Bradford Cathedral is inviting you to join them for their annual Cathedral Fairtrade Breakfast ahead of their Mothering Sunday service on March 10th.At the breakfast, you will be served locally produced honey and butter as well as Fairtrade hot drinks, jam and marmalade and porridge – which will be much appreciated on a chilly March morning!The event will be run on a ‘Pay as you Feel’ basis (suggested donation of £4) to support the work of Transform Trade.“Money raised will enable Transform Trade to work with inspirational people in Bangladesh who are setting up ground-breaking shops – and transforming their communities through trade.“These community owned shops are all run and owned by women. They provide things families need and give women the chance to earn their own money – and take part in the social and business life of the community.”Elaine de Villiers, part of the organising team, says:“As we remember - on Mothering Sunday - the Mother Church that birthed and nurtured us in faith, we share fellowship over a simple but delicious breakfast, at the same time giving thanks to farmers and producers in low-income countries.“They are the ones most affected by climate change and are at the forefront of developing ways to adapt to its effects.Without their efforts the foods we love, like coffee, bananas and cocoa (chocolate!), could all become endangered species. Let’s enjoy our breakfast and support these farmers and producers, ensuring they are fairly treated and paid in a way that sustains them.”The Fairtrade Breakfast is held annually in March, usually within Fairtrade Fortnight, which has moved this year as part of their 30th anniversary celebrations. Fairtrade Fortnight will instead take place from the 9th to the 22nd September – look out for other events happening then at Bradford Cathedral. The Bradford Cathedral Fairtrade Breakfast takes place from 8:45am – 10am on Sunday 10th March. To find out more – and to book your place – please visit https://bradfordcathedral.churchsuite.com/events/xfajnlox. The breakfast will be on a Pay As You Feel basis with donations going to support Transform Trade.
In this edition of 'Notes from an Organist' we discover more about them, and what to expect from their recital, including marking Woman Composer Sunday / International Women's Day with the music; how the UK differs from Canada musically; and their MA in Choral Conducting.Could you introduce yourself, how you got into music / become an organist and your musical journey to where you are today?I started playing the organ by accident, really. I played the piano, and I asked our local organist on a whim if I could ‘have a go’ on the organ, and he told me he’d give me lessons, which wasn’t quite what I’d had in mind…! But after a few lessons I was hooked. What can people expect from your recital at Bradford Cathedral?In celebration of Woman Composer Sunday, coming up on March 10th, my recital this week features the music of female composers for organ. I have tried to include something for everyone: there are grand French favourites like the Demessieux Te Deum, and the Chaminade Prélude, as well as lighter music by Amy Beach and Judith Weir. Why do you enjoy playing the organ?I enjoy the range of colour and dynamic contrast available on the organ, as well as the variety of contexts in which organ can be used, and the huge repertoire available, spanning centuries, all of which mean that as an organist you are always learning and developing. Do you have a particular favourite piece out of those you are playing?The Prélude by Josephine Boulay is a real hidden gem, and I hope more organists will learn her music. This season’s theme is ‘Trios and Trio Sonatas’ which features JS Bach’s six trio sonatas in full. Are you playing one and, if so, which one is it, why did you choose this one, and why are you looking forward to playing it?To continue the theme of ‘Trios’ that runs through this season’s recitals, I am playing Trio in C by Anna Amalia of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. She was a German composer and patron of the arts, and this trio is a delightful and cheerful little piece which shows off her skill as a composer. What are your hopes or plans musically for 2024?This year I am looking forward to recording a CD with the Cathedral Singers of Christ Church, Oxford, which will feature specially commissioned music for that choir, including a new mass setting by Grayston Ives.You are originally from Canada. How do you find the music of the UK compared to there?There are many interesting things happening musically in Canada by many talented musicians, in particular coming from my alma mater, McGill University. One major difference, however, is that liturgical music-making is not a tradition in the same way that it is here, which means that daily sung worship is rare, and so the chorister experience is less easily accessible to Canadian children.You have played at many places and collaborated with some prestigious groups – have there been any particularly memorable times?One of my favourite recent experiences was having the opportunity to conduct the BBC Singers in a masterclass at RAM as part of my MA course.You are currently pursuing an MA in Choral Conducting – how is that going?This has been a great experience so far, which has inspired me to think about not only my conducting more deeply, but my music-making in general in a different way. I’m enjoying the challenge!This recital will be themed for International Women's Day and will feature a programme of all female composers. How did you come to pick those particular organists, and are any of their pieces a favourite to play?I tried to choose music that I think the audience would enjoy. It’s worth saying, however, that it wasn’t difficult to find repertoire to play by women, it was more difficult to narrow my selection down to the length of one recital! There’s such a wealth of music out there and it’s very easy to access, so I’d encourage organists and enthusiasts to do a bit of exploration and find some new favourites for their repertoire or playlists!You are the Director of Music for ‘The Cathedral Singers’ of Christ Church Oxford. How do you find that role?I love working with the Cathedral Singers at Christ Church. The choir sing any time the Cathedral Choirs are not in residence, which adds up to about 110 services each year, and we have our own organ and choral scholars as well. It has been a real privilege to be part of such a supportive and skilled Music Department. I’m thrilled to be in the role.You recently started as the Director of RSCM Voices South – how are you settling in to that role?This is a relatively new role for me, but I have enjoyed it so far!Your X profile says ‘Conductor, organist, singer, cheese enthusiast…’ so we have to ask – what is favourite cheese and why?I’m partial to a camembert…Also you went ‘wand shopping’ back in September. How is your wand work shaping up?!We’re getting there – I’ve since had to purchase 2 more batons just to get the right shape for my hand!Finally, how would you sum up your upcoming recital at Bradford Cathedral?A celebration of the music of women composers through the ages.You can join us on Wednesday 6th March at 1pm to hear Hilary's organ recital, with an optional £4 buffet lunch beforehand at 12:30pm. You can find out more about them on Twitter / X. You can discover more about our organ recital season on our dedicated page.
