BOUQUET FOR BACH
Since his death in July 1750 no composer has enjoyed greater or more universal adulation than Johann Sebastian Bach. Our own celebration of this 250th anniversary will take place at 3 pm on Saturday 14th October in First Presbyterian Church, Rosemary Street, Belfast, when some of his organ and keyboard music will be played by Philip Elliott, Michael McCracken and William McCay, some of his choral music will be sung by the Chamber Choir of Victoria College (directed by Lorraine Stanley), and incidents from his life will be related in words. Please use the mini-poster enclosed to provide publicity.
CHEERS FOR CHARLES
I am sure you would wish to join me in congratulating Charles Harrison (Director of Music at St George's Church, Belfast) who at this year's International Organ Competition at Odense in Denmark shared the top prize with another player.
Seventy performers from USA and all over Europe entered the competition so this is a remarkable achievement. (St Alban's in 2001, Charles?)
At 8 pm on Saturday 7th October Mr Harrison will present a solo recital at St George's Church at which you would be welcome.
MEMORANDA FOR MEMBERS
Until further notice correspondence to Andrew Orr and to Carole Watt should be addressed as follows:
ANDREW ORR - c/o ....... England, ....;
CAROLE WATT - ...... Republic of Ireland.
JONATHAN HARDY is spending a 'gap year' as organ scholar at Winchester College which we trust will prove to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
JOHN CROTHERS informs me that his e-mail address as shown in the new Membership List requires another dot! It should read: John.Crothers@ukgateway.net (quite.dotty.isn.t.it!).
MAURICE DRURY informs me that his telephone number has been changed and is now: ...... He is available to deputise on Sundays.
EVELYN TODD - as a new member we welcome Mrs Evelyn Todd, BA, MA, ALCM, organist of Derryvolgie Presbyterian Church. Her address is .............
DOROTHEA FOR YOU?
At her eponymous church, Gilnahirk, Belfast, there is a small single manual Wells-Kennedy organ and a "traditional Anglican parish church choir" but require someone to cope with both. Enquiries to Revd Timothy Kinahan, tel: 028 9079 1748.
An organist/choirmaster (any gender) is also sought at Holy Trinity Parish Church, Ballysillan, where there is a two-manual Binns organ and "a small but very enthusiastic choir". Details from Revd Stewart Heaney, tel: 029 9071 3958.
ORGAN FOR SALE
Bangor Grammar School (028 9147 3734 ext 232) is selling for around £2000 a two manual Allen with separate speakers and comprehensive specification. Further information from either Jonathan Rea or Ian Hunter.
FRENCH AND TONIC
The next Tonic Theatre Organ concert at Gransha High School in Bangor, at 8 pm on Wednesday 25th October, will feature PETER JEBSON at the Compton console. Peter is a frequent contributor to BBC's 'The Organist Entertains' and as organist of Lytham Parish Church in Lancashire has made many radio and television broadcasts in programmes such as 'Songs of Praise'. Included in the programme will be songs and poems by Percy French performed by members of the Percy French Society. Tickets available at the concert or can be reserved by contacting the school (tel: 028 9146 3838).
SONGS BY THE SEASIDE
Enclosed are details of a Choral Festival in Bangor (October 13th-15th) which will conclude with a public concert on Sunday 15th October in Bangor Abbey at 3 pm. The programme will include Bernstein's 'Chichester Psalms' and Handel's Coronation Anthems.
NOTE FOR NOVEMBER
As you may have observed, the programme for this year's Queen's Festival includes a BELFAST COMMUNITY ORGAN DAY on Saturday 4th November (see pp 34-35 of the Festival brochure). This is being promoted by our society in co-operation with the Queen's Festival, the Arts Council and the Royal College of Organists. Further details are in a separate mailing.
2001 PLANS
Plans for next year's USOC programme are already being considered and any suggestion you care to make would be welcome. Please let me have them not later and Friday 13th October.
Committee members should note that the next meeting (at which preparations for 2001 will be the main item on the agenda) will be held at 7 30 pm on Monday 16th October at 74 Osborne Park, Belfast.
TO CONCLUDE, A BRIEF RESUMÉ OF THE EVENTS MENTIONED ABOVE:
| SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER 8 PM | Charles Harrison - Organ Concert - St George's, Belfast; |
| SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER 3 PM | Bach Celebration - Rosemary Street Church, Belfast; |
| FRIDAY 13 - SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER | Choral Festival - Bangor - Concert on 15th; |
| WEDNESDAY 25 OCTOBER 8 PM | Tonic Organ Concert - Peter Jebson & Co - Bangor; |
| SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER | Belfast Community Organ Day - Ulster Hall Concert, 8 pm. |
And that's probably enough for the present!
RODNEY BAMBRICK
Honorary Secretary
RSB/IAFH
26/09/00
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