Oundle for Organists has begun a new chapter in its 25-year history with the appointment of Robert Quinney as Director. Robert is Sub-Organist of Westminster Abbey, a former Organ Scholar of King’s College, Cambridge, a Sixth-Form Scholar at Eton, and a sometime teenage student on the Oundle summer courses. He writes:

‘I first came to Oundle as a student in the class of 1991 (along with several organist colleagues and one distinguished ex-organist conductor); like many young organists I was keen, but in need of expert guidance – which fortunately I received! Having learned and enjoyed so much on that occasion, and having experienced the courses again as a tutor in 2007, I am delighted to succeed James Parsons as Director of Oundle for Organists. I am joining the organisation at an exciting time; building on the incredible achievements of the last 25 years, we are developing new ideas, both for the established courses and for potential new events.

‘Oundle’s unique blend of inspiration and practical tuition will once more be the hallmark of our summer courses in 2010. Exploring New Repertoire (typical age range 14-17) and Style and Technique (16-23) will run in parallel from 19 to 25 July at Oundle School, alongside the Oundle International Festival. Tutors include Margaret Phillips, Thierry Mechler, Mark Williams, Anne Page, and Matthew Martin; there will be visits to Cambridge and Peterborough Cathedral.

‘MMA members should feel free to contact me to discuss the suitability of the courses for their students; I intend to mould our tuition as much as possible around individual needs and interests. For example, Style and Technique will include some focussed tuition on keyboard and aural skills, which will be helpful for students considering, or even about to take up, an organ scholarship.’

Brochures will be available very soon, and further details can be found at www.oundlefestival.org.uk