Beacon of Hope – an exhibition of artwork created by students from Carlton Bolling School, Bradford – will be displayed at Bradford Cathedral from Monday 10th February until Tuesday 4th March 2025. This exhibition will present the creative voices of students from Carlton Bolling School - many of who are from Muslim backgrounds - and is included as part of the ‘Creativity Under Pressure’ series of events held at Bradford Cathedral in the first four months of the UK City of Culture year. Over fifty pieces will be displayed around the ambulatories of the Cathedral, and will include paintings, textiles, photography, and digital prints, as well as newspaper articles exploring their work in the media. The art the students have created invites you to see them as they see themselves, offering a glimpse into aspects of resilience, strength, and hope, ideas which are a testament to their experiences and aspirations as they navigate their respective paths toward creative futures. This exhibition will see many of them sharing their work with the public for the first time.Visitors can see ‘Beacon of Hope’ during the usual visitor opening hours of Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm. There will also be a short opening event on Monday 10th February at 3:45pm, and a presentation evening, where the artists will be at the Cathedral, on Wednesday 26th February at 2:45pm. This presentation evening will include selected pieces from the Carlton Bolling school choir as well as some inspirational speeches from both students and staff.Thomas Last, Lead Teacher of Creative Studies at Carlton Bolling, says:“As part of Bradford City of Culture, and in association with Arts Council England Arts Mark, Bradford Cathedral and Carlton Bolling School are excited to invite you to experience their exhibition: A Beacon of Hope.“The exhibition aims to tell the story of the incredible journey of Carlton Bolling and its students and staff through the theme of Adversity: Creativity Under Pressure.“There will also be an action-packed presentation evening on Wednesday 26th February where you will be able to experience the stories of our students and staff first hand.“Come and join us and experience some inspirational work from Carlton Bolling students, past and present.”The Revd Canon Ned Lunn, Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts at Bradford Cathedral, says:“Growing up in a world of uncertainty and pressure, young people navigate many challenges, and creativity offers them a way to express, reflect, and make sense of their experiences.“For many of these young artists, Beacon of Hope marks the start of their creative journey - an opportunity to share their work publicly for the first time. Bradford Cathedral is delighted to provide a space where they can share their perspectives, inviting us to see the world through their eyes.“This exhibition is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and fresh artistic voices, and we hope visitors will enjoy and support these students as they take their first steps into the wider creative landscape.“Beacon of Hope is part of our Creativity Under Pressure season, which explores how art, music, and culture emerge in response to challenge, revealing new possibilities and hidden strengths." Beacon of Hope runs from Monday 10th February until Tuesday 4th March 2025, and the artwork is available to view during the usual opening hours of Bradford Cathedral, typically Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm. All are welcome to attend a short opening event on Monday 10th February 2025 at 3:45pm and a presentation evening on Wednesday 26th February 2025 at 2:45pm. More information – and a complete list of the artworks on display – are available at https://bradfordcathedral.org.uk/event/beacon-of-hope-exhibition/
In this edition of ‘Notes from an Organist’ we discover more about them, and what to expect from their recital, including playing pieces adapted for the organ; playing a composer with links to Harrogate; and reflecting on his time at Bradford Cathedral.What can people expect from your recital at Bradford Cathedral?They can expect a list of pieces both known and unknown, which have an overall thread of ‘Music in the Time of War’ woven through them. For I think the first time at Bradford Cathedral, I’m playing a recital of mostly transcriptions (i.e. pieces written for other instruments, arranged for the organ). These include music by Ravel, Finzi and Tchaikovsky as well as my own transcription of a beautiful piece by the contemporary composer, Thomas Adés.Why do you enjoy playing the organ?With this programme especially, I’m aiming to show the versatility of the instrument, and how it can breathe new life into a work which may be well-known (such as the 1812 Overture) but takes on a different flavour or character, not only by playing it on the organ, but with specific instruments, and indeed players!Do you have a particular favourite piece out of those you are playing?I’ve always been a huge fan of the music of Gerald Finzi, partly because of his connections to Harrogate, and indeed to my own workplace at St Wilfrid’s Church. His ‘Dies Natalis’ is one of those bucket-list pieces I would love to be able to perform one day (most likely conducting, as I don’t think my tenor is up to scratch).This season’s theme is ‘Music in Times of War’. How are you reflecting this in your programme?I’ve aimed to include some pieces written about war, as well as