We were delighted to welcome specially invited guests to the first Stortfordian Foundation event of the new academic year. The success of the Foundation is dependent on keeping in touch with one another and fostering social and professional relationships, whilst helping the College to thrive financially by inviting our community to help underpin our priority areas.

The Head extended an invitation to donors who had significantly supported the restoration of the Memorial Hall Pipe Organ. During the reception, our guests were invited to view the casing and console, before Paul West, Head of Music and Assistant Head, Co-Curricular, shared an overview of the work undertaken by renowned organ specialists Henry Groves & Sons. 

Following the reception, we welcomed further guests from across our community to join us for a wonderful recital featuring renowned organists Eleni Keventsidou and James Gough. During this special evening, we were treated to exceptional performances with music by Bach, Mendelssohn, Reger and McViker.

Eleni studied at the Athens National Conservatory, and the Royal Academy of Music; she has performed as a soloist and ensemble player across the world, including the recital series dedicated to the 70 years of the organ at Royal Festival Hall in June 2024.

James is a highly sought-after recitalist and the Assistant Organist at Southwark Cathedral; he studied Music at Bristol, before continuing his Master's degree in Organ Performance at the Royal Academy of Music.

Most notably, both Eleni and James were Organists and Musicians in Residence at Bishop's Stortford College between 2008 and 2014. 

We are extremely grateful to all those who have generously supported the pipe organ restoration, enabling the College to accelerate a much-needed project, creating a clearer and heartier sound for generations to come.

The photographs were kindly taken by talented Sixth Form student Zachary B; to view the photo gallery, please log into the Stortfordian Foundation portal.