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William H West BA ARCO LTCL ‘He was claimed before his time’. Most sadly our old friend William West, Organist of Christ Church Londonderry passed away on 31st July 2005, after a long illness. Billy had for many years been a member of USOC and a finer and nicer man you would go far to meet. For some years he was the Cathedral Organist in St Columb’s COI Cathedral in Derry. More recently, he had been responsible for the rebuild and extension of the organ in Christ Church, Derry. This is now a splendid 3 manual tracker organ in a lovely case, which has been his pride and joy. But, Billy West will be remembered best and by most in the musical world as a teacher and encourager of young musicians. His series of recitals in Christ Church, where nearly every one was graced by another of his young stars, encouraged players of every type of instrument as well as singers. He will be missed. Billy fought his illness successfully over very many years. Our admiration in his and their fight, along with our sympathies, go to his wife Margaret and to his family circle; and we extend our sympathies to all his very many musical friends.
T W Grant ISO BA ‘ Simply a good man’. |
Events
The next USOC Event is on Saturday 17th September 2005 in the Church of the Good Shepherd at Rosetta, on the Ormeau Road, Belfast. Head countryward along the Ormeau Road until just before the roundabout at Rosetta, where the Ravenhill road meets the Ormeau Road and the Church is on your right. There is ample parking. This delightful Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Ireland, with magnificent stained glass windows, a superb acoustic and a lovely new organ, by Wells Kennedy.
Voicelines with an emphasis on the male alto line is the topic for the occasion. Two distinguished USOC members will lead the event; Timothy Little is a Choral Scholar at Jesus College, Cambridge and David Martin a Lay Clerk in Westminster Abbey. You will be able to discuss the role of a Choral Scholar. Also taking part will be the Belfast Cathedral Youth Choir, under the direction of Philip Stopford. They will sing Gibbons ‘Record of John’ and a new work by Philip Stopford, The Creation – a first performance! Do come along and bring young singers and pupils.
The October USOC Event will be a one day organ crawl to Dublin on Saturday 22nd October. An all day affair departing 8.30am, this will cost around £48 per person. Fee includes coach fare, visits to four churches culminating in Evensong at Christ Church Cathedral, and dinner in Drogheda; arrive back in Belfast ca 10.30pm. Details in the next Bulletin.
Other Events - The Armagh Summer School, which USOC sponsor runs from 21st August until 26th August 2005 – just about to start. There are lots of events for everyone interested in singing, choral activities and of course the organ. On Monday 22nd August 2005, CARLO CURLEY will be involved with an ORGAN and CHORAL EXTRAVAGANZA with the Charles Wood Singers directed by David Hill. The venue is the COI Cathedral at 8.00pm. On Friday 26th August at 8.00pm, also in the COI Cathedral, there will be a CHORAL CONCERT featuring the Charles Wood Singers, directed by David Hill, the Charles Wood Boys’ Choir, directed by USOC member Nigel McClintock, with John Robinson and USOC member Ian Keatley (organ). The Concert is being recorded by BBC Radio Ulster. The details of these and other events are available from Armagh City District Council – or have a look for the brochure which should have reached you as a USOC member. But hurry!
Our congratulations -- to USOC member Baron George Minne, to whom the Pope awarded a Papal Knighthood in recent times. This is in recognition of his long and very distinguished service to Church Music:
and to – USOC member Dr Harry Grindle who has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Music by the Archbishop of Canterbury in July 2005, also for his distinguished contribution to Church Music.
We extend to both gentlemen our best wishes, and express our pride that we have such distinction in our midst.
Novello Anthem Book – the Treasurer has available 25 copies of the Novello Anthem Book for sale. Contact Philip Walden at 028 9147 3643 if you are interested.
New Members – This month we are delighted to welcome Mrs Elaine McCracken LTCL, Mrs Evelyn Chapman, and Mr Richard Campbell. Mrs McCracken lives at ______________, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, BT_______. Tel no is 028 ___________, and she is organist at Abbey Presbyterian Church. Mrs Chapman lives at _____________, Bangor, BT________. Tel 028________. Richard Campbell is organist of St George’s PC, Belfast. He lives at __________, Belfast, BT_______. Tel 028 _________.
We hope that they will all enjoy a long and fruitful relationship with USOC.
List of Members 2005 – Every year at the beginning of August, the Secretary produces a new list of members of USOC. THIS LIST IS PRODUCED PRIVATELY FOR DISTRIBUTION ONLY TO MEMBERS OF USOC. Your own copy will be sent under separate cover. Please may we request you to destroy the list dated 2004. It is hoped that the list is accurate when you receive it. It would be much appreciated, if you spot an error in your own details or those of another member, that you would let the Secretary know immediately. Any amendment will appear in the next published Bulletin. Thank you very much.
New Music – Sing Holy Spirit Sing by R S Bambrick. See enclosed sheet for the bargain of the Century, to date!
Vacant Console – St Coleman’s PC, Dunmurry, require an Organist & Choirmaster from September 2005. Two manual Smethhurst organ with a small but enthusiastic Choir. Contact Lynn Williams 028 9060 2733.
Finally, devotees of Maurice Durufle might wish to know that his music provides the focus of the third annual London Organ Forum, which is based on the Royal Academy of Music. This is scheduled for Saturday 29th October 2005, and is directed by Ann Elise Smoot and William Whitehead. Details from USOC Secretary.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR USOC
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