SOUNDBOARD A Newsletter for Church Musicians Number 19 September 2009

Finally, after long deliberations, SOUNDBOARD has gone colour. WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE? The Editor, not really being a graphic artist, has used his best judgement about where to put colour and what colours to put. If Peter Barley talks to David any readers can suggest improvement, we will be glad to have Lee about his life of organ and suggestions. church music So, what’s inside this issue? Further articles in the ‘Music at ...’, Music at St Bartholomew’s Great Hymns and their Writers’ series and in the ‘Home Organs’ series, and Peter Barley again talks to a music luminary of the last Robin Heather, a long standing forty or so years. Jacqueline Mullen has written a most useful member there, writes about its article on sourcing organ music al la Internet and since the Internet choir and music seems to be an infinite source, readers are bound to have hit on other useful sites. Do spread the word. And you’ll find a big The Internet as a source of selection of ‘bits and pieces’ in the Notes & News this time. Organ Music The Living Worship courses have been widely praised and have been Jacqueline Mullen reports found to be inspirational. Details of the 2010 course are given Where do I start? below. Derek Verso on the problems of The next issue of SOUNDBOARD is planned for January 2010 and introducing new music into church we would welcome contributions, particularly for the ‘Music at ...’ series (there are still about 50 churches in the united diocese to be Praise Him with the Sound of featured!). Or maybe you would pen something about YOUR ‘great the Trumpet Reports of two hymn and its writer’, or indeed about any aspect of church music recent singing events  that would be of interest and/or value to another reader. The Children’s Choir Patrick Lawrence, former of Julianstown describes the children’s LIVING WORSHIP choir they have there A course in liturgy, music and worship New Look Christmas Carol This popular course, now in its 5th year, focuses Service David McConnell writes in particular on musicians but also appeals to anyone, about an alternative to the Nine including clergy and members of congregations, interested Lessons and Carols in the 'what, why and how' of Christian worship. Course leaders will include the Revd Peter Moger (Church of Great Hymns & their Writers England Worship Development Officer) the Revd Edgar this time features Be Still My Soul; Swann and . Patricia Eadie writes. Saturday mornings, 10.00 a.m.—1.00 p.m. Liturgy is Worship Dermot 9, 16, 23 and 30 January 2010 Mageough House, Cowper Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6 Dunne, Dean of Christ Church, (beside Cowper Luas stop) describes these attributes. Fee: €100, including course materials House Organs Information & booking: This time, Shirley Wright’s digital [email protected] and 087 668 3998 Places are limited—early booking is advisable organ is featured

The Church Music Committee supports and resources music and musicians in the local church. The Committee is appointed by the Church of Ireland Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough. Website: www.churchmusicdublin.org Chairman: Ricky Rountree, Powerscourt Rectory, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow. Secretary: Mrs Jacqueline Mullen, 23 Ludford Park, Ballinteer, Dublin 16, Tel. (01) 298 8923., Email: [email protected]

SOUNDBOARD is published by the Church Music Committee. Views in it are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the Committee. Annual Subscription: €15/£12 Editor: Randal Henly, 81 Offington Avenue, Sutton, Dublin 13. Tel (01) 832 3647; Email: [email protected] Editor’s Assistant: Maedhbh Abayawickrema, Tel (01) 822 6298, Email: [email protected] names as teachers, notably on the Peter Barley talking to David Lee conducting course (Janos Furst, , ); P.B. David, can I begin by asking you never to stand in the way of a students included Christopher Bell about your early musical influences? budding beginner organist. I never and David Robertson, who has have refused anyone such recently conducted the Last Night of D.L. I came from a musical family — permission. the Proms. We also run courses for my father played the piano and my piano, harpsichord and organ. We mother sang. My own piano teacher Yes, encouragement at that stage is have had some very successful open was a pupil of Alfred Cortot. Whilst a so important. How has the organ workshops, filmed by the RTE. pupil at St Columba's I was taught by music 'scene' in Dublin changed Joseph Groocock, and also came between those days and now? What sort of balance were you under the influence of John Beckett, seeking to strike between an who stood in for Groocock for a There are now many more good international clientele and the native couple of spells. Beckett was a players. When I came back from talent? towering musical figure in Dublin at Cambridge I suppose I brought back the time. He strongly disliked some fresh ideas and a concept of a We definitely wanted a strong Bruckner and Handel, and it's standard of playing, but the organ emphasis on the international interesting to reflect that when one scene here had barely taken off. element, whilst respecting the home- comes up against such a dominant Gerard Gillen was away studying in grown talent. For instance, our first personality at the age of fifteen the Belgium at the time, and I remember piano masterclasses were taken by effect can be profound. To this day, I inviting him to make use of the Bart's Pascal Rogé, Peter Katin and John almost feel guilty