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The sight of Brian Smith at the console on Friday evening 6th June brought back memories of his time as resident organist during part of the 60`s and 70`s, and it was good to see and hear him again.

His varied programme consisted of numerous short pieces which he introduced with humour and with an interesting insight into their history. His relaxed demeanour was reflected in his playing which was carefully controlled and well balanced throughout.

Two choices from the programme, John Ireland`s "Miniature Suite" of three pieces and Harold Darke`s "Organ Fantasy" were pleasing and melodious but maybe the "Plaint " of Percy Whitlock would appreciate with further hearing to accustom oneself to the unusual harmonic structure.

A very pleasant encore was the "Sicilienne" by Paradies written in the attractive 6/8 time, and brought to an end this nostalgic visit by one of the church`s well established figures from the not, too distant, past.

P.B.

Brian Smith

Brian Smith was born in Guildford in 1947 and is an amateur musician having made his career in banking. He began learning the organ whilst growing up in the Guildford Congregational Church, later to become the Guildford URC. After the church moved to Portsmouth Road he became Assistant organist and eventually the organist and choirmaster.

This church has fond memories for Brian as his family had been involved with it in both North Street and Portsmouth Road. His grandfather and father were both church secretaries and Brian was ordained as an Elder during his time here.

After his post as organist at Guildford URC he was appointed organist at Shalford Parish Church. In 1989 he moved to Brighton and was appointed organist at the Church of the Good Shepherd and then Sub Organist at St Peter’s Brighton (Brighton Parish Church). He became Director of Music at St Peter’s in 1997 responsible for maintaining the choir of men and boys and for overseeing the Choral Foundation. Whilst at St Peter’s he gained the Archbishops’ Certificate in Church Music. In 2005 he was appointed Assistant Organist at All Saints Hove where he stayed until 2009. Brian is now a freelance organist. A carol entitled “Rocking” which he wrote for the choir of St Peter’s was published in 2010. When not playing the organ he can often be found at the Amex Stadium following Brighton and Hove Albion!