VETERAN ORGANIST

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19993, 9 November 1927, Page 10

VETERAN ORGANIST

DEATH OF DR. ROGERS ORGANIST OF BANGOR CATHEDRAL. Dr Roland Rogers, the veteran organist of Bangor Cathedral, died on July 30, at his residence in Upper Bangor, Wales, in his eightieth year. He had been ill for some months. A Staffordshire man, Dr Rogers, at the age of twenty-one, held the post of organist of the parish church at Tettenhall, Staffs. Ten years later he became organist of Bangor Cathedral, a post which he held continuously till 1899, when he resigned. In 1902 Dr. Rogers returned to Bangor, and was unanimously reappointed cathedral organist, holding the position with great acceptance up to his last illness. Dr. Rogers composed several pieces of outstanding merit, among which, may be mentioned the beautiful part songs, “The river floweth strong,” “Three Fishers went sailing,” and “The Storm.” He also composed a number of anthems, some of which are occasionally sung at Bangor Cathedral. Many of Dr. Rogers’ pupils have since become prominent in various walks of life, and at one of his services, arrang- ■ ed to celebate the completion of certain structural alterations to Bangor Cathedral in 1880, Mrs Osgood and Joseph Maas were among the Principals. In connection with the Royal Welsh National Eisteddfodau, Dr. Rogers was for many years among the first chosen as an adjudicator for the chief choral competitions. He was also a great choir master, not only as regards church services, but in the formation and training of large choirs for eisteddfodic competitions. Among his achievements in that direction was the formation of the famous Penrhyn Choir, and the equally famous Penrhyn Arvonie Choir, each of which was composed of picked voices from the Bangor, Caernarvon and Bethesda districts. For several years they carried all before them in the great choral eisteddfod concerts. Personaly Dr. Rogers was of a charming disposition, and he was an excellent raconteur of musical stories drawn from an extensive experience. He was greatly esteemed at the cathedral. and will be missed by a large circle of friends. He leaves a widow.