if I enjoy a piece of organ for his personal practice, O'Conor. Native students thus had a Handel ! which at that period in many ways chance to hear what was going on really had the best organ. abroad. The Young Artists Series is You then won an organ scholarship particularly good for this dimension. to Peterhouse, Cambridge. Thurston Concurrently with your post at St Ireland's link with Europe has been Dart must have been a leading light Bart's, you were also Assistant at St invaluable, and very beneficial for at the university at that time? Patrick's — how did this work? musical contacts, notably German, Dutch and Russian. Yes, and in fact he kindly lent me The job was very different in those his spare clavichord for three years, days; it was mainly to act as a deputy Would you have any advice to pass after which he asked for it back, as for the Organist when he was away. It on to students participating in George Guest needed it! I asked Dart was thus possible to hold both jobs masterclasses? if he might give me some lessons. He concurrently. Almost nobody said that he hadn't time to teach me, conducted in those days. Well, I do remember the then but that if I offered him tea George Hewson was of course a very seventeen year old Barry Douglas occasionally then he'd be happy to gifted and fluent player, and my own having an argument with the person talk to me informally. After boss Sydney Greig was very correct. leading the masterclass! Really it's Cambridge, I spent a year in much better to just take the You then moved to St Canice's suggestions at the time — they can Freiburg, studying the harpsichord Cathedral, Kilkenny, where you with Stanislav Heller. always be discarded later. Having founded a festival? said that, Barry has of course been a How did your own studies influence In fact it was originally called good influence for music here, both your subsequent long career as a Kilkenny Arts Week (everything else North and South of the border. teacher? Did you focus on any was a festival in those days!) When I particular area of repertoire? Are there any trends in church music arrived in the cathedral in 1970 I currently that worry you? I feel that a good grounding in piano thought it would be a great place for technique is crucial, and where concerts — the building, the I find myself appalled by some of the necessary I have prescribed similar acoustic. The festival is bigger now, new hymns that are appearing, that exercises to those I used as a though there is less concentration on are much more suited to the piano student. I'm happy to teach the full the musical side. I think it worked than the organ. This really makes the organ repertoire, including Liszt, better when there was a voluntary case for organ maintenance and Reger, Messiaen etc. but I do feel committee running it, with sub- refurbishment much harder to argue. groups responsible for programme, most naturally drawn towards the Do you have any advice for young up baroque repertory. Equally, I always fund-raising and publicity. Top musicians came, such as Peter and coming organists in Ireland favoured the more serious and today? methodical student, and of all my Frankl and Ivo Pogorelich. People pupils Malcolm Proud really stands used to ask how we got such great Go and hear organs somewhere else out. I taught him for eleven years, names. I just made a few phone calls around the world. Recordings are not and he's now a world figure. to agents and everything was agreed. the same. I think my favourite organ Our first festival (if I remember anywhere is the Schnitger organ in Apart from your profile as a teacher, correctly) had a budget of £10,000 Groningen. when you returned to Dublin from and we made a £1000 profit. I left your own studies abroad, you also Kilkenny after ten years, as I was How are you spending your held a number of distinguished finding it more difficult to commute retirement? church positions, beginning with St between there and my teaching in Musicians don't really retire! I Bartholomew's, Clyde Road. Dublin. continue to play at Dún Laoghaire In fact, I took up the post of Organist You were by now well established at Presbyterian Church, where I have at St Bart's in 1956 before I had the Royal Irish Academy of Music, been for many years. I am also still even left Cambridge. My family and subsequently became full time teaching and giving classes. worshipped there, and the vicar had there. Did you find time for any other David, thank you for talking to allowed me to practise on the organ. activities? Soundboard, and we wish you a There had been a momentary hiccup fulfilling retirement.  when the then organist refused me In 1980 I co-founded (with Deirdre permission to play, and that episode Doyle) Dublin Masterclasses. Once made me vow at the age of thirteen again, we had many international Music at St Bartholomew's Church, Ballsbridge, Dublin Robin Heather

