Ballywillan to join in organ recital events

The Portrush concert on April 5 at 1.15pm, alongside others in each of the six counties of Northern Ireland, will feature first prize winners from the last ten years from Germany, Hungary and Russia as well as the UK.

These recitals are dedicated to the memory of the Lisburn organ builder the late David McElderry, former MD of Wells-Kennedy Partnership, who lovingly maintained the organs featured in the performances.

There will also be a gala recital at Belfast Cathedral on Wednesday, April 6 (7.30pm) featuring all ten of its first prize winners.

The Belfast Cathedral evening gala concert will be introduced by Fr Eugene O’Hagan of the singing group The Priests.

Richard Gowers, senior prize-winner in 2013, will also give the NI premiere of a work by Grace-Evangeline Mason, specially composed for NIIOC and the Commission for Victims and Survivors for Northern Ireland. It is dedicated to all those touched by the Northern Ireland Troubles.

NIIOC stemmed from the demand of local organists who wanted to encourage, challenge and recognise the talents of young performers in a competitive environment. It quickly established itself as one of the leading platforms internationally for committed young organists and rising talent.

Richard Yarr, founder and chair of NIIOC, said: “We are very proud that NIIOC has been a proper trailblazer, changing the organ landscape locally and internationally. Competitors from Australia, the US, China and all across Europe have come to the beautiful cathedral city of Armagh each August to perform in St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral.

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating our first ten years with these very special concerts featuring ten young organists who are such great ambassadors for the king of instruments and for our competition. NIIOC takes pride of place on their CVs and I know these events will offer something for everyone.”

Renowned conductor and organist Dr David Hill is on the judging panel every year and is also a Competition patron: “I’m in awe of what has been achieved and by the level of playing we have listened to in the past ten years. What a fitting tribute to gather the illustrious prize winners as a way of celebrating ten outstanding competitions.’

The Ballywillan recital will take place on Tuesday, April 5, at 1.15pm and isfree of charge. Tickets are not required.