Music at Douai Abbey

It seemed to me, as I was sitting in Douai Abbey this afternoon listening to Tom Winpenny’s organ recital, that the sound of an organ in full flow is reminiscent of a wind band. Perhaps it is not surprising, since they both rely on air passing through tubes to make their sound.

Anyway, I spent an enjoyable hour listening to Tom playing pieces by de Grigny, Bach, and Duruffle, rounded off by a Libby Larsen prelude.

Tom was visiting from St Albans, where he is Assistant Master of the Music at the Cathedral, also home to the biennial International Organ Festival.

Douai Abbey, with its good accoustics and beautiful architecture provides a lovely concert venue. If you haven’t been along I recommend it.

The monks are warm hosts, and offer a succession of interesting concerts. Next week, Saturday 6th June, is a Berkshire Maestros “Children Celebrate the Child” concert featuring local youth choirs and musicians. And on Sunday 21st June, it's Mozart from the Basingstoke Choral Society and New London Sinfonia, preceded by strawberries.