St Bartholomew's Church, Clyde Bartholomew's Day (24 Road, Ballsbridge has a rich August) 1938. His legacy tradition of music and liturgy dating lives on at the annual back to 1867. The parish was patronal festival service constituted in 1864 out of the Parish with the singing of 'Jesu, of St Mary in Donnybrook and the gentlest Saviour' to the present church was designed by tune 'St Bartholomew' Thomas Wyatt, a well known composed by him (Hymn Victorian architect, and built on 583, Irish Church lands donated by the Earl of Hymnal 1960 edition). Pembroke. The decoration of the interior of the building was added by The organ at St Thomas Deane in 1879. Bartholomew's is a magnificent three-manual The church was consecrated in Gray and Davison December 1867 at a time when the instrument, dating back 'Oxford Movement' was gathering to 1887, rebuilt in 1962 momentum and profoundly by Walker & Sons, and influencing the again in 2002 by Trevor and Ireland. The movement Crowe & Company. The emphasised the essential 2002 rebuild repositioned independence of the Church from the Great Organ so as to the state, placed a high value on the speak into the nave of the sacraments and stressed continuity building. The director of music is always with the early Christian Church. interested in hearing from potential Many of the movement's adherents In recent years the choir continued choristers, and may be contacted preached a radical gospel of social to thrive under the direction of through the website to arrange a Malcolm Wisener (now Organist and justice. From the outset, vicars of St meeting and audition.  Bartholomew's were sympathetic Choir Master of St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork), Hymns Ancient with the ideals of the Oxford Robin Heather is a member of the and Modern was replaced with The Movement, whose worship tradition choir of St Bartholomew's. He has New English Hymnal and a girls' - often described as Anglo-Catholic - sung in choirs for 41 years, including choir was established. The boys and has been maintained ever since. those of St Ann's, Dawson Street and men have travelled regularly to sing Christ Church Cathedral. Choral music is very much a part of for the week after Easter at the Liturgy at St Bartholomew's, cathedrals in England and Wales — which has maintained a robed choir Chester, Exeter, Gloucester, Here- of boys and men since 1867. The ford, Lichfield, Ripon, St David's and church adopted the use of Hymns Worcester — as well as undertaking Adrian Heckmann Ancient and Modern and Helmore's two concert tours to Paris. The girls' Organ Builder Psalter for the services as choir has visited cathedrals in Cork, these books were widely used in Cashel, Kilkenny and Armagh in Restorations, Tunings, churches of the Anglo-Catholic recent years and plans are afoot for tradition at the time. In the early a trip abroad in 2010. Chamber Organ Rental days, whilst the restoration of Christ Fraser Wilson, a former organ Church Cathedral was being carried Chamber Organ Spec. out, the church was used for major scholar at Christ Church Cathedral, services in the diocese. Dublin, was appointed director of Gedackt 8’ music in 2008 and he is assisted by Rohrflute 4’ The singing of the psalms to Peter Parshall, who is the Irish co- Principal 2’ plainsong tones has always been a ordinator of the RSCM. In the past 1 tradition in St Bartholomew's year, the introduction of the RSCM Quinte 1 /3 (from middle C) Church and was further enhanced ‘Voice for Life’ scheme has allowed Tuneable in all historical in 1939 when Walter Vale, then the boy and girl choristers to reach organist at All Saints' Church, new standards and has given them a temperaments Margaret Street, London presented a better understanding of music Easy to move around on even floors set of plainsong psalters to the notation and general theory. The Dimensions: Width 1100 mm, parish following a visit to hear the choirs sing each Sunday at two choir. The Vale Psalter is still in use services, 11 a.m. Solemn Eucharist Depth 500 mm, Height 920 mm to this day, the originals replaced in and 6 p.m. Choral Evensong, and at 1998 by a senior choir man in major festivals. Full details of the Bray, Co. Wicklow memory of his late parents. music are published each Saturday Tel. 086 089 1956, in the Irish Times and on the parish William Henry Vipond Barry was website www.stbartholomews.ie. Email: [email protected] organist and choirmaster at St. Bartholomew's from 1884 to 1938, a Regular concert seasons are now a period of 54 years. He maintained a feature of St Bartholomew's and the choir through the difficult years of choir magazine, Music@St the First World War and the years Bartholomew's, is available at the that followed. He died on St church and on the parish website. www.chappellofbondstreet.co.uk The Internet as a source of organ music (Editor’s note: Callers to Chappells of Bond St (London) will find that they Jacqueline Mullen are no longer in Bond St. A year or two ago the company moved to 152- The Internet has rapidly become a be thrifty. Care needs to be taken 160 Wardour Street (which is just off means of buying goods without that you source a suitable Oxford St. Chappells stock a great having to leave home. Sheet music is edition, however. It can be range of organ music and if in no exception with many sites interesting to note what other London it is worth spending some available online. The advantage of musicians have written in the time there browsing their stock.) visiting a music shop is that you can margins or on the score in look through the available scores second-hand copies (though this www.cmc.ie and ascertain difficulty, number of may not be accurate). (A source of contemporary Irish pages etc. before buying. Editions music). may be compared prior to purchase. The list of website addresses below is not exhaustive but will act as a Online you may be fortunate to www.di-arezzo.co.uk encounter a “song list” when buying guide. Obviously local sellers will usually get the goods to you more a book containing the score you www.kevinmayhew.co.uk need. Otherwise it can be hard to promptly but I have bought items gauge whether you are getting good from mainland Europe with great value. success. It can be amusing to www.musicroom.com receive emails in French or German Organ music can be difficult to find