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This is a 6 mile linear walk with bus transport back to Baildon. The route follows paths, roads and the Aire Valley Greenway, with one steep ascent, and we expect to arrive at Bradford Cathedral for 1pm. You can bring your lunch for a picnic in the Cathedral Close, or head into town to find lunch.May 11th is World Fair Trade Day and its purpose is to celebrate the contributions to the fight against poverty, exploitation, and climate change.The Fair Trade movement is all about ensuring that workers around the globe are treated fairly with decent wages and working conditions. Fair Trade is a trading partnership that is concerned with the human rights of all those involved with the creation and distribution of a product. This includes people being paid a fair wage, ensuring that the product or the materials for the product are ethically sourced, as well as fighting against issues concerning the economy, gender, inequality, and climate change.The International Fair Trade Organisation (IFTO) is the co-ordinating body with over 30 different agencies in 130 countries. And World Fair Trade Day is to highlight and celebrate the work of the I F T O.This year is particularly special since one of the key founders of the movement, Rev. Dr. Frans van der Hoff – who lived most of his life in Mexico – died in February. His energy and skills created a functioning international organisation which upholds the rights of the poor.During the walk, Mike will tell you more about Fair Trade and there will be information and refreshments available at the Cathedral. It is likely the sun will shine so be prepared with hats and appropriate clothing as well as strong footwear.
In this edition of ‘Notes from an Organist’ we discover more about them, and what to expect from their recital, including swapping tax discs for organ stops; playing in the USA; and passing on music to the next generation.Could you introduce yourself, how you got into music / become an organist and your musical journey to where you are today? I was fortunate enough to go to a school which had a splendid three-manual organ in the chapel. They couldn’t drag me away from it! After school, and after a two-year stint of working – dispensing car tax discs in County Hall, Maidstone! – I went to Trinity College of Music. I had a wonderful four years there, receiving tuition from some truly amazing musicians.What can people expect from your recital at Bradford Cathedral?I was delighted when I was told the theme of the series, as that fits both with my favourite period of music – other than Bach, of course – and the marvellous instrument in the Cathedral. I’m looking forward to exploring its rich sonorities on Tuesday evening!Why do you enjoy playing the organ?The music.Do you have a particular favourite piece out of those you are playing?Anything by Franck is a sheer delight to play: the depth of feeling and intensity of expression in his music is a journey that I am always willing to undertake.This season’s theme is ‘The French Connection (Post-Revolution France)’. How are you reflecting this in your programme?Using Franck as the springboard and branching outwards. His influence lasts through to the present day and contemporary writings.What are your hopes or plans musically for 2024?Getting to know as much music as possible: a life-long quest. Working with my wonderful choir in Manchester is an essential part of my work, as is teaching the organ to some highly talented students at Chetham’s School of Music.You were the professor of organ at Trinity College of Music – what was your time there like?Truly wonderful: as Alan Bennett – 90 today, as I write this – says in the History Boys ‘it’s all about passing it on.’Outside of your Cathedral work, you have worked with many other choirs and orchestras. Have there been any particular groups you’ve really enjoyed working with?All have quite different flavours and all have been enjoyable and stimulating, but working with Sir Mark Elder over years has been an experience which has given me great pleasure.You have performed all around the world; have there been any particular countries you’ve most enjoyed visiting?USA, San Francisco in particular.You have been involved with many recordings for the BBC. For you, what makes for a compelling performance on either television or radio?Live broadcasting yields the best results. Nothing stale, in my experience, comes from it.Finally, how would you sum up your upcoming recital at Bradford Cathedral?The music must speak for itself: it is repertoire bursting with exuberance, expression, intensity and virtuosity.You can join us on Wednesday 15th May at 1pm to hear Christopher’s organ recital, with an optional £4 buffet lunch beforehand at 12:30pm.You can discover more about our organ recital season on our dedicated page.
Ascension Day is the fortieth day after Easter. This is the day when Christians celebrate Jesus’s ascension into heaven.Pentecost is an important festival in the Christian calendar and is often described as the Church’s birthday. It is celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday and brings the Easter season to an end. The word “Pentecost” comes from the Greek word for “fiftieth”.Ascension Day resources and links (PDF)Pentecost Resources and links for children (PDF)
