Thanks Sean,
I have found that quiet practice on a foriegn organ can be useful for getting to know the instrument. Obviously Harriosns are normally the easiest organs to get used too. This can be said for the organ of Auckland Cathedral. Well the console at least! We have issues with the action and delays etc, which can throw some visiting organists.
But there is nothing worse than sitting down at a console and never feeling comfortable. You get a sense that everything is out of place by a few centimetres.
Anyway, I think if you show up to practice and still have notes to learn you are pretty much doomed from the start.
Many thanks for your good wishes regarding my overseas studies. Juilliard will be a great experience I hope.
Eugene Lavery
Assistant Organist
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Auckland
New Zealand