Building on the success of the Director’s Challenge in 2023, The Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) have developed an idea for a focussed, highly visible event to enable them to expand messaging around playing and learning the organ, and the vital role it plays in supporting worship and communities. This “organ marathon” also forms part of the RSCM’s contribution to the RCO’s Play the Organ Year.
25 Hours of Organ Playing: 21st–22nd November 2025
Hugh Morris, Director of the RSCM, will be playing the organ for a marathon 25 hours in 2025 to mark Play the Organ Year. This will be streamed on the RSCM YouTube channel live from the Viscount Organ showroom in Bicester, UK.
There will be a mix of organ music and hymns, with a series of special guests appearing each hour. Hymns will be fundamental to the marathon and will be chosen at random, but there would be specific periods where the audience can donate to request a particular favourite. Each hour, Hugh will also play one organ piece. Also, during ‘reasonable hours’ each invited special guest will be interviewed briefly and then perform one piece.
Hugh’s other priority with the marathon is raising funds to support RSCM’s work with young people and will appreciate your donation or sponsorship.
Join In – Calling other Organists!
Hugh is extending the challenge to everyone who plays the organ. At 2pm GMT on Saturday 22nd November 2025, he will be playing the Largo from Handel’s Xerxes – Ombra mai fu – and wants as many organists as possible to do so at the same time (for our international friends, please arrange your session for 2pm local time). Download the three arrangements below: easy, intermediate, full.
Why not maximise the opportunity and have your own ‘open console’ session to introduce people to the organ and let them try it for themselves? Do start planning now how to mark this unique occasion!
Coming soon! – additional free resources: session plans, poster templates, and performance registration details.
Download the Music Scores:
- Handel Ombra Easy Organ Version (Keyboard only)
- Handel Ombra Intermediate Version
- Handel Ombra Full Version
I have had a passion for church organs since the tender age of 12. I own and run Viscount Organs with a close attention to the detail that musicians appreciate; and a clear understanding of the benefits of digital technology and keeping to the traditional and emotional elements of organ playing.
Leave a Reply