Andrew Benson-Wilson
Byrd to Blow
17th-century English organ music, for the 30th anniversary of the Goetze & Gwynne 'Handel' organ
Having given two subsequent recitals of music by Handel, Andrew now returns to explore English organ music from the century leading up to Handel's time, ranging from Byrd to Blow, with music by William Byrd, John Bull, Orlando Gibbons (d1625), Thomas Tomkins, John Lugge, Matthew Locke and John Blow. It will feature pieces for "double organ", a genre that developed during the 17th-century. The recital will also honour the lives of the organ builders, Martin Goetze and Dominic Gwynne. Click here to find out more about the organ.
St Lawrence church is an extraordinary and rare example of the English High Baroque, influenced by continental examples. The simple nave building was added to the 16th-century tower in 1715 by architect John James, for the Duke of Chandos. The glory of the church is its lavish interior, with works by Louis Laguerre, Antonio Bellucci and Francesco Sleter. The walls and ceiling are covered with paintings of biblical scenes, in colour, sepia and grisaille, together with examples of trompe-l'oeil above the organ case. The east-end retro-choir is dominated by the organ case with its two flanking paintings in a theatrical setting framed by finely carved columns, cornice and pediment. The organ case and carvings are attributed to Grinling Gibbons. Other surviving original features include the box pews and decorative ironwork. Attached to the north side church is the Mausoleum of the Duke of Chandos.
The church is a short walk from Canons Park underground station. The ticket price includes post-concert refreshments, which, Andrew recalls, are very good!
Sun, 19 October 2025
St Lawrence, Whitchurch, London
6:30pm
£20 include post concert refreshments. No charge for children. Tickets on the door, or can be booked in advance.
Full Event Details
30 years ago, Andrew Benson-Wilson gave the all-Handel opening recital on the new Goetze & Gwynne 'Handel' organ, a reconstruction of the 1716 Gerard Smith instrument using the original case and surviving elements of the original organ. Handel used the original 1716 organ when he worked for the Duke of Chandos at Cannons in 1717/18.
Having given two subsequent recitals of music by Handel, Andrew now returns to explore English organ music from the century leading up to Handel's time, ranging from Byrd to Blow, with music by William Byrd, John Bull, Orlando Gibbons (d1625), Thomas Tomkins, John Lugge, Matthew Locke and John Blow. It will feature pieces for "double organ", a genre that developed during the 17th-century. The recital will also honour the lives of the organ builders, Martin Goetze and Dominic Gwynne. Click here to find out more about the organ.
St Lawrence church is an extraordinary and rare example of the English High Baroque, influenced by continental examples. The simple nave building was added to the 16th-century tower in 1715 by architect John James, for the Duke of Chandos. The glory of the church is its lavish interior, with works by Louis Laguerre, Antonio Bellucci and Francesco Sleter. The walls and ceiling are covered with paintings of biblical scenes, in colour, sepia and grisaille, together with examples of trompe-l'oeil above the organ case. The east-end retro-choir is dominated by the organ case with its two flanking paintings in a theatrical setting framed by finely carved columns, cornice and pediment. The organ case and carvings are attributed to Grinling Gibbons. Other surviving original features include the box pews and decorative ironwork. Attached to the north side church is the Mausoleum of the Duke of Chandos.
The church is a short walk from Canons Park underground station. The ticket price includes post-concert refreshments, which, Andrew recalls, are very good!
Venue Details & Map
Location
St Lawrence, Whitchurch, London
Whitchurch Lane, Edgware HA8 6QS
