Simon Leach and Ben Holland

Simon Leach

Simon Leach graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music in 1992.  An RNCM travel bursary enabled him to travel to Paris to receive some coaching on the interpretation of the compositions of Naji Hakim with the composer.  Subsequently, he was appointed organ scholar at the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King.  

He has performed with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (including Austria and Germany tour), The Hallé, Manchester Camerata, Northern Sinfonia. London Festival Orchestra and the Northern Chamber Orchestra and given solo organ recitals in many of Great Britain’s Cathedrals and Concert Halls including Westminster, Newcastle, Coventry, Manchester, Chester Cathedrals and the Reid Concert Hall, Edinburgh.  He first performed in the USA in 2010 at the Cathedral of St Patrick New York and has returned to America on subsequent occasions performing again at St Patrick’s and at the Church of St Thomas 5th Avenue.  

In February 2017, Simon gave his debut recital at Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris.  Currently House Organist at Marchmont House in the Scottish Borders Simon is also organist at the Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh.

Ben Holland

Benedict studied at the Royal Academy of Music with Manoug Parikian and was subsequently a prize winner at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he studied with Yossi Zivoni.  He is currently a member of virtuoso ensemble I Musicanti and of the Victoria String Quartet whose acclaimed début concert took place in 2017.  

As an experienced orchestral leader, he has guest-led many of the UK’s major orchestras, including the Hallé, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Northern Sinfonia, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Ensemble, Orchestra of Opera North and BBC Philharmonic. 

Ben has always put teaching at the heart of his work at the RNCM where he was awarded a professorship in 2016.                   

Programme

Sonata no 2 in A major BWV 1015 - JS Bach

1. Andante dolce
2. Allegro assai
3. Andante un poco
4. Presto

The Blackbird’s Notebook  - H Leach 

Prelude et Fugue sur le nom d'Alain - M Duruflé

Interval

Fantasie no.1 in B flat major for solo violin - GP Telemann 

1. Largo
2. Allegro
3. Grave - Allegro

Capriccio - N Hakim