To celebrate the 190th birthday of William Morris, Bradford Cathedral is running a special Morris & Co. stained glass window tour on Saturday 23rd March 2024. The famous Victorian artist and designer William Morris founded Morris & Co. and, along with renowned figures such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones and Ford Madox Brown, created many pieces of stunning stained glass, some early examples of which are on display in four locations in Bradford Cathedral. The stained glass also includes a figure, recently discovered to have been designed by William De Morgan. The tour will be run twice, once at 11:30am and again at 1:30pm, and tickets are £6 + booking fee, available via the Bradford Cathedral website or on Eventbrite. The tour of Bradford Cathedral will also include an appreciation of the magnificent West Window, a beautiful Pre-Raphaelite window designed by Heaton, Butler and Bayne, and will be followed by light refreshments. Maggie Myers, Director of Education and Visitors, says:“In recent years, we have started to provide opportunities for visitors to come and find out more about some of the heritage treasures here at Bradford Cathedral. We are very fortunate to have some beautiful and significant early stained glass work by William Morris and other notable artists from the Victorian period. “The tour will visit each of the 4 areas in the building where the Morris & Co. glass is located and there will also be an appreciation of the stunning West Window by Heaton, Butler and Bayne. If you are an art lover, a stained glass window lover or a fan of all things Victorian, then this is the tour for you! “We provided similar tours on our recent Heritage Open Day about William Morris and they were very popular, which is why we have decided to run them again. Places are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.” The Morris & Co. Stained Glass Window Tour takes place on Saturday 23rd March at 11:30am and again at 1:30pm. Places are £6 + booking fee and can be booked at https://morris-tour-morning.eventbrite.co.uk/ or https://morris-tour-afternoon.eventbrite.co.uk/
Such events were being encouraged by the Association of English Cathedrals in order to celebrate our cathedrals and great churches and, through collaboration with the British Pilgrimage Trust, provide opportunities and encouragement for people to take up the ancient practice of pilgrimage.Pilgrims on the Bradford Cathedral pilgrimage were invited to journey together around a sacred space where Christians have worshipped for almost 1400 years. During the journey, the story of the coming of Christianity to Bradford, its growth and the development of the church and the later cathedral were portrayed in words and music at different locations around the building, using a multi-sensory approach and focusing on different historical time periods. There were prayers, poetry, stories, hymns and music from former times and at each location an opportunity for reflection, contemplation and prayer in this beautiful and spiritual environment.The pilgrims began the first stage of their journey outside the cathedral. After an introduction from Canon Ned, the pilgrims entered a dark cathedral lit only by candles and with the faint sound of plainchant coming from the choir, assembled in the Lady Chapel.With lit candles, the pilgrims moved around the dark cathedral, stopping at key historical locations for prayers, readings, music and background information on the life of the Christian church in each historical time period. The first point of focus inside the building was the Anglo-Saxon fragment in the North Ambulatory wall, evidence of the early years of Christianity in Bradford. The pilgrimage then moved on to St. Aidan’s Chapel, to reflect on Aidan’s mission to the north of England, after which the group moved to the chancel and nave, where there was an opportunity to reflect on the building of the current church and the Christians of Bradford who have gone before- both those who worked on the creation of our beautiful church and those who worshipped and led the worship here in times past. The Rood Steps was another point of focus, as were the font canopy, the tower area and the wall memorials. There was also a section of the pilgrimage that reflected on the contribution of Christian women over the ages, both locally and globally.The pilgrimage made its way to the Peace Chapel for some moments of quiet contemplation and prayer in the near darkness, finishing with the formation of a large circle made up of the participants in a silent, candle-lit and chairless nave. The pilgrimage finished with the AEC Pilgrimage Prayer and the pilgrims saying The Grace together, after which refreshments were served at the west end.The beautiful music from a range of eras provided by the choir, who themselves moved to different locations throughout the course of the pilgrimage and were often out of sight, added to the contemplative and uplifting atmosphere of the evening and to the special nature of this event. It was both a communal and very personal journey at the same time and we hope that all those who participated found spiritual nourishment and serenity.We hope to run more of these pilgrimages in the future. Maggie MyersComments from participants:Beautiful and historical Son et Lumiere (5 stars)Joined in the Son et Lumiere event on Saturday evening – accompanied by choir, readings, history of the site and building, images and candlelight. Altogether beautiful, thought-provoking, restful and inspiring. Great job. (TripAdvisor Review)Moving and awe inspiring. It was inclusive and accessible for those with limited mobility. The acoustics were superb and well suited to the event, which was relevant to the story of the cathedral’s simple early days to the present. Of note, in particular, the playing of the replica Tudor organ and the quality and variety of the beautiful music provided by the choir. The candle lighting and readings added to the sacred atmosphere of the pilgrimage. An insight into the history of the cathedral.
