Richard A. J. Bower F.I.S.O.B., G.R.S.M., A.R.C.M.

Richard Bower like Benjamin Britten before him, was educated at Gresham's School in Norfolk and at The Royal College of Music. But he did not become a composer of music but rather one of organs. After studying piano with Anthony Hopkins and Alan Rowlands, and organ with John Birch and Denys Darlow, Richard embarked on a path of being both organbuilder and organist.

Unable to get a standard apprenticeship with the large organbuilding firms of the day, because of his now being overqualified and too old at 21, he joined the Norfolk partnership of E. & W. Storr. Seeing the aptitude for the work and the enthusiasm of their newest partner gave Edward the impetus to retire. His example was followed by Wilfrid a couple of years later and the business was continued in Richards' capable hands.

By this time Richard had learned the basics of the trade and gained voicing skills (which is now his his personal forte) with Dennis Thurlow.

Since those early days, the business of RAJ Bower & Company has developed considerably, with new organs now incorporating Richard's own house style of wind control and wood key coverings being among the more obvious features. He incorporates his unique voicing style with bright mixtures and warm and exciting diapason tones. On the restoration front, he has developed a wealth of knowledge regarding Holdich instruments, particularly again in the area of voicing.

The business became IBO accredited with the formation of that organisation.

Richard has been described as 'a perfectionist in the musical and mechanical arts which combine in organbuilding' and as 'a fluent exciting and implacable professional for whom the objective is all'.

Despite his continuingly busy schedule, Richard still makes time for several recitals each year; he particularly enjoys giving recitals not only in his home county of Norfolk, but especially on his 'own' instruments whether built or restored or just on the tuning round of his own Company.