Based in the historic port of Fremantle, with its wealth of historic buildings, the conference will include lectures and visits to notable historic and modern organs in Perth, the Western Australian capital, and surrounding country areas. The instruments will include the work of such Australian builders as Robert Cecil Clifton, J.E. Dodd, Knud Smenge and Lynn Kirkham and from overseas Hill & Son, Albert Pease, Alfred Monk, W.C. Mack (all from England), the South Island Organ Company from New Zealand and Albert Moser from Germany.
Planning is proceeding well and a programme outline has been developed by the WA conference committee that includes OHTA councillors Bob Elms and Jeremy Fletcher and members Graham Devenish and Dominic Perissinotto. The programme includes a range of papers relating to organs and organ music in Western Australia, major recitals and visits to organs of note by local, interstate and overseas builders, several of which have been recently restored.
The first day will provisionally be based in the Perth central business district and include visits to the two cathedrals, the concert hall and other notable organs in the area. It will also include a seminar session in the morning. The second day will be based in Fremantle where there are again several important organs including Australia's largest church organ at St Patrick's Basilica, where a recital will take place. The third day will consist of an all-day visit to New Norcia where council member Jeremy Fletcher is now organist and who will perform for us on the famous Albert Moser organ. Tuesday and Wednesday will see visits to instruments in the suburbs of Perth, on the Tuesday around Claremont, with an evening recital and then on Wednesday around Guildford, again with a concluding recital.
Any enquiries can be directed to Bob Elms or Jeremy Fletcher
Further details will appear on the OHTA website as they become available, including a downloadable bookings brochure.