Hibernal by Yumi Hara Cawkwell, organ by Michael Bonaventure

[FrauenOrganist]

I've heard that you play pieces by Avril Anderson. I was wondering how I could obtain a copy of her organ music. Thanks!

[generalcancel]

Michael Bonaventure is a talented organist but this sort of "music" does nothing to endear the organ concert-going public, nor does it broaden the instrument's appeal to a wider audience. One or two such pieces in a programme may serve some purpose but Michael plays complete programmes of this stuff. It's very hard to stomach in such quantities and, frankly, I think it's selfish to "inlfict", for that's what it is, such a programme on an audience.

[Spockminder]

@generalcancel Michael performed at Westminster Abbey yesterday (Sun 7th Feb 2010) for a large audience, and it was absolutely successful recital. Audience responded positively and enthusiastically. We all thought the uncompromising programme including the last movement of this piece did work extremely well with the Westminster Abbey audience.

[generalcancel]

@Spockminder: The Abbey always gets good audiences at their Sunday recitals, regardless of who's playing - because it's the only time you can get into the place for nothing. Literally coachloads take advantage of this. The regular organ fans at these concerts is less than a couple of dozen. The remainder of the audience are tourists getting a free eyeful of the Abbey. They'll clap when they're supposed to. To imply that people turned-out in droves the hear Micheal is disengenuos, spin and hype.

[Spockminder]

@generalcancel Well, it didn't seem like there were coachloads of tourists then... Anyhow, Michael is not getting enough spin and hype unfortunately!! Thanks anyway, for giving us more exposure by commenting here, best regards, Yumi