I had the pleasure of sitting down with Thomas Summerfield after our performance at St. Agnes' Anglican Church. Thomas shared his insights on the intimate nature of our recital, noting how his familiarity with the audience added a unique, salon-like feel to the event. He also reflected on his approach to the performance, aiming to build up in quality as the recital progressed. The challenges and rewards of playing the venue's piano, especially its nuanced sound in softer sections, were a significant part of his experience. Meanwhile, I discussed the eclectic mix of pieces I chose for the organ, expressing particular pride in the Bédard piece for its diverse registrations. I praised the three-rank organ for its surprising versatility and rich sound palette, which greatly contributed to the success of our recital.
We also talked about the acoustics of the church, inspired by Italian design, which enhanced our immersive sound experience. Both of us rated our overall satisfaction with the recital at 8 out of 10, wishing for a larger audience but pleased with how the recording turned out. The duets were a highlight for us, with both enjoying the collaboration immensely. The interview wrapped up with some light-hearted banter about our post-recital activities, including a shared meal at a local pub and plans for future performances. This insightful interview offered a behind-the-scenes look at our reflections post-recital, our interaction with the venue's unique characteristics, and our camaraderie beyond the stage.