Early Music Day 2025

Mayfair Organ Concerts
St George’s, Hanover Square
Tuesday 11 March 2025, 1.10pm

Andrew Benson-Wilson

Audition for the first organist
on the 300th anniversary of St George’s, Hanover Square

The church of St George’s Hanover Square was consecrated by the Bishop of London
on March 23rd, 1725. The three-manual organ was built by Gerard Smith, nephew and successor of the famous Father Smith. The case of his organ remains as the central part of the current organ case. This recital will reflect the audition for the first organist, with music by the four assessors (Pepusch, Croft, Handel and Geminiani) and the successful candidate, Thomas Roseingrave, chosen for his ability to improvise fugues.

Johann Christoph Pepusch (1667-1752) Lesson in D (Two Aires)
William Croft (1678-1727) Voluntary IX in d; Voluntary X in D;
Handel (1685-1759) Fugue in B flat; Fugue in a (HWV607/609)
Francesco Geminiani (1687-1762) Duo in F
Thomas Roseingrave (1690-1766) Voluntary & Fugue in f; Fugue in d

Details of the 2012 Richards, Fowkes & Co organ in St George’s Hanover Square organ can be found here and here.

Admission is free, with a retiring collection.
The programme notes can be read here.