Hoerskool Randburg learner has a memorable experience at the Organ Festival
Ruan Visser said he loves the organs versatility, as in, one piece could be played with powerful, dramatic, and heavy chords, but could also be played in another way, with soft harmonies, with tender melodies.
Ruan Visser, a learner at Hoerskool Randburg, participated in a festival that celebrated organ music and showcased the diverse range of sounds it can generate.
The Organ Festival, held on October 11, was a celebration of the organ set up at the FGK Church. It was a gift from Lindenpark when they joined with FGK. There was a lot of organ music, largely performed by Isabelle van Rensburg, but there were also other guests, including trumpeter Fourie Greyling, choir: Laudem Dei, and vocalist Laura de Waal.
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Ruan explained that it was an amazing experience being part of the festival. “I listened to the other organists when they played. Ideas of how to do things differently when I play filled my head, and I heard new sounds that I never even thought an organ could create.”
He added that he was humbled and somewhat nervous as this was his first public appearance. He believes he played well, although it was not a faultless performance.
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“I definitely enjoyed performing my piece. I spent almost a year preparing it and to be finally able to play it is absolutely magical. Yes, it was very nerve-wracking, but when I started to play, the nerves faded away.”
Ruan started playing the organ when he was 15 years old, under Trudi van Wyk, who is also his piano teacher. However, he fell in love with the instrument at an even younger age as his father was an organist.
“Many times, my father would play organ on Sundays, and I would watch, inspired. Since I started playing, I have improved a lot; for a start, I don’t feel like falling off the bench anymore. My repertoire has increased in complexity and I’m more confident when I slide in behind the manuals.”
He stated that he looks up to his teacher at the music school, as she has been with him on his musical journey from day one and constantly encourages him to do better.
“There is a saying: ‘half the passion for music is created by the teacher’, and I can only echo that. I am looking towards the future. I want to improve continuously until I can master the instrument as Isabelle van Rensburg does, as well as spark interest in the instrument, like Anna Lapwood in the UK, with her arrangements of popular film scores.”
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