Events Archive - January to February 2007

The College Chapel was packed with distinguished musicians, former Directors of Music, Masters of the College, the Bishop of Salisbury and OMs on February 4th, 2007, to witness the official hand-over and dedication of the school’s magnificent new organ by a representative of the organ-builder, von Beckerath, to the current Master, Nicholas Sampson.

The instrument was then immediately shown off in an Evensong for which the canticles, Collegii Marlburiensis, were especially composed by Tim Ridley (C3 1980-85, CR current). Some very delicate and exposed solo singing, beautifully crafted by Ridley, showed that there are individuals of great talent among the choir’s considerable ranks. However the von Beckerath’s sheer depth and breadth of sound will call for a pretty full-bodied vocal response from the choir in the months to come, to which I am sure they will respond with gusto.

Simon Preston, the veteran international organist, followed with a splendid inaugural recital specifically designed to show off the new organ’s full range of colour and dynamic. This is no chamber instrument, but one on the grand scale, with four manuals and 61 stops that blend elements of the German tradition, French Symphonic School and Victorian British heritage of organ-building together into an extremely impressive and harmonious whole. Bach’s Chorale Partita: Sei Gegusset, Jesu Gutig, a massive work of numerous variations, might have been written for the von Beckerath; the variety of tone and registration the instrument offers became clear to even the most organ-illiterate. For them perhaps Preston also included several lighter pieces from his repertoire, including a Gershwin medley that, while somewhat incongruous to the setting of Chapel, undoubtedly proved the organ’s flexibility.

Distinguished organists in the audience, of whom there were several, were clearly both impressed by and envious of Marlborough’s new acquisition. The Organ Committee (Ian Crabbe (College Organist), Tim Ridley, and Ian Sutcliffe (Director of Music)) are to be most sincerely congratulated for conceiving and bringing to completion this massive project. The Chapel has always been the focus of the College; the heart of Chapel Music could not now beat more strongly.

Susanna Spicer

For a more in-depth description of the organ, please see Tim Ridley’s article in the 2006 Marlburian or for a copy of the programme and refurbishment details click here»

Two most enjoyable Hockey matches took place on Sunday 29^th January 2007. A strong Veterans XI were victorious against the Second XI and won 4-3 whilst the College XI defeated the OMs in a 9-1 triumph!! This was a tremendous victory for the School and followed their defeat of Dean Close, who have been undefeated for many years, the previous day.

The OM Rifle Club held the first of their two annual smallbore matches against the College on Sunday 28th January. The match took place on the Gunner Range at Marlborough. The OMs fielded 9 firers whereas the College only had 5 available to shoot, so by mutual agreement the result of the match was determined by the best 4 ten-bull targets shot by each team. This culminated in a one-point victory for the College, 381 to 380 (ex 400), continuing their series of victories (at smallbore) against the club! Well done and thank you to all involved. Our next event is the fullbore match at Bisley on Sunday 20th May.

An excellent occasion was kindly organised by the new Secretary in the North West, Nick Jackson (C2 1983-88) in the sumptuous setting of the Grosvenor Hotel, Chester.  Fifty OMs and spouses/partners braved the worst weather experienced for many years and which had made a very long and arduous journey from the south for the Master. the President Elect (Tony Hill CO 1949-53) and the Club Secretary and others joining from Cumbria and other parts of the area.  This was the first NW Dinner for nearly 10 years and it was so good to see so many familiar faces from that earlier occasion.  The senior member present was G D Hughes (B1 1930-34) and it was also good to see Caroline Pepler (nee Scholl, SU 1968-70) who was amongst the first intake of girls at the College. 

After a first class meal, Nick Jackson introduced the Club Secretary, who spoke with obvious affection of his North West associations before introducing the Master, who was on excellent form despite his travelling ordeal!  The Master took part in a lively and enjoyable Q&A session and was warmly thanked in turn by David Lowry (CO 1940-44), who was witty too.

The evening ended well after midnight as the starting time had been delayed to accommodate late arrivals.

North West Area Dinner - The Grosvenor Hotel, Chester