The May Festival at St Stephen’s Church in Bournemouth starts on Saturday 4 May with a focus on Percy Whitlock.
Whitlock’s biographer Malcolm Riley will be giving the festival lecture called Percy Whitlock at 110. This is followed by the always splendid tea and Exeter Cathedral choir singing evensong.
Percy Whitlock was first the church’s organist and then Municipal Organist who played in London churches and broadcast. His legacy includes the Song of Bournemouth and a familiar Mass setting.
The lecture (£7) starts at 2.45pm and will be a rare occasion.
Booking Office : 01202 399139
I was first‘introduced’ to the Organ music of Percy Whitlock at a recital by the late Harold Darke at St Mary le Tower, Ipswich circa 1950; wonder upon wonders! the recital included all of the 5 short pieces ; I was introduced to Mr Darke & have his signature on the programme- I was learning to play the Organ’ but had never attended any such musical event until then: I was smitten by the performance & the music. Since that time I have obtained & played much if not all of Mr Whitlock’s Organ compositions.
As I plan to visit Bournemouth in May I would hope to visit Mr Whitlock’s Church if possible.