The Chapel of Christ of Alleyn’s College of God’s Gift
Gallery Road, Dulwich, SE21 7AD
Sunday 9 July 2023, 7.45
Andrew Benson-Wilson plays William Byrd (d 6 July 1623)
As part of the 400th anniversary of the death of William Byrd (“Father of British Music”), Andrew Benson-Wilson will give two commemoration organ recitals. The first is in the delightful venue of The Chapel of Christ of Alleyn’s College of God’s Gift in Dulwich Village. It will feature a range of Byrd’s own keyboard music and will finish with the elaborate Salve Regina Misere Cordi by Byrd’s pupil John Bull, probably composed for Antwerp Cathedral. The Dulwich recital is played on the 2009 William Drake restoration of the 1750 George England organ.
Christ’s Chapel of Alleyn’s College of God’s Gift in Dulwich was consecrated 400 years ago, in 1616. The chapel and adjoining almshouses were the first of the charity foundations set up by the wealthy actor, Edward Alleyn, owner of the manor of Dulwich. Shortly afterwards, the foundation’s status as a educational college was confirmed, leading to the present day Dulwich College.
time the Chapel’s first organ was installed. In 1760 it was replaced by a new organ by George England which, despite the usual additions and alterations over the years, still survives with a considerable amount of mid- 18th century pipework and a fine Gothick case. In 2009 it was restored back to its 1760 state (with modest additions) by the UK’s leading specialist on historic organs, William Drake. The original pitch (A430) and modified fifth-comma meantone temperament was restored. It is now one of the most important historic instruments in the UK.
Andrew Benson-Wilson : Early Music Reviews + 