American Organists in London

United Kingdom
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In collaboration with Ed Maki-Schramm, Director of Music at Christ Church Detroit, we are thrilled to offer “American Organists in London”, a fabulous trip through England where you can discover the country’s premier organs and venues.

Our journey will take us through London and the surrounding areas as we explore Westminster Abbey, Kings College, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Oxford Cathedral, and Church of St. Botolph Without Aldgate. Enjoy privileged access as you meet the staff organists and go behind-the-scenes at these prestigious churches.

Participants will have the opportunity to play a joint recital at the historic Southwark Cathedral and attend a concert at one of London’s top venues for classical performances, such as the Royal Festival Hall, the Barbican, or Wigmore Hall. With several wonderful dinners and guided tours, this experience has something for everybody — even if you’re not an organ player.

Featured Experiences

Cambridge Organ Concerto

Musical
United Kingdom

Venture to Cambridge for a day of musical exploration, starting with the world-famous Harrison & Harrison organ at Kings College and Chapel. Admire the gilded pipework and the striking 16th-century screen that houses this renowned instrument. Conclude your day at Great St. Mary’s Church, reveling in the melodies that have echoed through the halls of Cambridge for centuries.

London’s Grand Organ Gala

Musical
United Kingdom

Immerse yourself in the majestic world of organs as you explore the iconic Grand Organ at Westminster Cathedral and experience its resounding glory. Engage with the history and craftsmanship behind this masterpiece, followed by an enchanting evening concert at one of London’s prestigious classical venues.

Thoroughbred Triumph at Southwark

Musical
United Kingdom

Unleash your musical prowess during an exclusive rehearsal on the rare “thoroughbred” organ at Southwark Cathedral. Feel the resonance of T.C. Lewis’s 1897 creation as you prepare for an unforgettable organ concert, captivating a local audience in the heart of London.

What's Included

  • Travel Concierge
  • Exquisite, Well-Located Hotel
  • Motorcoach transportation
  • Organ visit to Westminster Abbey
  • Organ visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • Organ visit to Oxford Cathedral
  • Organ visit to Church of St. Botolph Without Aldgate
  • Organ visit to Kings College
  • Attend a classical performance at an iconic venue
  • Welcome dinner
  • Guided sightseeing tours of London
  • Celebratory farewell dinner

Itinerary

8 Days

Day 1 OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

Departure from the United States.

Day 2 LONDON

Welcome to London! Upon arrival, make your own way to our centrally located 4-star hotel by taxi or navigating the excellent public transport system. This hotel will be your home for the entire week which means no hotel changes! Here your Encore Tour Manager will meet you to give an arrival briefing. Then enjoy a fabulous welcome dinner together this evening. (D)

Cities in London

Day 3 LONDON

After breakfast, which is included each day of your tour, take a guided city sightseeing tour of London with a Blue Badge Guide to take in London's iconic and emlematic sites. Visit Westminster Abbey as well as Westminster Cathedral to see their incredible organs. (pending approval). The famous Grand Organ is considered to be the greatest achievement and the crowning glory of Henry Willis III, one of England's finest organ builders. Later today, you will visit St. Paul's Cathedral, Crypt, and Galleries. You'll also enjoy a visit to the Voces8, an international centre for vocal excellence, education and performance at St Anne & St Agnes Church in the heart of the City of London. This evening, attend a concert at one of London's top venues for classical performances, such as the Royal Festival Hall, the Barbican, or Wigmore Hall. (B)

Day 4 LONDON

This morning, board your private coach and drive to Oxford for the day. Visit to Oxford Cathedral in Christ Church College. Included is a special visit to focus on the organ, built by Rieger of Austria in 1978-9. Only the case remains from the original Father Smith instrument dating from 1680, a time after the Restoration of Charles II when organs which had been removed by the Puritans were being replaced. Since the first organist of the Cathedral, John Taverner (1526 – 1539) the organ and music has been central to the life and worship of the Cathedral. Then have time to enjoy this beautiful city with lunch on your own and free time for exploration. Return to London later today.(B)

Day 5 LONDON

This morning, you will rehearse in preparation for your afternoon organ recital at Southwark Cathedral (pending approval). Each organist will have 30 minutes of rehearsal time on the rare "thoroughbred" organ remaining as it was originally built by T.C. Lewis in 1897. Then perform the organ concert later this afternoon for a local audience! (B)

Day 6 LONDON

This morning you will have an organ visit at the Church of St. Botolph Without Aldgate (pending confirmation). This organ is England's most ancient church organ containing the oldest collection of pipes in their original positions on their original wind chests. Beautifully restored in 2005, organists come from all over the world to visit this superb instrument. Later today, you will have the opportunity to attend an organ recital at either Westminster Abbey or Westminster Cathedral. (B)

Day 7 LONDON

Today you will take an excursion to Cambridge to visit the Kings College and Chapel organ. The Harrison & Harrison organ is world famous. The organ case with gilded pipework, which surmounts the 16th century screen, is a striking feature of every depiction of the interior of Kings College Chapel. Then this afternoon, visit the Great St. Mary's Church in Cambridge. Since medieval times, this church has been used by the ancient university of Cambridge for various gatherings. This evening you will enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner together! (B,D)

Day 8 DEPARTURE

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States (airport transfers not included) or continue your own travels in Europe! (B)

on flight

Customize Your Tour

Are you ready to take your ensemble to new places? Get a quote from one of our tour consultants who will help you customize a trip to meet your goals.

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Lyrical London

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