England's Birmingham is famous for its silversmiths -- but the city's official organist Thomas Trotter is pure gold.

The organ world's version of an Olympic champion, Mr. Trotter displayed near impossible dexterity -- what the equivalent for feet is, I'm not sure, but more of that later.

His programme on the second of two performances for the Bermuda Festival attracted a more than healthy audience at St. Paul's Church in Paget -- a building which seems to have been designed around its superb organ, rather than the other way around.

Mr. Trotter made the most of the instrument, rebuilt by St. Paul's organist Adrian Ridgeway to provide 65 ranks of pipes.

But the tour de force of the performance was `Variations on a themes of Paganini for Pedals', created by his illustrious predecessor in Birmingham, Sir George Thalben-Ball -- a hands-free piece that showed not only Mr.

Trotter's command of his instrument, but the incredible versatility of the organ.

The music swept and soared through St. Paul's with a tremendous thrumming sound which got right down to the fillings in the teeth.

The world of music may have gained a star -- but, based on Mr. Trotter's skill with fingers and feet, the Royal Air Force lost one hell of a helicopter pilot.

In contrast, Rossini's overture to William Tell, arranged by another organ legend, E.H. Lemare, showed in parts a light and delicate touch, trilling like a bird.

But the grand finale -- one of the most recognisable pieces of classical music in the world, probably because it was used as the theme tune to the TV cowboy classic The Lone Ranger -- once again boomed out in a fitting end to a splendid evening of music.

Other highlights included `Holsworthy Church Bells', which positively pealed out with all the joy generated by the real thing.

A complete change of tone for the well-deserved encore showcased a light and airy 1930's composition called `On a Spring Note' -- sad in that it was probably the last gasp of the organ as a truly popular instrument.

Combined with declining congregations in churches, the organ is probably less heard than it should be.

But -- in Mr. Trotter's hands, as well as under his feet -- he showed why great organ music is still worth listening to.

His career to date, however, would lead one to expect no less -- a scholar at the Royal College of Music, King's College, Cambridge, followed by a stint in Paris, then victory in the world-class St. Alban's International Organ Competition, is a impressive resume by any standard.

He was appointed Birmingham city organist at what seems the impossibly young age of 25 in 1983, and has since appeared in more than 400 appearances at the City Hall.

Even in an age of synthesisers -- which can create virtually any sound electronically -- the organ is still an astounding vehicle for music. And Mr.

Trotter used it to the full.

RAYMOND HAINEY Organ master: Thomas Trotter thrilled last night's audience THEATRE THR REVIEW REV