Ulster Society of Organists and Choirmasters

U.S.O.C. Newsletter - October 1997

AUTUMN IN ARMAGH

Aubrey McClintock, once choral scholar at Norwich Cathedral and now Community Relations Officer in Armagh, will probably be known to you as Director of the Charles Wood Summer School. He has also had considerable experience in the training of girls' voices and has very kindly agreed to describe and demonstrate his approach to this aspect of choralism at our next meeting. It will be held at 3 pm in the Methodist Church, Armagh, on Saturday 18th October. Cars can be parked outside the Anglican Cathedral or (inexpensively) in the Trian Centre Car Park.

CATHEDRAL CONCLAVE

At 7 30 pm on Tuesday 14th October in Belfast Cathedral Canon Michael Perham (Sub-Dean and Precentor at Norwich Cathedral) will conduct a workshop on 'Leading Worship' for clergy, organists and choirmasters at which USOC members would be welcome. Admission charge £3.

QUEEN'S QOURSES

If you are fortunate enough to be retired you might be interested in two courses to be run by the University's Institute of Continuing Education. Each consists of five weekly sessions held on Wednesdays, 2-3 pm:

(1) 'The Organ Music of J S Bach' - commences 24th September Lecturer: Adrian Scahill;

(2) 'Bach's 'Christmas Oratorio' and Handel's "Messiah" - commences 29th October Lecturer: William (USOC) Adair

Brochure with details and enrolment forms from Institute of Continuing Education, QUB, 01232 273323.

CONGRATULATIONS CONTINUED

Last month I was pleased to congratulate three of our student members who graduated this summer. I have since been informed (by the omniscient Leslie McCarrison) that another young member has similarly distinguished himself: Edward Craig has gained a BMus from Queen's University and been invited to return to read for an MA. Edward is the organist and choirmaster of First Saintfield Presbyterian Church and conducts the Grosvenor Consort which will be providing the late night music at the close of this November's Queen's Festival. On such notable achievements we are delighted to send him our congratulations and good wishes.

OGDEN IN OCTOBER

At 8 pm on Thursday 30th October Nigel Ogden (presenter of the BBC 'Organist entertains' series) returns to the Tonic Organ at Gransha High School in Bangor. With him will be Pavane directed by Brian Hunter. Tickets can be reserved by phoning me (01247 465222) or the school (01247 463838).

ORGAN OPTION

At Drumbeg parish Church where they have a "well-maintained two-manual Smethurst organ and small by enthusiastic four-part choir"; services from the traditional 'Book of Common Prayer'; details from the Rector, Revd Canon Cooper, 01232 613265.

For the past fifteen years member Michael Richards has been the organist at Drumbeg but he is soon to transfer his talents to Ballywalter Parish Church.

JACKSON JUBILATION

On 2nd October Francis Jackson will celebrate his eightieth birthday and at services the following Sunday (5th October) many choirs will pay tribute to this much loved organist and composer.

At Belfast Cathedral the 11 am Eucharist will be sung to Jackson in G and at 3 30 pm Evensong will include Jackson in G minor, his Benedicite, the hymn-tune "Kellam' and other music associated with York. Organ music will include 'Processional', 'Pageant' and the 'Archbishop's Fanfare'. On the same Sunday at 11 am in St Columb's Cathedral, Londonderry, Jackson in G will be performed.

MEMBERSHIP MEMO

I have to inform you of the death of Gordon Wilkinson who until ill health had made attendance impossible was a loyal and enthusiastic member of the Society for many years. His last church appointment was First Presbyterian Church, Newtownards, where he was organist for about seventeen years.

To the Society we welcome as a new member Miss Lois Benyon MEd, LRAM, whose address is ...

MORE MUSIC IN MAY

For next year's May Holiday Weekend another air tour is being planned - this time based at Bury Saint Edmunds from Saturday 2nd to Monday 4th. Details in the November circular.

That's all for: now. I hope to see you in Armagh on 18th October.

Sincerely

RODNEY BAMBRICK
Honorary Secretary

RSB/IAFH
01/10/97

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