Author Archives: Laura Wilson

Halifax & District Organists’ Association – Prof. Ian Tracey

This final recital in the centenary programme is one not to be missed! There is an entry fee of £10; please click here to purchase your tickets or visit Halifax Minster.

Comments Off on Halifax & District Organists’ Association – Prof. Ian Tracey

Filed under News and Views

Halifax Choral Society Concert – 13 October, 6.30pm, Victoria Theatre

We would be delighted if you would join us on 13 October at the Victoria Theatre for this wonderful concert. This concert will be the final time John Pryce Jones will be the Musical Director and Conductor, before he retires after approximately 30 years with the choir.
Tickets are available from the Theatre box office, or from the Society’s web site.

Comments Off on Halifax Choral Society Concert – 13 October, 6.30pm, Victoria Theatre

Filed under News and Views

An evening with Nigel Ogden, 20 September 2019

Comments Off on An evening with Nigel Ogden, 20 September 2019

Filed under News and Views

Sigfrid’s Unbeaten Tracks

Graham Barber has been making organ recordings for over 40 years. The current project that he is working on is a CD of spectacular organ music by Sigfrid Karg-Elert. The main work is his Harmonium Sonata Op.46, arranged for organ, an emotional roller-coaster lasting over 40 minutes. The stunning organ is at St. Paul’s Church, Ulm, Germany. As a bonus, there are six of Karg-Elert’s miniatures, written in the style of popular composers. To make this a reality, financial support is being required – for a minimum pledge of £10 plus shipping you will receive a copy. Please click here to view a short video and further information.

Comments Off on Sigfrid’s Unbeaten Tracks

Filed under News and Views

200th birthday celebrations – Holy Trinity, Huddersfield

As part of the celebrations on September 22nd neighbouring churches are invited to celebrate with Holy Trinity Church in worship. At 3pm a ‘Come and Sing Evensong’ workshop will take place, followed by a service. Evensong has not been sung at Holy Trinity for over 30 years but was once a key element of the church’s musical worship and Holy Trinity was once renowned for its choral singing. Holy Trinity wish to recognise their musical heritage and recreate something of it to mark this special birthday.  You are invited to join with them to explore the origins of this service and the changing patterns of church worship. We’ll discover (or rediscover!) how to sing Anglican chant and the beautiful responses of the Book of Common Prayer before holding a service of Evensong at 4.30pm. No previous musical experience is required. Alternatively, you may wish to just come and enjoy the rich music and liturgical language in the service. Refreshments will be provided afterwards.

This event is part of a range of activities happening over the weekend as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days. More details are on https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/portal/events/holy-trinity-church48 Booking for the workshop is preferred, please visit: http://www.holytrinityhuddersfield.com/heritage-open-weekend-2019/

Comments Off on 200th birthday celebrations – Holy Trinity, Huddersfield

Filed under News and Views

Leeds International Organ Festival – Diocese of Leeds’ Organists’ Training Programme

For the first time, students from the Diocese of Leeds’ Organists’ Training Programme will perform as part of the Leeds International Organ Festival, and we would be delighted if you could join us to support them in this event sponsored by the University of Huddersfield. Leeds International Organ Festival is the first of its kind in the North of England. It focusses on legacy and education, aiming to grow as a cultural institution across the region, break down the perceived cultural barriers surrounding the organ, and make Mozart’s ‘King of Instruments’ accessible to all.

The Organists’ Training Programme was launched in May 2016 to provide high-quality organ and piano tuition across the Diocese of Leeds to choristers, school pupils and adult learners. With a national decline in students learning the organ, the programme aims to reintroduce this instrument steeped in tradition to students of all backgrounds, teaching them valuable musical skills and opening doors to opportunities in further education, choral direction and accompaniment.

This concert will celebrate three fantastic years of the Organists’ Training Programme and will be followed by tea and cake in Wheeler Hall.

Comments Off on Leeds International Organ Festival – Diocese of Leeds’ Organists’ Training Programme

Filed under News and Views

Hans Hielscher Organ Concert, 7 July 2019

The well-known German organist, Hans Uwe Hielscher will play in an organ concert in Ashton-under-Lyne on 7 July 2019 at 3.00pm. Admission is free and all are welcome. Click here to see further information.

Comments Off on Hans Hielscher Organ Concert, 7 July 2019

Filed under News and Views

Alessandro Bianchi Organ Recital, 6 July 2019

On Saturday 6 July 2019 at 7.30pm, Alessandro Bianchi will be performing an organ recital at Christ Church, Linthwaite. Click here to view the programme for the event and further information.

Comments Off on Alessandro Bianchi Organ Recital, 6 July 2019

Filed under News and Views

The Coffee House Organ Recitals 2019

Wednesdays at 6.30pm, The Coffee House, Everingham, YO42 4JD. Free admission, Each recital lasts 45 minutes.

24 July – Nigel Holdsworth (St Columba’s, Priory Street, York) Bach every way up…& some patriotic charm: Butterworth, Ireland & Elgar

7 August – John Scott Whiteley Some Contemporary Pieces: James Macmillan, Geoffrey Webber, Andrew Synnott, Andrew Carter, Thierry Escaich, Naji Hakim

21 August – William Whitehead (London) Byrd, Whitlock (Scherzetto) & an Orgelbüchlein Bouquet

4 September – John Scott Whiteley Bach’s Great Preludes & fugues: C Major, B Minor, G Minor

Comments Off on The Coffee House Organ Recitals 2019

Filed under News and Views

The Royal College of Organists – upcoming events

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 >>

Comments Off on The Royal College of Organists – upcoming events

Filed under News and Views