Category Archives: News and Views

The organ at Leeds Town Hall is undergoing an extensive and far-reaching restoration this year – The Organ Renewal Project. The familiar casework and most of the pipes will be retained and repaired but all of the organ’s mechanism, console and about a third of its 6500 pipes will be made new.

The work to renew the organ will also see the restoration of the decorative scheme on the instrument which includes an intricate, hand painted stencil design on each of the façade pipes. This work has been funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

A major fundraising campaign has now been set up to help cover the costs of this £1.8m project.  There are several fundraising opportunities available, including donations, organ pipe adoption and a patron scheme with a wide range of supporter benefits.

This is a residential weekend opportunity being held at Higham Hall in Cumbria. Please click here for further information and to book.

Click here for more information about the Lowestoft Chorale on 4 December 2022 at St Mary’s Church in Halesworth

This event is taking place on 26 October 2022, 2.15pm at The Square Chapel, Halifax. David tells the story of Halifax’s mother church in pictures. Now a Grade I building, the oldest surviving in the town, many are the alterations to the structure over the centuries, particularly the interior. Click here to book tickets and read more about the event.

We are sad to share the news that Douglas Bell, the well-known organist, has died. The funeral notice is available here and includes funeral details.

BBC Radio 3 Live Broadcast
Wednesday 2 November, 4pm
Choral Vespers sung by Leeds Cathedral Choir

Music for Remembrance Concert
Sunday 13 November, Leeds Cathedral, 4pm
A concert given by Leeds Cathedral Choir

BBC Radio 4 Live Broadcast
Sunday 4 December, 8:10am
A live broadcast of Sunday Worship, sung by Bradford Catholic Youth Choir and children from the Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust schools

Leeds Cathedral Carol Service
Sunday 11 December, Leeds Cathedral, 4pm
A traditional service of lessons and carols

Christmas Choral Music
Monday 12 December, Leeds Cathedral, 1:10pm
Christmas choral music as part of Leeds International Concert Season, including Britten’s Ceremony of Carols

Christmas Choral and Organ Music
Thursday 15 December, Huddersfield Town Hall, 1pm
A concert given by the Huddersfield Boys and Girls Choirs, with children from local schools

Carol Service at St Patrick’s Church, Huddersfield
Sunday 18 December, St Patrick’s Church, Huddersfield, 4pm
Sung by Huddersfield Girls, Boys, and Junior Choirs

Bradford Catholic Youth Choir Carol Service
Sunday 18 December, St Joseph’s Church, Bradford, 4pm

For more information about any of these events, please contact the Music Office at office@dioceseofleedsmusic.org.uk.

The Organizing Committee of the Mikael Tariverdiev International Organ Competition had announced the dates of the 13th competition.

The organizing committee has changed the age of possible participation in the competition. The Competition may be participated by organists born not earlier than January 1, 1983.

The first round:

Hamburg, Germany — April, 17–21

New Haven, Connecticut, USA — May, 9–12

Beijing, China — May, 22–25

Moscow, Russia — August, 28–31

The second and the third rounds:

Kaliningrad, Russia — September, 3–9

President of the Jury — Martin Jean, the USA 

The programme, rules and the list of Jury are on the website.