Organ recital in aid of Mayor’s Charities
The Mayor - Cllr Sudhakar Achwal - with Lord Mark Ashburton (Church Warden), Andrew Lumsden, and Jacob Smith
A rather special organ recital took place in St John’s Church recently in support of the Mayor’s Charities, and raising over £2,000. The recital, attended by almost 100 people, featured acclaimed organist Andrew Lumsden, who was joined by young musician Jacob Smith. The event, which was introduced by St John’s Church Warden, Lord Ashburton, included performances of works by composers such as Bach, Mozart, Elgar, and Vaughan Williams. The Mayor of Winchester Cllr Sudhakar Achwal said: "Exceptional musicianship was on display, including the inspiring performance by Andrew Lumsden and the remarkable promise shown by Jacob Smith.”
It was a delight to hear Jacob perform in St. John’s again. The PCC of St John’s had provided an initial bursary for Jacob, as part of the St John’s Organ Restoration Project (2023/24), to learn the organ with Organist John Purver. St John’s PCC then successfully applied to the Friends of Music in Winchester for an additional bursary in 2025/26 so that Jacob could continue his studies with John.
Of Jacob’s performance, the Mayor said: “Your performances of Langlais’s Pasticcio and J. S. Bach’s In dulci jubilo were truly impressive. At such a young age, you have already demonstrated remarkable mastery of the organ, together with a confidence and musicality that is rare and deeply promising.”
The Mayor gave thanks to all involved indicating: "The evening was made possible through the dedication and support of a team of volunteers and organisers - thank you to them all, and to everyone who attended."
The Mayor's Charities 2025/6:
· Trinity Winchester
· Winchester Action on the Climate Crisis
