On Saturday MAY 20th 2006 we are launching this competitive festival, for those under 21, with the idea of promoting the Kent County Organists’ Association and also to encourage young organists. This is very much the initiative of our new president, Barbara Childs, who suggested it at the committee meeting in January. The idea was warmly welcomed, and a subcommittee was formed consisting of Audrey Attree, Andrew Cesana, Brian Moore and Barbara herself. Lionel Marchant, who runs our website for us and has considerable experience of arranging events and concerts, has since been invited to join the committee.
Dr. David Flood has very kindly and enthusiastically agreed to adjudicate and the Festival will take place at All Saints’ Church, Mill Street, Maidstone. There will be three classes:
Elementary (under Grade 5) Award £50
Intermediate (Grades 5+6) Award £100
Advanced (Grade 7 + over) Award £150 and a recital in Canterbury
Cathedral.
The expenses are underwritten to some extent, but we are currently requesting sponsorship and donations from any interested party. Perhaps you might like to become a listed friend of the Festival for £10.00 or more if you wish.
Publicity material is now being produced and this will be distributed on as wide as basis as possible, but if you know of any suitable candidates please let one of the committee members know; the Festival is open to all candidates fulfilling the entry requirements, not only those from Kent.
As we need to encourage young players we will use this day as one of our meetings in the hope that you will all feel that you can come and listen, help with stewarding, refreshments etc.
Entry forms are available from:
Mrs. Barbara
Childs
Tanglewood
Stonehouse Lane
Halstead
Sevenoaks
Kent TN14 7HH