The organ in ensemble : the dearth of Australian chamber music and concertos for organ. Part 1

Australian composers have written very few works for the organ in ensemble; that is, chamber music and organ concertos. This article lists all the known works by Australian composers for organ in ensemble. It then asks why more have not been composed. Three prominent Australian composers, who have written for organ in ensemble multiple times, were consulted for their views as to why so few Australian works of this nature exist. The main issues identified were the technical challenges in writing for organ as an instrument, the available Australian venues for performance, and interest by those programming concerts. These issues are expanded upon in the context of Australian organ performance and composition. Finally, this article calls to composers to consult with organists to write for the organ in ensemble, and seeks to raise awareness and thus hopefully interest in hearing more performance of organ chamber works and concertos.