Patrick Hopper :: CLASSICAL ORGAN

Patrick began his organ studies at the age of 13, later continuing at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. At this time he played regularly after the High Mass each month on the large 3-manual Franssen organ at the Elandstraatkerk in Den Haag (now officially declared a protected monument). Since then he has held posts at many churches of various denominations and is currently Organist and Choirmaster at the H. Antonius Abt in Scheveningen. At the Anglican church of St. John & St. Philip, Patrick founded a children's choir, which he directed for 4 years. The choir continues to thrive and play an important role in the education of young singers from the ages of 4 to 12 years old.

As a recitalist, he plays frequently throughout the Netherlands and abroad, touring in England, France, Spain, Switzerland, Russia and the U.S.A. Patrick is also much in demand as an accompanist. His repertoire ranges from the earliest known organ codices to contemporary organ music, with an emphasis on Dutch organ music, particularly the works of Hendrik Andriessen (the father of Louis Andriessen).

Patrick is also active as a composer, chiefly of church music. His setting of the Mass won First Prize at the Millenium Music Competition at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, Northern Ireland in 2000 and was broadcast on Radio Telefis Eirann. Patrick receives a steady stream of commissions from choirs in the Benelux region and beyond.

Patrick Hopper is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists.

Listen

These audio clips are from a recent recital on the newly-restored Künckels organ at the church of St. Anna and Mary in Haarlem (Netherlands). The recordings were made by Jos van der Linden.

Sweelinck ~ Variations on “More Palantino”