assuring you of the seller's best www.oup.com at times, in particular some items attention and the advantages of Oxford University Press website listed on the Archbishop of Dublin's purchasing in the Euro zone will Certificate in Church Music. In some appear on your credit card bill. Be www.rscm.com cases the music shops may not be careful though that Ireland is Online discounts are available to able to assist. The Internet then credited with being in the Euro zone. RSCM affiliates. becomes a very useful tool. I have been charged in sterling when purchasing from mainland Europe. The most useful items when settling www.sheetmusicdirect.com down to source a piece of music are Needless to say, some of the books carry a small amount of organ pencil and paper. It can be most dealing with various aspects of music. frustrating to visit various websites, performance, tuition etc. may also find what you require on a couple of be obtained online. I have found that www.sheetmusicmegastore.com them and then fail to remember the average music shop may not be which site had the best value. able to help if you require a www.sheetmusicplus.com Tedious though it may seem, writing particularly specialised book; you down the URL and the details of will probably be offered an www.stainer.co.uk price etc. (not forgetting the cost of alternative by a different author. In postage) can save time in the end. this situation the internet is invaluable. It is also a wonderful www.ump.co.uk The following have proved useful way to be “busy” when other things when searching for organ music. should be occupying your time. www.usedorganmusic.co.uk 1. Try putting the title of the item A good source of second hand organ Students on the Archbishop of music, books about the organ and you require plus the composer's Dublin's Certificate of Church Music name into the search engine. If some choral music.  course may seek help from the Hon. you are very fortunate, you will Secretary of the Church Music strike gold straight away. Committee if difficulties are Jacqueline Mullen is a music teacher 2. Enter the composer's name only. encountered in sourcing music from and an organist at St Thomas’ Mount You may then be guided to a site the ACCM syllabus. Merrion. She is a member of the which deals specifically with that www.abebooks.co.uk Diocesan Church Music Committee. person's work or find a link giving deal in all kinds of books but also a information on how to purchase good source of music scores. his or her compositions. (Editor’s note: abebooks is If any readers can add to this 3. If you have an ISBN number this apparently an agency that has list, the information would be can be of assistance, however, I contact with dozens of second-hand welcomed by the Editor for have found this tedious and not booksellers in the UK, and they can passing on to others. particularly helpful. source out-of-print books easily and quickly. They have done so for me.) 4. Try a different country. St Patrick's Setting by www.allegro.co.uk was readily available on websites has a large stock of organ music and Parochial Visit originating in the USA in 2007. can supply organ shoes. A rector decides to visit some of his Upon returning to source this in flock on a Saturday afternoon. He 2008 it was nowhere to be found. www.amazon.co.uk knocks at a door. He thinks he It did appear, but on a German another source of music books. hears someone inside, but the knock website. Recent searches have Books on all subjects supplied. remains unanswered. He takes out shown it to be available in Japan! one of his calling cards and writes One copy is currently available at www.bookdepository.co.uk on it ‘Revelation 3:20’. On the the price of £5 from following Sunday the card appears www.usedorganmusic.co.uk. www.boosey.com on the collection plate with the message ‘Genesis 3:10’.  5. Websites that deal in second- hand music can be very useful www.breitkopf.com particularly if you have a number of items to buy and are trying to Where do I start? Do You Know Your Derek Verso Church Music?

1. Name the composer of The Nowadays there are many ‘Is it in the hymnbook? Oh dear how Creation opportunities for continuing could we manage that – we’d need to education, new ideas, new ways of print a sheet. 2. Who composed The Dream of Gerontius? doing things, and training courses It looks interesting but we’d need for everything from stained glass more time to prepare it, so maybe we 3. What is a psaltery, mentioned in windows to gospel choirs. Perhaps should wait until next year, what do the bible? you’ve been to a training day about you think? some aspect of church music or a 4. Where and when was summer school or indeed are one of I’m not sure that it’s something we Mandelssohn’s Elijah first the students doing the Archbishop’s could do here, numbers have fallen a performed? Certificate in Church Music? lot this year and we need to stick to what people know .... I’m sorry ... not 5. The famous Good Friday music So you’ve attended a course and for the moment’. comes from which opera? found it good and you’ve been 6. Who wrote some 6000 hymns? inspired by the course contents and Anyway you persevere (remember be perhaps it’s given you some more positive and smile) and you 7. Who composed the famous confidence in your own ability. eventually receive agreement in setting of Blake’s Jerusalem? Better still you feel that this is principle to do this new music item. Super. So now you ring around and 8. Who composed the music for actually something that would work Onward, Christian Soldiers? in your church and head back home get a few singers together and you