As part of the Meakusma Festival, Meakusma and V.o.G. Orgelklänge are offering a masterclass with Brian Parks. The American organist is a member of the American Guild of Organists and, in 2019, co-published ‘Tastaturstuecke VOL I’ with Phillip Schulze. Parks performs in the USA, France and Germany and works as an organist for Christian and Jewish liturgies in the USA. He promotes and teaches music through a wide variety of formats and methods – often aimed at children and young people.  

The masterclass ‘Improvisation and Compositional Initiation’ is aimed at organ students and organists who wish to learn improvisation and make the best possible use of the organ’s tonal range. Pianists are also invited to take part in the masterclass. During the masterclass, Brian Parks will introduce the American Maverick tradition and demonstrate how melodies can be realised in a minimalist and jazz-inspired manner. The aim is to generate ideas for new pieces, foster hearing skills and consolidate improvisation as part of the musician’s toolkit. Brian Parks will also highlight the diverse possibilities the organ offers as an improvisational instrument.

Musicians of all levels are welcome to take part in the MasterClass. The session will provide both an introduction to improvisation and share more advanced insights. Each participant should have chosen a hymn or melody in advance that they would like to work on during the workshop. Participation in the MasterClass is free of charge. 

Date: 06.09
Time: 14:00
Venue: St Nicholas church, Eupen
E-Mail: info@orgelklaenge.be