Ian Bevell – Biography
Ian Bevell was born in the UK in 1970, emigrating to Canada in 2009. An accomplished musician and choral composer, he is currently the Director of Music at Dominion-Chalmers United Church. He holds an Honours Degree and Licentiate Diploma from the Royal Academy of Music, London, specializing in Organ Performance and Church Music.
The CDCC Artist Profile Series – Q&A
Q: What initially drew you to the organ?
A: I spent my formative education at a choir school in the North of England. By the time I was 13, I was rapidly running out of Piano Grades (exams), so I guess I gravitated to the organ as a natural progression.
Q. What do you most like about being the music director and organist for the Dominion-Chalmers United Church?
A. The organ obviously! However, I do get to work with some wonderfully talented singers (all from Carleton) who are my section leads. Some of them have been with me for more than a few years.
Q. How is it playing the newly refurbished Casavant Pipe Organ?
A. The old console was practically prehistoric and unmovable. The new one is much more up to date, a lot easier to use, and portable. Hopefully, some attention will be given to revoicing and/or replacing some of the out-dated pipe work in the case in the years to come.
Q. How has your work been impacted during COVID-19?
A. The church was not functioning in the building between March and September, but we did record on-line services for the congregation each week. I also still came in to the building to practise a couple of mornings a week, but the church’s musical groups have been put on hiatus. Sunday morning worship returned in September with a soloist, organ and piano music; but group singing will be restricted until we receive further instruction from both the United Church of Canada and the Government.
Q. What advise do you suggest for new or emerging organists?
A. Oh just go for it – the organ is not as scary as it looks! If you can play a drum kit, then there is no reason why a pianist cannot migrate to the organ. The only real difference to a beginner, is that the “bass line” is in your feet!
Q. What are the special projects that you have undertaken during the quarantine time?
A. Well, the “down time” has given me the chance to explore the music of some living” composers, particularly from Scandinavia. Then there are a few composition projects I have been working on, as well as reconstructing and editing of several choral works. So, it has not all been a time of just sitting on the sofa!
[On October 11, Ian presented the Canadian premiere of new work by Swedish composer Fredrik Sixten titled “Vocalise.” Ian played organ with Carleton Music student and soprano, Sherrie Spelchuk.]
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