Stormin’ Norma Musician to March into Town Hall 31.08.07

Wellington’s Town Hall is certain to resound with the combined foot-tapping of a cheerful audience at the next organ recital (9 September), by renowned organist, Kemp English.

Mr English was invited by Wellington City Organist, Douglas Mews, to come along to the Town Hall and play some popular tunes, some of which he has played as organist for St Joseph's Cathedral as well as for Ross Chapel, both in Dunedin.

Mr Kemp's amusing anecdotes will mingle with stunning renditions of Strauss' Radetzky March, Takle's Blues Toccata and Lithgow's Invercargill March, among others.

"Some people will already have heard his recordings on the radio, titles such as Stomin' Norma, which was recorded at Dunedin's Town Hall on the hall's organ, called ‘Norma'. That particular organ has a link with ours, coming from the same English firm, Norman & Beard, early last century. It should be second nature to Kemp."

Keen singers should also keep 21 October in their diary for the traditional valedictory recital entitled ‘Land of Hope and Glory', where the audience are invited to join in. This time, Mr Mews will pay homage to Edward Elgar, who was born 150 years ago, by playing the Elgar Organ Sonata in G and Salut D'amour.

He also intends to invite local choirs to lead the choruses and help the audience experience and be part of the spectacular reverberations that occur in the hall from many voices.

"You never know, we might even be able to pull off the Hallelujah chorus from Handel's Messiah."