Moederkerk Orrelweek: Zorada Temmingh

Offertoriums from the Hallelujah book! Zorada improvises on beloved Hallelujah melodies: three of her own choosing, and one requested by the audience. She is the organist at the Stellenbosch Moederkerk and producer of the Woordfees Organ Week since 2015.

The Offertory in worship services is the time for giving so that sharing can take place. The Offertory as a musical genre originated from the Offertory moment in the Catholic liturgy. Offertory music in classical worship services does not have to be boring. French composers in particular embraced the Offertory genre (Offertoire in French) and created exciting works full of contrast in atmosphere, tempo and virtuosity. Each organist’s programme contains mainly Offertoriums/Offertoires. The Moederkerk’s very special organ is capable of a wide variety of sound colours and is showcased in these performances. Close-ups of the organist’s hands and feet will be shown on the screens. This year’s organists are from Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Hermanus and Humansdorp.