delighted with yourself. What next? tell them what a wonderful 9. Which noted hymn-tune Armed with your new found experience you had at a course up in composer had as his middle knowledge and experiences and Dublin and you bring photocopies name Bacchus? maybe some new music, a whole new and your own Yamaha keyboard, as it world of church music beckons and worked so well in Dublin using a 10. In which century did Thomas you’re sure that the parish will go for keyboard rather than the pipe organ. Tallis live? it. ‘It’ll be perfect for them’ you muse ‘No, why are you using that, we’ve never had one of those in church 11. Who composed the oratorio The to yourself as you arrive home Last Judgement? exhausted but quietly contented. before. They’re not very 'churchy' are they – it’s not church music now is 12. What kind of music is This is where the problems start. it?’ complains one of the only two particularly associated with Why? Because anything different to men who came to the practice. And John Merbecke the usual diet of three or four hymns, in a second those gathered become (which must be from ‘the book’ i.e., totally absorbed in rehashing old 13. Which work, and by whom, the Church Hymnal) a psalm or complaints of yore. You persevere contains the duet I waited for canticle if you’re lucky, is going to again, stay cool and smile, and start the Lord? mean a change. And a change is people singing. It’s not going the way 14. The first performance of likely to raise eyebrows and raise it went in Dublin though. Woops- Handel’s Messiah was for queries. More importantly for you — you can’t get the choir beyond the charity. Who benefitted from it? it will mean more work, and not just second line and the bit that seemed for you, but for your singers/ to go down so well in Dublin just 15. Which work of Handel was sung congregation, for your rector/priest isn’t moving along here at all. at the coronations of both George and for whoever types up the weekly VI and Elizabeth II? service sheet, if you’re lucky enough Now you’re really nervous. How do you get out of this? You encourage 16. What was Palestrina’s to have that. And if this new music nationality? item is to happen, you will need everyone that it may take a few goes loads of positive energy that can cut before they get the air of it. Soon 17. Name two famous composers through the acres of indifference and people are catching on. It’s working. who set Stabat Mater to music. even negativity that you could face. You’re delighted and your singers are smiling in quiet satisfaction. It’s a 18. From which opera comes the Be prepared, keep cool and keep a major breakthrough and you’re really traditional Bridal March and smile on your face! You decide the looking forward to next Sunday ...... who wrote it? but in the meantime you’ve got to best approach is to see the 19. From which oratorio comes the rector/priest first. You attempt to proof-read the service sheet, remind the Rector that the new music item is famous Dead March? Who was discuss it with him/her the next the composer? Sunday, but the Revd is too busy happening next Sunday after the rushing from the first service to second reading and you will be 20. From what work, and by what make it to the second or third that coming out from the organ console to composer, is Sheep may safely day. ‘Call me during the week, it be close to your singers and graze taken?  sounds great’ the Revd shouts out accompany them on your keyboard, the car window as he/she heads for and that you’re sure it will work, and (Answers on page 11) St Empty Church 20 km away. Later having the Rector’s support is so that month you finally have your important to you and the singers. meeting when you might get any of Congratulations! You’ve made a great the following responses: start. Welcome to the world of the ‘That’s wonderful but do you think parish church musician.  it’s really suitable for our group of parishes. Derek Verso is organist of St Paul’s Glenageary, director of the chir of Kildare Cathedral and a member of the Diocesan Church Music Committee. Praise Him With the Sound of the Trumpet: Two Recent Singing Events

SUMMER RSCM COURSE Judy Martin reports. This year the RSCM's annual adult residential cathedral course was held at Christ Church Cathedral. Singers came from all over the world: from the USA and Canada, the UK, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Ireland. Many who attended have been singing in church choirs for years, and they all feel passionately about their ministry as Church musicians. Before coming to Dublin in 2003, I had directed several of the RSCM's other cathedral courses. This was, however, the first time that I had worked with an RSCM group of which I had no prior knowledge — a daunting prospect with Choral Evensong on the first evening of the course! The choir rose to the challenge and, with daily The Blanchardstown Brass Band rehearsals and workshops and individual training from the internationally-renowned vocal coach, Hilary Llystyn- SONGS OF PRAISE IN CLONSILLA Jones, the standard of performance rose exponentially On Sunday, 30 August St Mary's Church, Clonsilla during the week. celebrated the end of the mixed Irish summer, with a These are not professional singers but the love and lively, outdoor Songs of Praise service. The service was dedication they have for their ministry, and their preceded by a Parish Barbecue in the grounds of the complete commitment, was inspirational! We gave the Church and was concelebrated by the Revd Elaine course as much of an Irish flavour as possible by Dunne and Ms Stella Obe, parish lay reader. The singing