An Evening with John Kitchen
Nov 2024
In a rare visit to London, Scotland’s leading harpsichordist and organist presents a programme showcasing the special qualities of the ‘Handel House Harpsichord’ by Bruce Kennedy and the ‘Handel House Organ’ by Goetze and Gwynn.
John Kitchen
John Kitchen MBE is Director of Music of Old Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Edinburgh University Organist and Edinburgh City Organist with recital and curatorial duties at the Usher Hall. In addition to solo recital work on organ and harpsichord, he is much in demand as a continuo player, accompanist, lecturer, writer, reviewer, adjudicator and recording artist.
The Handel House Trust organ
The Handel House Trust commissioned master builders Martin Goetze and Dominic Gwynn to create a new organ, Using details from Jennens’s original.
Completed in 1998, this organ features a stunning stained oak case with gilded metal front pipes and a cherub's head adorning the top. Its ebony keys and finely crafted stop knobs are paired with engraved brass labels, while the 54-note key compass makes it a versatile piece for performances.
Originally housed in St George’s Church, Hanover Square, the organ found its final home at Handel Hendrix House in 2023 as part of the recent restorations, where it continues to bring Handel’s music to life.
