New Zealand Organ Music

This groundbreaking disc features organ music by some of New Zealand's most talented composers recorded on a variety of significant instruments around Wellington, performed by Richard Apperley, Assistant Director of Music at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.

Richard Apperley says 'this disc is largely a response to the devastating effect of the Christchurch earthquakes on so many churches and organs in the city. Whilst we can do little to protect the organs of Wellington should we experience a similar tragedy, it seems prudent to make a permanent audio recording of some of our finest instruments. The music of New Zealand composers has long been a passion of mine, and I'm thrilled to be able present a disc of this nature.'

The organs recorded on this disc include those at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, Sacred Heart Cathedral, St Peter's Willis Street, St James' Presbyterian Newtown, St Paul's Lutheran Church and the National War Memorial. Of particular significance is the Norman and Beard instrument at St James' Presbyterian church - the building is due to be demolished later this year due to earthquake risk.

Represented on the disc are composers Andrew Baldwin, David Farquhar, Douglas Lilburn, Helen Caskie, Andrew Perkins, Tecwyn Evans and Timothy Hurd. Of the seven works on the disc, only one (Prelude and Fugue in G minor by Douglas Lilburn) has been recorded before. Each work has been chosen to show off the capabilites of each instrument, and Timothy Hurd's work - reliquiæ - has been written specifically for the Erben instrument at the National War Memorial. Andrew Baldwin's An Advent Prelude was written for Richard, and Richard also commissioned Tecwyn Evan's Dedica.

Dedica - Tecwyn Evans (Wellington Cathedral of St Paul) An Advent Prelude - Andrew Baldwin (St James' Presbyterian, Newtown) Three Pleasant Pieces - Helen Caskie (St Peter's on Willis) reliquiæ - Timothy Hurd QSM (National War Memorial) Prelude and Fugue - David Farquhar (Sacred Heart Cathedral) Ave Maris Stella - Andrew Perkins (St Paul's Lutheran Church) Prelude and Fugue in G minor - Douglas Lilburn (Wellington Cathedral of St Paul)

Organist, sound engineer, producer, recitalist and teacher Richard Apperley is as passionate about performing and capturing performances in recordings as he is about fostering a love of the organ in younger generations of performers.

Playing regularly with New Zealand's leading choirs, orchestras and festivals - including the Adam Chamber Music Festival, The Tudor Concert and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra - Richard's particular interests lie in the organ music of Buxtehude, Howells and New Zealand composers, and in contemporary works.

As Assistant Director of Music at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, Richard accompanies services and assists with the direction of the cathedral's choirs. Richard formerly held the post of Assistant Organist at Lincoln Cathedral. Building on his keen interest in Anglican psalmody, Richard has led the publication of new psalters for both cathedrals. Richard is also keenly interested in New Zealand organ music, having compiled and edited two volumes of New Zealand choral works, published by Fagus Music (UK). He has given many recitals of the repertoire, recorded a concert for broadcast by Radio New Zealand Concert and recently released a CD of New Zealand music.

Alongside his cathedral work, Richard is also co-director and engineer for his audio production company, Hadfield Audio - a specialist location recording company with a focus on choral and organ music. Richard's recordings are usually released on his organism label, which he founded in 2010 to allow independent artists to record and release recordings with minimal costs and absolute control over the finished product.