including some Irish hymns, an arrangement of Bi,A Íosa, was led by the choirs of St Mary's Church, Clonsilla and im Chroíse (by Felicity McElroy) and a good dose of St Brigid's Church, Castleknock. The congregation also Stanford. Further local involvement came from joined in heartily in spite of the very inclement weather Revd David McDonnell who was an extremely popular (it began to pour five minutes after the service began!). course chaplain, and revealed hidden talents as an The singing was accompanied by the Blanchardstown amazing trad. musician and excellent tour guide during a Brass Band, who joined the choirs for the event. They late night visit to the crypt of St Michan's. Support at the made a magnificent sound, playing from the Salvation organ came from Tristan Russcher and Peter Parshall, Army arrangements of hymns which included the who also led two workshops on Chant, culminating in the following: Praise to the Lord, The Almighty, The King of entire group singing the Salve Regina to the tricky Creation, Now Thank We All Our God, Alleluia, Sing to Solemn Tone at Evensong on 15 August. Jesus and Come Ye Thankful People, Come. Their spirits The RSCM is a world-wide educational charity providing also remained very high throughout the rather wet education and training for musicians of all afternoon. The hymns had been chosen by parishioners denominations. I have long believed that Christ Church during August. The final programme was compiled by should be a centre of education for Church musicians, selecting the most popular of parishioners' choices. The not just as a resource for diocesan musicians, but also to band and choir were conducted by Maedhbh engage with musicians from further afield. Our Abayawickrema, organist and director of music in the collaboration with the RSCM has been a major part of our combined parishes, who was ably assisted by a member outreach and if you are able to attend Evensong on of the choir who held a large umbrella over her head in Saturday, 19 September (5.00 p.m), you will hear a an attempt to keep the music and baton dry! service sung by approximately 40 children and young The choir hopes to collaborate with the band again people from both sides of the border who have passed during the Christmas season and will also be joined at Voice for Life awards this year. that time by the choir from Mercy College, Coolock to I, for one, hope that the RSCM makes an approach to deliver a service of carols and more. We look forward to Christ Church again, and I know from the comments and continuing the tradition of a summer Songs of Praise', letters received, that 35 singers returned to their various started a number of years ago in the parish by Raymond communities with a renewed vigour for their ministry as Russell, former organist and director of music in the well as with happy memories of a week's worth of exciting combined parishes of Castleknock and Clonsilla with achievements. Do take a look at the RSCM Ireland Mulhuddart next year. We just hope that the weather will website (www.rscmireland.com) where you'll find a number  look a little more favourably on us next time! of pictures taken during the week. 

Dublin and Glendalough Church Music Committee The Archbishop of Dublin’s Certificate in Church Music

This part-time course in organ playing, choir training and liturgy aims to ensure a continued supply of musicians for parish churches.

Informationon www.churchmusicdublin.org or from Mrs Jacqueline Mullen, 23 Ludford Park, Ballinteer, Dublin 16, Tel. (01) 298 8923 or [email protected]

Closing date for applications for next academic year is 31 May 2010 facilitated by resources both finan- The Children's Choir cial and people. In small parishes Revd Patrick Lawrence (and in larger parishes too) there is no reason at all why this model should be seen as the only desirable one. After all a parish church should not strive to be a mini-cathedral which usually enjoys resources way beyond those of a parish to carry out its musical programme. This rector, formerly at Julianstown, County Meath, enjoyed the privilege and challenge of forming, training, and worshipping with a wonderful children's choir. All were from the parish, some from more frequent worshipping families than others, all with mixed musical ability, but all with a common cause. The excitement and challenge of being in in something new, provided a challenge in terms of tenacity and performance. Some of the children The Julianstown Children’s Choir along with Revd. Patrick Lawrence; Very came from families which had a Reverend Declan Kelly, P.P. Julianstown; Dr Richard Clarke, Bishop of Meath; good understanding of music. A John Clarke, Rector of Navan and Rural Dean of Slane; Choir Teacher, small number of the children Ms Paola Cullen; Assistant Teacher, Ms. Jane Lawrence already held, thumbed, felt, and more than a little struggle according used Church Hymnal Sunday by “Let the peoples praise you, O God; to Anglican four-part chant, which Sunday. Let all the peoples praise you” in a reminiscing sort of way looks The key to success was in those back to a time when many parishes The praise-singers of Israel were found to train and coach the could, with a sufficient number of singers. In the first instance, the originally those associated with the capable and enthusiastic musicians, tribal shrines, Bethel, Shiloh, Rector, of limited musical expertise, perform such a 'mystery' with identified the likely candidates. On Gibeon, etc.. In due course, Jerusa- competence! lem became the centre of excellence our first meeting, the children were for the praise of Almighty