The following is a summary of forthcoming RCO events. ‘Y’ indicates events geared to young organists, while ‘SC’ denotes a small class for maximum 6 people (plus observers as appropriate). Please note that the 24-hour clock is used throughout.
Saturday 22 Jun 2019 (10:00–17:00)
Preparing for CRCO, ARCO and FRCO
London SE21: St Barnabas, Dulwich
Study day for those preparing for or considering CRCO, ARCO or FRCO; booking now open. Places available. Read more >>
23–28 July 2019
The Organ Student Experience (TOSE) (Y)
Cambridge: Trinity College and others
The essential course for teenage organists of Grade 7 standard and above, offering expert tuition in repertoire, keyboard skills, choral conducting and accompaniment. Artistic Director, Daniel Moult. Read more >>
Saturday 27 July 2019 (14:00–17:00)
Building a Repertoire: Music from the Classical French era (SC)
Newcastle: King’s Hall, Newcastle University
Newcastle University’s new Aubertin organ is the perfect instrument on which to unlock the magic of the French Classical era. Music by composers such as F. Couperin, Marchand, de Grigny and Clerambault will be the starting point for the class; six players (any standard) are invited to bring along movements (or sections of works) for coaching with Andrew Cantrill-Fenwick, an experienced exponent of the style. Places available. Read more >>
29 July–3 August 2019
RCO Summer Course
City of London: St Giles, Cripplegate and others
The big course with the personal touch for all ages and stages; seven levels of study; and up to 20 different City organs. Directed by Simon Williams. Places available. Read more >>
6–8 September 2019
OrganFest 2019
Cardiff & Llandaff: various venues
A collaboration between the College, the IAO and BIOS, this is a splendid weekend of concerts, presentations and lectures covering all aspects of the organ. It takes place across the city in venues as diverse as St David’s Hall, Eglwys Dewi Sant, St John the Baptist church, the National Museum of Wales and in Llandaff Cathedral. Online and telephone booking now open. Read more >>
Saturday 14 September 2019 (13:30–16:30)
Building a Repertoire: Music for Advent and Christmas (SC)
Northumberland: Hexham Abbey
Looking to test out a new piece on one of the country’s most inspiring instruments, or to explore fresh musical ideas for Advent and Christmas? This class, led by Andrew Cantrill-Fenwick, will provide practical assistance and encouragement for players of all standards and will include short presentations of relevant repertoire. Read more >>
Saturday 12 October 2019 (18:30–21:30)
Performance class (SC)
Lincoln Cathedral
A chance to perform on one of only two ‘Father’ Willis organs in English cathedrals to retain its original tonal scheme. Bring a suitable piece to work on under the guidance of Jeffrey Makinson, Director of Music at Lincoln and an RCO accredited teacher. Booking opens soon.
Saturday 19 October 2019 (10:30–16:30)
Hymns and voluntaries (SC)
Windsor: Holy Trinity Church
A day of practical advice with RCO Regional Consultant John Halsey, focused on improving your hymn and voluntary playing. Suitable for all ages and levels of experience up to CRCO diploma, and especially good for anyone new to playing in church. Read more >>
Saturday 19 October 2019 (11:30–14:30)
Teach the organ! (1 of 6) (SC)
London EC2: St Giles, Cripplegate
All places taken for this ground-breaking, comprehensive series of six classes with Anne Marsden Thomas MBE, covering key aspects of teaching the organ. (One place currently remains for the sixth class. Please email events@rco.org.ukto be added to the waiting list.)
Saturday 26 October (11:30–14:30)
Teach the organ! (2 of 6) (SC)
London EC2: St Giles, Cripplegate
All places taken for this ground-breaking, comprehensive series of six classes with Anne Marsden Thomas MBE, covering key aspects of teaching the organ. (One place currently remains for the sixth class. Please email events@rco.org.ukto be added to the waiting list.)
Thursday 31 October (18:00–21:00)
Adlington’s time-capsule (SC)
nr Macclesfield, Cheshire: Adlington Hall
A chance to play Adlington’s historic 17th-century organ, known to, and almost certainly played by, Handel. A class on repertoire and style of the period with Daniel Moult. Booking opens soon; make a note of the date or email Tom Bell to register your interest.
Saturday 16 November (time tbc)
Walond and his contemporaries (SC)
Oxford: Lincoln College
Gabriele Damiani invites you to explore the music of William Walond, an English organist and composer born in Oxford in 1719, and other English 18th-century composers.. Booking opens shortly.
Wednesday 20 November 2019
La révolte des orgues
London SW1: Westminster Cathedral
Promoted by Westminster Cathedral in partnership with the College, here is rare chance to hear an astonishing organ work by Jean Guillou, composed for nine organs, percussion and conductor. Booking not yet open, but reserve the date.
Saturday 23 November 2019 (14:00–17:00)
Improvisation for Beginners
Durham: College of St Hild & St Bede
The first of three classes in which Andrew Cantrill-Fenwick sets out his inspiring approach to improvisation, working in a structured way with demonstrations and console time for each player. This first session, for organists with limited or no experience, or for those wishing to refresh their improvisatory skills, is designed for a group of up to eight players. It will cover harmony, melody, rhythm, and organ management in a format designed to generate confidence and creativity. Further sessions in 2020. Read more >>
Saturday 30 November (time tbc)
Console management (SC)
London W1: All Saints, Margaret Street
Too much choice and no spare hand? Using the church’s 4-manual Harrison & Harrison organ with its 66 speaking stops, Jeremiah Stephenson coaches you in managing seamless registration changes using pistons and the swell box. Especially useful for those involved in choral accompaniment. Booking opens soon.
Saturday 7 December 2019 (14:00–17:00)
Bach’s feet (SC)
Manchester: Cathedral
Learn from Christopher Stokes about the pedalling techniques ofBach’s day and how this informs our playing of repertoire of the period. Booking opens soon; make a note of the date or email Tom Bell to register your interest.
Saturday 15 February 2020 (11:30–14:30)
Teach the organ! (3 of 6) (SC)
London EC2: St Giles, Cripplegate
All places taken for this ground-breaking, comprehensive series of six classes with Anne Marsden Thomas MBE, covering key aspects of teaching the organ. (One place currently remains for the sixth class. Please email events@rco.org.ukto be added to the waiting list.)
Saturday 4 May 2020 (10:30–13:30)
Teach the organ! (4 of 6) (SC)
London EC2: St Giles, Cripplegate
All places taken for this ground-breaking, comprehensive series of six classes with Anne Marsden Thomas MBE, covering key aspects of teaching the organ. (One place currently remains for the sixth class.)
Saturday 4 May 2020 (14:30–17:30)
Teach the organ! (5 of 6) (SC)
London EC2: St Giles, Cripplegate
All places taken for this ground-breaking, comprehensive series of six classes with Anne Marsden Thomas MBE, covering key aspects of teaching the organ. (One place currently remains for the sixth class. Please email events@rco.org.ukto be added to the waiting list.)
Saturday 30 May 2020 (11:30–14:30)
Teach the organ! (6 of 6) (SC)
London EC2: St Giles, Cripplegate
See also Saturday 19 October. Class 6 covers registration, and the particular skills required of the church organist. Only one place available for this class. Read more >>