Freemasons’ Hall has announced its first Organ Concert of 2021, which will take place on 30 March, at 7 pm.
The event, being held virtually, will showcase the magnificent Willis pipe 0rgan, which resides in the Grand Temple of Freemasons' Hall in London, an art deco masterpiece completed in 1933.
The concert is to be given by Carl Jackson, MVO, director of music at the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music, and he has held organ scholarships at Downing College, Cambridge, and his current base of Chapel Royal.
Before his current role at Hampton Court Palace, Mr Jackson taught at Goldsmiths’ College, and he has held positions at Croydon Minster and St Peter’s, Eaton Square. He has also appeared regularly on television with the Chapel Royal choir and features with them on CDs. He was appointed MVO in the 2012 New Year Honours list.
Dr David Staples, Chief Executive of the United Grand Lodge of England, commented: “It is an honour to welcome Carl Jackson to perform for our first Organ Concert of 2021. The various lockdowns the country has faced during the pandemic have left many people feeling isolated and lonely. The virtual concert will bring world-class music and joy into people's homes whilst also allowing the audience to take in some of the stunning architecture of our headquarters here in London.”
The concert will be held at Freemasons’ Hall, designed as a pentagon to suit the irregular area in which it is located. Built-in the central courtyard of the splendid art deco building, the Grand Temple is rich with multi-coloured blue, gold, and white details.