God. Routine musical patterns kill the 'tested'. This simply meant singing expectant musical spirit, unless ‘Three Blind Mice’ as a group and in The Psalmist, having in mind that such patterns are performed with a unison. Each potential choir God's praise should be sounded by degree of perfection and are capable member was then asked to sing a Jews at a Jewish shrine, also of satisfying a recurring need to hear note from memory five seconds after acknowledged the desirability that and participate in a ritual which hearing it, and then tested in his or such praise should be given by 'all initially pleases the worshipper. her ability to sing and hold the nations' and 'all peoples', which selected notes of a given chord in presumably included the heathen Why should this be the case? harmony. and those who did not yet know Perhaps there is a lethargy among God. The nature of such praise can those charged with the musical At the end of the first 45 minute be extended to Christian worship, ordering of worship? An accidie of session a show of hands was called where there ought to be no such attitude which seeks, at all costs, to for as to who wanted to be in the thing as the 'right way' or the 'wrong avoid criticism of new approaches? new choir. All hands shot up! From way' to worship God musically, but Perhaps even worse, a fear that the that first initial commitment, the with music which shows the traditional expectations of Choir's ability and capability worshipping community 'lost in worshippers will be undermined and increased, to the point a year later of wonder, love and praise'. that the worshipping 'core' of the being able to sing at a wedding. parish will simply stay away in On the second week of practice the Rubrics 6 and 7 under the heading protest? General Directions for Public Worship Rector's youngest daughter, Jane, (Book of Common Prayer) prescribe When the Psalmist urges that 'all the herself an accomplished musician something of the musical elements peoples praise you' such a sentiment and singer, came to assist. Her in public worship. Each rubric is was expressed that encouraged the magnetic and somewhat captivating controlled by the word 'may'. Canon outsider to come in, and on entering nature provided an extra stimulus 6 of The Constitution of The Church the presence of God would praise for the young performers. Each choir of Ireland provides more than along with those already caught up practice began with prayer. The enough latitude to those planning in this mystery. This was not so Lord's Prayer was said 'as Gaeilge' and ordering public worship so that much a proselytising desire than a and this tradition was extended to notions of restriction or constriction desire that the whole people of God one Sunday a month during Sunday can be dismissed. should sound His praise. worship, text with simultaneous translation provided for the other Many parish churches in recent Let's extend the metaphor to parish worshippers. years appear to adhere to a self- life today. This rector enjoys the imposed monochrome pattern when steady reliable singing of Sunday Breathing and singing exercises it comes to the musical expression of worship according to traditional often using non-religious tunes were the worship in church. Hymns and Anglican expectations by a choir used as a stimulus during what canticles are sung with less which obviously loves what it does, would otherwise have been lengthy enthusiasm and joy than the words under the direction of a competent learning of a hymn tune with words. might suggest. Sadly and less and imaginative organist and choir- Tidying up and putting away of frequently, the psalms — sung with master. In an urban setting this is hymn and prayer books ended each practice session, before soft agreed to finance this. Paola Parishes should consider a project drinks and biscuits were provided Cullen, an experienced choir such as this, for many reasons. A as reward. trainer was identified and children's choir brings much Once a month we practised accepted the task of being the blessing in the richness of musical processional walks — in and out Choir Leader. A digital worship of Almighty God. It of the church, and in and out of piano/organ — along with strengthens the musical content of pews. Finding our way around the percussion instruments — were worship. It creates a musical bond Prayer Book, and learning and bought to encourage contemporary among participants, including the understanding the importance of musical forms. For the Rector in rector and those charged with being ready for what should come the initial stages of selection and training, and above all it proves that next in worship was also an training, there were certainly some the praise of Almighty God can be important ingredient of our surprises in his discovery of offered by 'all the people' in a ■ learning. musical talent among the children. congregation. During the first six months of the Much joy was experienced by all formation of the choir a fully involved in the project which has Patrick Lawrence is rector of qualified musician and choir continued through a time of a Monkstown parish and was formerly trainer was employed. The Select rector’s vacancy in the Parish. in Julianstown, Co. Meath. Vestry in its wisdom promptly

Organists’ Crossword 12

Another puzzle for you crossword addicts to test your musical knowledge again! Solutions (photocopies quite acceptable) to this puzzle should reach the Editor by the end of October—and don’t forget to include your name and address. As usual, a small token prize is on offer to the first correct entry drawn from the mythical hat.

