Choir & Organ September 2022

The decision by St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, to disband its choir and make the full-time post of director of music redundant for financial reasons (see News, p.6) may at first glance appear to be regrettable but understandable. If the money isn’t there, the money isn’t there – although there is inevitably a question as to why music is always seen as the first thing that is dispensable. It is, after all, often the music that attracts people to cathedral services initially – and at Belfast, Matthew Owens has certainly upped the ante in the three short years he has been director of music there. The Children’s Choir and Songbirds which he launched now engage some 50 children, including those from a low socio-economic bracket who are unlikely to find the…

NOW AVAILABLE IN ALL GOOD NEWSAGENTS Our 100-page Collectors’ Edition includes: ◼ Reviews of iconic recordings ◼ Interviews with some of today’s leading interpreters ◼ In-depth and expert insight into many of Mahler’s masterpieces - including every symphony ◼ A list of recommended recordings of all of Mahler’s most significant works Order your copy for just ₤12.99 today Go to www.magsubscriptions.com/mahler Call: 0800 137201 (UK) or +44 (0)1722 716997 (Overseas) P&P is free for UK addresses. An additional charge will be added for shipping overseas.…

ST ANNE’S CATHEDRAL, BELFAST has announced the disbanding of its professional choir and the role of a full-time director of music becoming redundant from the end of August 2022. On 27 July, the dean and the honorary secretary of the board of Belfast Cathedral issued the following statement: It is with considerable regret that, owing to the difficult financial circumstances in which Belfast Cathedral continues to find itself, the dean and board will now commence a restructuring of the music department at Belfast Cathedral. This will include a move away from a paid, professional adult choir to a voluntary adult choir. In addition, the full-time role of director of music will be made redundant and will be replaced by a part-time cathedral choir director. These changes will come into effect…

STEPHAN POLLHAMMER, FROM AUSTRIA, HAS WON both the first prize (Schnitger Prize) and the Izaak Kingma audience prize in the 14th International Schnitger Organ Competition. The second prize (Flentrop Prize) was awarded to Sunkyung Noh from South Korea and the third prize (Foundation Friends Organ Prize) went to Martien de Vos from the Netherlands. The competition ran concomitantly with the 16th International Organ Academy (27 June to 1 July) as part of Orgelfestival Holland 2022 in Alkmaar. In the final round of the competition at the Grote Kerk (Sint-Laurenskerk), the three contestants were required to play three works: a choice of five fantasias by Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck; a Bach trio sonata; and a Bach Prelude & Fugue from BWV 532, 543, 550 and 564. The Sweelinck was performed on the…

The Musicians’ Union and Black Lives in Music have announced a three-year partnership, working together to challenge racism, promote inclusive practices, and accelerate change regarding diversity in the music industry. The Orlando Consort, the world-renowned vocal quartet specialising in medieval and renaissance music, has announced its forthcoming retirement in June 2023 after 35 years. In its final season, the group will perform in the UK, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Luxemburg, Canada and the USA, and also complete their recording project of the complete polyphonic songs of Guillaume de Machaut for Hyperion Records. Wise Music Group has signed a long-term publishing agreement with French-British composer, arranger and performer Josephine Stephenson. Bulgarian-born composer Dobrinka Tabakova has signed a publishing contract with Schott Music. Tabakova’s choral catalogue was extended during a long-term residency…

The Platinum Consort are holding a choral workshop of contemplative music from across the centuries at St Mary’s, Battersea (24 Sep, 10.30am-5pm). The core work of the programme is Arvo Pärt’s The Deer’s Cry. Tickets are £50. Sign up at bit.ly/3PxrvOG On 24 Sep 10am-5pm, Julian Haggett leads ‘Haggett at Hillington’ on the historic Snetzler organ at St Mary’s, Hillington and the Willis organ at St Peter’s, Wolferton. For players of CAM level 3/ABRSM grade 5 and above. RCO members: £60 (observer £20); non-members: £72 (observer £26). Book online at bit.ly/3PDzDx9 St Martin’s Voices has announced a new concert series – Beyond the Dawn – running from Oct 2022 to Jun 2023. The six hour-long concerts will explore universal themes of philosophy and discovery, each introduced by a short video…