This is perhaps our premier event of the year with over 75 people at our Mixbury showroom to hear Ian Tracey play several different instruments.
The weather for the set up on Friday was terrible, but thankfully on the day it was excellent! It was a wonderful day with the audience being thrilled with Ian Tracey playing the Makin Gigue, the Johannus LiVE III AGO and the all-new Makin Thirlmere. In between the four mini recitals, there was plenty of retail therapy for organists and a plethora of food and drink. In addition, as we did last year, I held a Q&A session with Ian which always goes down a treat!
In the previous years, our retired organ consultant Mark Johnson has turned pages for Ian. However, Mark wasn’t available, so Ian asked long term friend Chrissie Rawsthorne, daughter of the late great Noel Rawsthorne, to turn pages for him. As you would expect she did a sensational job for which we are all so grateful!
Music for the day was divided into four sessions starting on the Makin Gigue which as ever gave a superb account of itself. Next Ian played on the Johannus LiVE using different sample sets to great effect on the pieces he played. Those new to this sensational instrument were simply stunned.
The two-afternoon sessions were all held on the all-new Makin Thirlmere organ. As ever with a new instrument Ian described the organ design and gave copious examples of tonal colours and how to get the best out on the instrument. Following this the organ was put through its paces, passing with great distinction.
After arriving at 09:30, the final customers left at 16:00 after which the team spent an hour or so collapsing the tented village and tidying up. Keith is exceptionally grateful for all their efforts. Colleague LJ Blom from Ede was with us; not only did he thoroughly enjoy himself but was a great help and took some nice photos! Thanks LJ!
