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)
Singers and choirs in West Yorkshire - and beyond - are invited to join together to sing a Festival Evensong in the Cathedral, with the Bradford Cathedral Choir, on Sunday 12th May 2024. A ‘Festival Evensong’ is an opportunity for choirs and choral singers to come together and enjoy singing with a lot of other people. Rehearsals will take place on the afternoon from 2pm – following registration at 1:30pm – and there will be an afternoon tea provided. The repertoire will include Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis: Wood in F, Collegium Regale and Elgar’s The Spirit of the Lord. To get the most out of the event, singers will generally need to be able to read music to participate. The Evensong will then take place at 5pm and all are welcome to hear the results of the Come and Sing. The service will also include a sermon preached by the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines. Each singer will be invited to contribute £10 towards the costs of the service. Under 18s are also welcome to attend and participate – for £5 each - conditional upon a parent/guardian consent form being completed upon arrival or in advance. The Come and Sing Choral Evensong: Leeds Diocesan Choral Festival takes place on Sunday 12th May 2024. If you are looking to take part in the Come and Sing, you can find out more details at https://bradfordcathedral.churchsuite.com/events/isprozpq or by searching ‘Come and Sing’ on the Bradford Cathedral website. All are welcome to join for the service at 5pm.
Bradford Cathedral will be running The Bible Course from this month, an eight-session course. The group will meet fortnightly on Tuesdays, starting on the 23rd April, in the de Lacy Centre at Bradford Cathedral. The Revd Pete Gunstone, says: “Whether you’re well versed in Scripture or new to the Bible, The Bible Course offers a superb overview of the world’s best-selling book. “The course will increase your confidence, equip you to read the Bible better and help you to see its relevance to daily life. “Over eight interactive sessions, it combines video teaching, group discussion, personal reflection and daily readings. Meeting people in groups, where everyone shares their thoughts and experiences, lies at the heart of The Bible Course as everyone learns from each other.” A typical session will include short videos, discussion and personal reflection, as well as light refreshments. To find out more or to sign up, please visit the Bradford Cathedral website. The Bible Course runs at Bradford Cathedral every fortnightly Tuesday in the de Lacy Centre from 7pm – 9pm, starting on Tuesday 23rd April. To find out more and to book your place(s) please visit bradfordcathedral.churchsuite.com/events/3hlummje; search ‘The Bible Course’ on the Bradford Cathedral website, or contact the Bradford Cathedral office on 01274 77 77 20 (Mon-Fri 9am-3pm).
