PLAUDITS FOR PARRY
Charles Hubert Hastings Parry was born in Bournemouth in February 1848 (he died in 1918) so the 150th anniversary of his birth will be commemorated this year. Although church musicians will probably associate him preeminently with his contribution to the choral repertoire, it was in fact his piano concerto (a good recording is available an Hyperion CDA 66820) which first won him public acclaim, and he went on to compose 5 symphonies and over 70 song settings.
At our next meeting, on Saturday 7 March, we plan to pay our tribute to this remarkable man in two ways: at 3 pm we shall meet at Bangor Grammar School (College Avenue) where a recently produced television feature on the composer will be shown in large-screen format. From there we shall proceed to Holywood Parish Church where some of his organ music will be played by David Drinkell.
For those unfamiliar with Bangor's topography: to reach College Avenue, drive down Main Street in the right lane to the sea front; and then up High Street; take the left fork at the Maxol Filling Station; College Avenue is the next turning on the left; take the last school entrance (with a hedge on your right) into a large car park.
LOOKING AHEAD
Our April meeting - on Saturday 4 - will be a trip to Omagh (visiting two Presbyterian Churches there) and to Raphoe Cathedral (for some choral music), with morning coffee and a light lunch provided in Omagh. Since this entails a long journey from Belfast private coach transport will be reserved if a sufficient number wish this to be done; a convenient meeting point would be found in Belfast and the charge per person would be £10.00. If you would like this facility to be provided please let me know BEFORE MARCH 8, by using the reply-slip below or telephoning me at 01247 465222. The next circular giving details of this April adventure will confirm whether or not bus transport has been arranged.
ACCENT ON EAST ANGLIA
If you are a participant in this year's trip to Bury Saint Edmunds (May 2-4) may I remind you that the balance of your payment for this (£200.00 for those sharing a room; £226.00 for single rooms) is due on MARCH 31 and should be forwarded to the Honorary Treasurer (new address below) not later than this date. At the moment we have a party of 29 but late entries would still be welcome till the end of February. If you would like to join the party and have lost the original reply-slip (or used it to ignite your pipe) telephone me at 01247 465222.
PARTICULARS PERSONAL
Just a reminder: an updated membership list is to be issued in due course. If the details about yourself in the present list need to be amended please return to me PRONTISSIMO the data slip sent to you with the last circular. We want the new list to be as accurate as possible!
SING WITH THE PHIL
In a bid to swell its numbers Belfast Philharmonic Choir is offering singers the opportunity to sing with the choir without audition for the 5 weeks preceding the Easter Concert at which it will sing Faure's 'Requiem' with the Studio Orchestra. Rehearsal dates (all Tuesdays at 7 30 pm) are March 3, 10, 17, 24 8 31. This might perhaps interest some of your choir members; if so they should contact Sylvia Bell at 01232 285679. According to Professor Byrgen of Umea University in Sweden: "People who sing in choirs live longer". (Than what?)
A BLOOM IN BELFAST
After a lifetime devoted to the music of the church, Barry Rose retired as Master of the Music at Saint Alban's Abbey just a few weeks ago. On Saturday 14 March he is coming to Belfast and will conduct Choral Evensong in Saint George's Church at 5 pm. Then at 8 o'clock that evening in the Parish Hall he will give a talk on 'My Life in Church Music'. At either or both events USOC members will be welcome.
A GORDON FOR YOU
At 7 45 pm on Monday 23 February Gordon Stewart, Director of Music at Blackburn Cathedral, will be giving a recital at the Ulster Hall where his programme will include Bach's Fantasia and Fugue in G minor, Dupre's Prelude and Fugue in B major, Guilmant's Sonata No 5 and some "popular arrangements". Gordon is a young man with an exuberant and engaging personality which is reflected in his playing :this will be a good evening.
AMERICAN IN BANGOR
Another good evening is guaranteed on Friday 27 March when at 8 pm Carlo Curley with his travelling Allen organ will be presenting a Gala Concert in The Clarke Hall, Bangor Grammar School. For tickets contact Ian Hunter either at the school (01247 473734 ext 232) or at his home (01247 454352).
BACK TO BEDFORD STREET
Where at 7 45 pm on Monday 23 March City Organist, Donald Davison, will join forces (if that's not too indelicate a word) with the Studio Symphony Orchestra in Richard Strauss's 'Alpine' Symphony. AT ground level their programme will also include Elgar's 'Cockaigne' Overture.
RODNEY BAMBRICK
Honorary Secretary
RSB/IAFH
18/02/98
OMAGH AND RAPHOE : USOC TRIP : 4 APRIL : PRIVATE COACH?
Member's Name: ____________________________________________ Telephone No: ___________________
I should like private coach transport to be organised for this meeting.
RETURN NOT LATER THAN 8 MARCH TO THE HONORARY SECRETARY
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