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 and an examiner in North-West Europe for the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM).



Listen


Here are some short mp3 files of Patrick playing on the 1987 Goetze & Gwynn organ at St. John & St. Philip's, The Hague:

J.S. Bach ~ Prelude & Fugue in G  BWV 541

J.S. Bach ~ Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele  BWV 654



Repertoire 2006/2007

J.S. BACH
Prelude & Fugue in E minor BWV 548
Trio Sonata no. 5 in C BWV 529
Chorale Preludes

Dietrich BUXTEHUDE
Magnificat primi toni
Prelude & Fugue in F# minor BuxWV 146

HOMILIUS
Chorale Preludes

J. RHEINBERGER
Sonatas 4 & 5

C. FRANCK
Grand pièce symphonique

REGER
7 Pieces Op. 145

Hendrik ANDRIESSEN
Toccata
4 Studi per Organo

VIERNE Pièces de Fantaisie:
Intermezzo
Gargouilles et Chimères
Toccata

Julius REUBKE
Sonata on the 94th Psalm

WIDOR
Symphonie II

J. LANGLAIS
Suite Brève

MESSIAEN
Diptyque

Ad WAMMES
Miroir

Chichester Cathedral
St. John & St. Philip, The Hague
Meaux Cathedral
Laurenskerk, Rotterdam
Christ Church, Swindon