INTERNATIONAL concert organist Richard Pearce will play for the Alton Organ Society at the Church of St Lawrence in Alton on February 1 at 8pm.

And Martin Baker will be the next guest performer at St Lawrence on March 1 at 8pm.

Doors open for both concerts at 7.30pm and refreshments will be served.

Technology is improving the audience experience at the ancient church, and when Peter Gould visited on January 4 they had a big split-screen view of him tinkling the ivories with his hands while working the pedals with his feet.

This new and fascinating pleasure vividly demonstrated to those not familiar with organ playing the skills and flexibility of concert 
organists.

Peter, formerly organist and master of the choristers at Derby Cathedral, gave a wonderful concert emphasising that they were celebrating the 11th day of Christmas.

He kept their attention with chats about the music and his excellent playing revealed his technical ability and musicianship. His programme was full of seasonal pieces by William Lloyd Webber, Gigout, Dubois, Daquin, Vierne and Bach.

The society’s patron, Dr Francis Jackson, died aged 104 on January 10. He was an internationally-renowned organ recitalist, composer and former master of music at York Minster.

Sue Hawkins