those with more abstract links, such as Ravel’s Pavane which many people think is about the death of a child, but was actually never intended as such. There is additionally a beautiful little Elegy by the composer Alan Gray (no relation) written during the Great War.What are your hopes or plans musically for 2025?I’ve got lots of exciting projects coming up in 2025. The highlight of the diary so far has to be conducting another of the bucket-list pieces, Bach’s St Matthew Passion in a performance with Halifax Choral Society, Ipswich Choral Society, the Chorister of Bradford Cathedral and Halifax Minster, the National Festival Orchestra and an absolutely top-class line-up of soloists. Other plans include Orff’s Carmina Burana, Verdi’s Requiem and various other engagements.You finished your time with us in 2024 as the Cathedral’s Assistant Director of Music. What were your highlights of your time here?I spent a wonderful 18 months filling in as the Assistant Director of Music at Bradford Cathedral. Having been Organ Scholar between 2012 and 2015, the Cathedral is a special place for me in terms of my musical development, and it was wonderful to be part of such a lively and thriving department, working alongside wonderful colleagues. I especially enjoyed the big concerts with the Black Dyke Band as well as recording with them, but also just the day-to-day work with the choristers and their families. I only live down the road, so I’ve already been telling everyone they’re not getting rid of me that easily, and this recital is a prime example.Finally, how would you sum up your upcoming recital at Bradford Cathedral?A journey through two different worlds, with transcriptions and original music sitting alongside one another, ending in a ‘bang’!You can join us on Wednesday 12th February at 1pm to hear Anthony’s organ recital, with an optional £4 buffet lunch beforehand at 12:30pm. You can find out more about Anthony on his website, X, on Instagram, or YouTube.You can discover more about our organ recital season on our dedicated page.
Bradford is the UK City of Culture this year. As a Cathedral, our ambition (as outlined in the 2023 vision document) is that our worship will be known for its beauty and diversity in the Anglican Diocese of Leeds: grounded in the English choral tradition, it will be an exemplar of Church of England worship that values and weaves together culturally rooted expressions of faith from across the Anglican Communion. We seek to bring people to the Christian faith through worship and music of the highest quality.Bradford Cathedral has a thriving musical tradition. The ninety children and adults in our choirs come to the Cathedral to sing at four choral services each week. Our education programme gives over forty-five young people from different backgrounds free singing lessons and tuition in music theory. Our organ recitals draw some of the finest performers from the UK and abroad. From time to time, musicians from other Christian traditions are involved in our musical worship.The Chapter of Bradford Cathedral seeks a musician of the highest calibre and commitment to contribute to the fulfilment of the Cathedral’s vision through the activities of the Music Department. They will be an accomplished singer, who, together with our voluntary Lay Clerks, will form the stable core of the choir. They will also be collaborative people who are able to nurture the gift of singing in other members of the choir, offering vocal coaching and being a section lead. The Music Department’s programme is ambitious, with projects including recording with the Black Dyke Band planned, and at least one choir tour each year.These roles are particularly suited to singers who want to contribute to the flourishing of the choir of a diverse and busy cathedral, and committed to people as well as to performance. We expect our applicants to be hard-working and enthusiastic, and hope that they might be willing to be fully part of the life of Bradford Cathedral.Deadline for applications: Friday 28th February.Interview dates: Week commencing Monday 10th MarchPlease submit a cover letter explaining why you are applying for the role along with a current CV.For more information - and to apply - please visit https://www.cofepathways.org/members/modules/job/detail.php?record=8081
Role Title: Committee Member – SafeguardingDept/Line Manager: Committee ChairVolunteer Work Pattern: 6 meetings per year (plus any additional as may be required)Brief Summary of Role and Personal Attributes:The primary function of the committee is to maintain strategic oversight of safeguarding at Bradford Cathedral on behalf of its Senior Management Group and Chapter, and promote a positive organisational culture in regards to safeguarding.The Committee is seeking new members, independent of the Cathedral with an interest in/experience of the provision of safeguarding at a strategic levelThere is no DBS required for this role.References will be taken up prior to invitation to interview.Closing date for the advert is set for 21st FebruaryContact details:Angelique Glata – Governance OfficerEmail: Angelique.glata@bradfordcathedral.orgTel: 01274 777736The Church of England is committed to promoting a safe environment and culture for children, young people and vulnerable adults. Anyone appointed to this role will be expected to work within the relevant safeguarding policies and procedures, and to attend all required safeguarding training.Submit a Comment
