased for the organ was used!  A welcome facility for every organist, and designed specifically for organs.