Gordon Atkinson
Gordon Atkinson, although born in Melbourne and retiring there in 2005, spent much of his life in England and North America. After study in Melbourne with A.E.H. Nickson he attended the Royal College of Music in London from 1950 to 1953.
Gordon Atkinson 1928 –
Although born in Melbourne, Victoria and retiring there in 2005, Gordon Atkinson spent much of his life in England and North America. Following study in Melbourne with A.E.H. Nickson, he attended the Royal College of Music in London from 1950 to 1953, where Harold Darke, Patrick Hadley and William Lloyd Webber were among his teachers.
He moved to Canada in 1958. His work there included teaching at the University of Western Ontario and Brock University. He was elected National President of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (1976–78), and served as Director of Music at the Cathedral of St Catherine, St Catharines, Ontario (1981–87). Dr Atkinson was consultant for the 3/35 Létourneau instrument installed in the Cathedral in 1990.
After a Master’s degree at the University of Michigan, where his organ teacher was Marilyn Mason, he held appointments in Florida and Virginia until his permanent return to Melbourne. To complete his doctorate he wrote Psalms and Doxologies for soprano solo, SATB choir and organ, first performed at Ascension and St Agnes Episcopal Church in Washington, DC.
Dr Atkinson has given numerous recitals in Australia, Denmark, England and North America. He has composed organ works and vocal music ranging from anthems for various combinations of voices and instruments to a set of songs for soprano and oboe. In 2008 he was elected President of the Society of Organists, Melbourne, Victoria.
Gordon Atkinson is featured on the following titles
North of the Yarra: Organs of Melbourne
Gordon Atkinson plays seven of Melbourne's finest organs, from the oldest surviving city instrument to the giant Town Hall organ, including St Patrick's Cathedral, The Scots' Church, St Paul's Cathedral and St Mary Star of the Sea, West Melbourne.
Composer
Diapason
This CD marks 150 years of the Bishop Kelly Pipe Organ at St Patrick’s, Mentone. Built by Frederick Nicholson for Prahran’s Independent Church, it is among Australia’s most significant historic instruments. Christopher Trikilis and Dr Gordon Atkinson explore its colours for two and four hands, in music by Vierne, Walther, Hesse, Bonelli and others.
Composer