Category Archives: News and Views

A unique opportunity for young players to explore the organs of St Paul’s Cathedral and receive masterclass tuition in repertoire, improvisation, choral direction and accompaniment. Led by Organ Education Lead Jeremiah Stephenson, this event is designed to give an immersive experience for budding players to learn more about the Cathedral Music tradition in a friendly and supportive environment. This event includes a dedicated workshop on choral conducting with Director of Music Andrew Carwood MBE, and the opportunity to observe the Vicars Choral in rehearsal, concluding with Evensong.

The cost is £80 but bursaries are available on request. The closing date for applications is the 17 October. Click here for further information and the sign up form.

Here are two upcoming RCO classes that might be of interest.

Polish Your CRCO and ARCO Pieces: Saturday 15 November, 11.00 – 14.00 with Julian Haggett at St Giles Cripplegate Church, London. This is both for the those entered for the January exam session and for those whose sights are set further ahead.

The French Classical Organ School: Saturday 28 February, 11.00 – 14.00 with Richard Brasier. The first in a series of ‘Application of Historic Playing Styles’ classes to be led by Richard Brasier over two years. This will take place at St Marylebone Church, London.

On Thursday, 18th September, at 1.00pm, Alan will be giving an organ recital at Halifax Minster as part of their Heritage Festival. The programme will include works by Bach, Guilmant, Salomé, Flor Peeters, and will conclude with the Sonata on the 94th Psalm by Reubke.  Further details can be found here.

A day of musical events are planned at Leeds Minster on Saturday 18th October, to celebrate the life of Dr. Simon Lindley, who many people will have known and worked with over the years. The details below are all on the St Peter’s Singers website, as they are organising the events on the day.

At 12:30pm, three of Simon’s former assistants/organ scholars will give a recital on the Minster organ. Admission is free with a retiring collection. Further details on this page.

At 2:00pm a Come and Sing choir will rehearse for a performance of excerpts from two works:

• Handel’s Messiah Part I and Hallelujah chorus 
• The Angel’s Farewell from the conclusion of Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius (with internationally renowned mezzo Margaret McDonald taking the solo role).

If you would like to take part in the Come and Sing choir, please see this page for more information and instructions on how to book a place.

Tickets for the day are £20. You are asked to book your place in advance, and you will need to book a place by 6pm on the 15th October. 

If you would like to come to the evening concert as a listener, tickets for this are £10 per person, booking in advance is recommended. The full concert programme and booking instructions are on this page.

These wonderful open days will take place on the following dates:
19 September 2025, 10.00am – 4.00pm
20 September 2025, 10.00am – 4.00pm
21 September 2025, 1.00pm – 4.00pm

The Heritage Open Days will include displays on the history of the building, activities for children and adults, and the opportunity to hear the organ being played.

If you would like to be involved and play the organ at some point over the weekend,  please contact Maryse Gooderson via email on mggooderson22@outlook.com.

Location – St Thomas and St John Church, New Church Street, Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, M26 2UD

Prof. David Baker will be playing on the 27 August. For further details on the programme, click here.

Join Prof. David Baker on the 19 August 2025 for this programme of music at his organ recital.

Prof. David Baker will be performing a recital at Dewsbury Minster on 2 August 2025, starting at 1.00pm. Click here to view the programme.

Bradford Organists’ Association has been recycling music from former organists for some time. The catalogue has recently been updated following a large donation. Please click here if you would like to see what is available.