A memorable 40-year career as Birmingham City Organist is to be celebrated in style on Westside with a special anniversary concert in his honour.
The celebratory event will take place at Symphony Hall on Friday 6 October, marking exactly four decades since Thomas Trotter took on the prestige role in 1983.
Thomas, who was awarded The Queen’s Medal for Music in 2020, is recognised as one of the world’s most celebrated organists.
He is only the seventh person to occupy the post of Birmingham City Organist since the position was created in 1834.
The commemorative concert is being hosted by B:Music, the music charity responsible for Symphony Hall as well as neighbouring Town Hall. The programme will feature Bach’s Great Fantasia and Fugue, Edwin Lemare’s transcription of Wagner’s Overture to Rienzi, and Liszt’s Fantasy and Fugue, based on music from Meyerbeer’s opera Le prophète.
Thomas said: “Choosing just one highlight from my 40 years is difficult, but the first highlight for me was when the Town Hall organ was first refurbished in 1984. I gave the reopening concert in October 1984, which was my first big concert as Birmingham City Organist.
“Another highlight would be the opening of the Symphony Hall organ in 2001. But my heart always returns to Town Hall, and the reopening of Town Hall in 2007 was incredibly special.”
During his 40 years in post, Thomas has commissioned many exciting new works and the Symphony Hall audience can expect a suitably celebratory piece from Cheryl Frances-Hoad.
Her Celebration Fantasia marks this special occasion by picking out ten great Birmingham moments from the past 40 years, from the opening of Selfridges to the inauguration of the Symphony Hall Organ.
Cheryl said: “I was delighted when Thomas asked me to write a piece for his 40th Anniversary concert and wanted to write a work that really celebrated this milestone. The main melodic motive is based on the notes of Thomas’s name, and each section is inspired by an aspect of Birmingham’s history over the last 40 years.”
During the last four decades Thomas has presented a regular lunchtime organ concert series to enthusiastic concertgoers in Birmingham, with performances at both Symphony Hall and Town Hall.
For more information about the 40th Anniversary concert on 6 October visit: https://bmusic.co.uk/events/thomas-trotter-celebrating-40-years-as-birmingham-city-organist
