Gordon Atkinson
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.
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, and his various activities 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 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. Following completion of 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. It was first performed at Ascension and St Agnes Episcopal Church in Washington, DC. Dr Atkinson has performed numerous recitals in Australia, Denmark, England and North America. He has composed a number of organ works as well as vocal works 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, including the giant organ in the Melbourne Town Hall, the organs of St. Patrick's Cathedral, The Scots' Church, St. Paul's Cathedral and St. Mary's Star of the Sea church, West Melbourne.
Performer: Organ
Composer
Compositions by Gordon Atkinson also appear on
Diapason
This CD celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Bishop Kelly Pipe Organ in St. Patrick's Mentone One of Australia’s most significant historic instruments, it was built by Frederick Nicholson for the Independent Church in Prahran. Organ duo Christopher Trikilis and Dr Gordon Atkinson team up to explore the rich sounds of the Nicholson organ - for two and four hands! Music by Vierne, Walther, Hesse, Bonelli and others.
