In Paradisum

My first time visiting the Southwell Music Festival today during it's 5 or 6 years existence. I've been taken to another world. Many with previous links to the Minster, and also young up and coming professional musicians from London. You sensed there was a real sense of community amongst them. 

Anna Lapwood - Organ - Quire
A rising superstar in the classical world I now know. Head of the jugdes panel on BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2022; first ever woman organ scholar at Magdalen College, Oxford in 560 years etc.

Her programme included two pieces commissioned herself, one of which she played just using her feet. Clair de Lune she re-arranged to switch from the Quire organ to the distant nave organ (whilst at the same console above the Quire). 

Thanks to my friend, who is most modest in every way, for sponsoring this event to make it possible; and who drew my attention to it.

https://www.southwellmusicfestival.com/events/anna-lapwood/

E1 - Today I was the Rector Chori..

Seven Last Words from the Cross - A Prayer For Peace - by James Macmillan - Nave


E2 - A pre-concert talk on this piece was given by another composer Martin Bussey in the Great Hall (aka State Chamber) - the building on the left in the main.

I was transfixed the whole concert which also included work by Hildegard von Bingen, Peteris Vasks and Valentin Silvestrov. The latter very apt on Ukraine's Independence Day.

https://www.southwellmusicfestival.com/events/seven-last-words/