St Peter, Caversham
Chris Cipkin

On 18 February 2017 there will be another chance to hear a recital on the wonderful new organ at St Peter’s Church, Caversham. The recital starts at 4pm.

Christopher Cipkin presents a selection of music inspired by the Town Hall organ tradition. From an age when regular solo recitals were a popular feature of cultural life this recital will feature a selection of pieces arranged specifically for the organ and designed to demonstrate the skills of the organist and the capabilities of the organ.

Refreshments will be available during the interval. Tickets £5 from Mary Tucker 07999 023825 or Parish Office 0118 947 1703.

Programme

  • Concert Overture in C minor
    by Alfred Hollins
  • Organ Concerto in F major (op. 4, no. 5)
    by G. F. Handel Arr. W. T Best
  • Larghetto from Quartet no. 9 in B flat (K 589)
    by W. A. Mozart Arr. W. T. Best
  • Fanfare for Nottingham
    by Naji Hakim
  • The Lost Chord
    by Arthur Sullivan Arr. William Spark
  • Fantaisie sur deux Mélodies Anglaises (op. 43)
    by Alexandre Guilmant

Interval

  • Concert Fantasia on a Welsh March
    by W. T. Best
  • Fountain Reverie
    by Percy E. Fletcher
  • New Era
    by Nigel Ogden
  • Edwardia
    by George Thalben-Ball
  • Pomp and Circumstance: Military March no. 1 in D (op. 39)
    by E. Elgar Arr. Edwin H. Lemare

Christopher Cipkin

Christopher Cipkin began his musical career as a boy chorister of Leeds Parish Church, now Leeds Minster, under the direction of Dr. Simon Lindley. Whilst still at School, he served as organist of St Luke’s church, Cleckheaton, before holding organ scholarships at the University of Keele and Newcastle Cathedral during his further studies.

His career as an academic librarian brought him to work at the University of Reading between 1997 and 2013, which included five years serving as music librarian. He was also organist to the University, playing for most graduation ceremonies and accompanying many concerts. During his time in Reading, he also held organist posts at Wesley Methodist Church and Reading Minster, and served as both Secretary and President of the Berkshire Organists’ Association (2007-2012).

He has given solo recitals throughout the UK, including Reading Town Hall and many other venues in the Berkshire area. While based in Reading, he was also associated with several local choirs as both a singer and accompanist. Christopher has worked as an Assistant Director of the University of Birmingham’s Library Services since 2013. He is continuing his freelance recital work alongside serving both as organist to St Anne’s, Moseley and as a Council member of the Birmingham Organists’ Association.

He is also delighted to continue his association with the Erleigh Cantors as well as the Oxford-based Bartholomew Consort. Christopher has studied under several eminent British organists, including Michael Harris, James Lancelot, and Timothy Byram-Wigfield, and he has also studied choral conducting with leading Dutch director, JanJoost van Elberg. He holds an MA in Musicology from the University of Reading as well as the Associate diploma of the Royal College of Organists.