YOUNG ORGANISTS BEAT THE SNOW TO RAISE THEIR GAME - With the NDSO & AMP; the NEW RCO ACADEMY

James Parsons, Head of Student Development RCO Academy, and Jonathan Clegg at the Console of St Thomas in the Haymarket

Under the watchful eye of virtuoso organist Tom Bell, Moses Stubbs (age 10) finds his feet as he explores the awesome four manual and pedal console of the City Hall Organ

In all about thirty "youngsters braved the elements to make the most of this fantastic opportunity and came from as far afield as Barnard Castle, Hexham and Edinburgh. These included Juliet O'Brien from Barnard Castle School:

The day was "kicked-off" by City Hall Manager, Peter Brennan, who enthused over the history of the Hall and its famous, locally built Harrison & Harrison organ. It is hoped that there will be many more events of this kind in the future, providing impetus and funds to care for this important national treasure.

After the introduction, different groups visited different instruments with Michael Haynes (see below) taking one group to St Nichloas Church South Gosfort. Then, at lunchtime, there was an inspiring recital given by James Lancelot in St Thomas' Church. The students seemed particu;arly entertained by his performances of Dubois' Marches des Rois Mages with its cipher-like star theme and the rhythmical Salamance by Guy Bovet.

The day concluded with a stunning concert given in St Nicholas Anglican Cathedral by 14 of the students. This was kicked-off in fine style with Noel Rawsthorne's Festival Fanfare by George Warren (pictured below in rehearsal) and concluded with a sparkling performance of the famous Widor Toccata from Simon Passmore.