Introduction to the Organ with Syd Birrell

Peterborough Singers’ artistic director Syd Birrell teams up with Trent University Continuing Education to present An Introduction to the Organ on December 5. Syd is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists and has been the organist at Lakefield College School for 38 years, making this a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about the mighty organ!

When: Monday December 5 from 7-9 p.m.
Where: Murray Baptist Church, 175 Murray Street, Peterborough
Cost: Free! But please register in advance here.
What: In the early 1700s no one knew more about the pipe organ than the teenage Johann Sebastian Bach. As a small boy he was often to be found helping in the construction of pipe organs. When the citizens of Arnstadt, Germany lost their church to a fire, and when the church was subsequently rebuilt, the 18 year old Bach was paid to inspect the new pipe organ. He then gave the inaugural organ recital, and was promptly hired by the church authorities to be the organist.

Have you ever heard a pipe organ described as The King of the Instruments? It is a marvel of 17th century engineering and technology that persists to this day (albeit with some more modern additions!) Join organist Syd Birrell for an evening workshop, where Syd will first explain the inner workings of the mighty Casavant Organ of Murray St Baptist Church, followed by a summary of J. S. Bach’s early career.

Syd will perform several of the young Bach’s exciting organ masterpieces, including the famous Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (BWV 565), The Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor (BWV 582), and the Gigue Fugue (BWV 577).