Clues Across 1. Choral work usually with orchestral accompaniment (7) 5. Instrumental works for one or two players (7) 9. Opera about a young Druidic priestess torn between love and duty (5) 10. Composer of 9 across (7) 11. Initially a British music publisher (3) 12. Nationality of Glinka and Borodin (7) 13. Manual 5 on the organ (5) 15. Tonic sol fa note in Corelli (2) 16. Tonic sol fa note in Smetana (2) 17. A musical work—literally (4) 3. In tempo, between largo and andante (6) 20. How Schubert left his eighth symphony (10) 4. Tomaso, 17th/18th-century Italian composer (8) 23. Time of year for a Hugh Roberton evening choral 5. Antonio, Italian composer who intrigued against work (5) Mozart (7) 24. Having to do with hearing (5) 6. ‘Sing’ like a horse! (5) 25. You’ll find this in a reed pipe but not in a flue pipe (6) 7. A work for three (4) 26. Access the organ diapasons (4) 8. Opposite of 26 across (7) 29. Initially the orchestra based in London’s Barbican 14. La Cinderella opera by Rossini (11) Centre (3) 16. A French minuet (6) 30. Not making any sound (4) 18. Little by little, musically (4,1,4) 31. German Protestant leader, singer and lutenist and 19. The legendary Sir Malcolm (7) hymn writer (6) 32. Recessional voluntary at the end of a church service 20. Character sung by the tenor in Haydn’s Creation (5) (8) 21. Obsolete six-holed wind instruments of the recorder 34. Flowers from (6) type (8) 35. Keyboard pieces that exhibit the player’s skill (8) 22. Opera by R. Strauss about a New Testament biblical 36. Metal of which a whistle may be constructed (3) woman (6) 27. Person who insists of absolute adherence to tradition Clues Down rules in language or music (6) 1. With spirit or dash, musically (3,4) 28. A mass for an admiral (6) 2. James, 18th-century English organist and composer 33. A meadow found in a treble aria (3) of church music and harpsichord pieces (5) New Look Christmas Carol Service Great Hymns & their Writers David McConnell looks at an updated carol service No. 2: Be Still My Soul Patricia Eadie For very many people, including those who do not go to Be Still My Soul, written by Katherina von Schlegel, was church regularly, carols are an essential part of the introduced into the Church of Ireland repertoire in 1990 'Christmas experience'. A service of readings and music and so my familiarity is relatively recent. The music to will be included in the programme of most churches. The which it is set is part of Sibelius's tone-poem Finlandia liturgy usually will be based on the service of nine and I think it was to this I was first attracted. Jean lessons and carols drawn up by Bishop Edward Benson Sibelius, Finland's most famous composer, wrote of Truro in 1880 and first used (I have been told) in Finlandia in 1899 as the closing and culminating piece Ireland in North Strand Church, Dublin on Christmas of a patriotic pageant staged to protest against press Eve, 1914. censorship imposed by the country's Russian rulers. The idea was to increase Finnish patriotism, and Finlandia The annual broadcasts from King's College Cambridge became the symbol for Finland's struggle for and St Patrick's Cathedral Dublin have served to give independence. The chorale, like melody to which Be Still this service a standing that seldom has been questioned. My Soul is set, comes after a turbulent passage played by However, time and liturgy have moved on and many will the brass section of the orchestra, out of which the be grateful for something from their church services haunting air arises, started by the wind section and is more stimulating than the same old tedious service, later echoed by the strings. trotted out year by year in an almost perfunctory manner. For many years I have yearned for some input within the The hymn was originally written in German by Katherina service to explain or comment on readings that, gabbled von Schlegel, a Pietist, born in 1697. She was thought to and poorly read as they often are, do little more than be either a Lutheran nun or a lady attached to the ducal produce a warm sentimental glow in those who listen — court at Cothen. The German Pietistic Revival, similar to if indeed the slightest attention is paid to the allegorical The Puritan and Wesleyan movements, reintroduced biblical extracts! congregational singing at worship and Katherina wrote at least 20 hymns. Be Still My Soul is the only one to have So, it is encouraging to learn that the RSCM has survived. It was translated in the 19th century by Jane L produced a restructured carol service that moves away Borthwick, who with her sister Sarah Findlater, from the nine lesson/carol sandwich and provides an translated and published over 120 hymns of Lutheran opportunity to reflect on each of the readings. This origin. Originally set to a different melody, this was carefully crafted order has four sections: the Gathering, changed to the Finlandia setting for the Presbyterian the Word of God, the Prayers, and the Dismissal. At the Revised Church Hymnary in 1927. Apparently its centre of the service is the Blessing of the Crib, which popularity was waning at that time and no doubt its provides plenty of opportunity for drama and movement. current setting has helped its survival. The words to me are particularly beautiful and moving. It As with so many modern liturgies, this service is in illustrates the guidance and care of Jesus in times of outline form and requires some customisation for a trouble, grief,. fear and pain. The gentle words evoke a particular place, following careful study and discussion smoothing of a turbulent soul and one cannot but feel by clergy and musicians. The provision of a detailed calmer after reading or singing it. liturgy sheet for each person in the assembly is probably essential and certainly, to avoid confusion, the points in ‘Be still my soul: the winds and wave still know’ and the service where people should sit and stand will need ‘His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.’ It was to be indicated. also a favourite of the Olympian athlete, Eric Liddell. He rose to fame in 1924 when he refused to run on the This outline order is worth looking at and I hope some Sabbath and was featured in the movie Chariots of Fire. may decide to give it a chance, bearing in mind that He subsequently became a missionary in China and was liturgical experience is cumulative and that it is only by incarcerated in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp in returning to a new order on a number of occasions that World War II. It is said he taught this hymn to others in worshippers will begin to appropriate it to their own the prison camp, where he eventually died of a brain personal worship life. tumour. RSCM affiliates will already have the service in Sunday The talents of three individuals, Katherina von Schlegel, by Sunday, Issue 49 and it is available to download from Jean Sibelius and Jane Borthwick have combined to www.rscm.com/carolbook for use in service books. o create what is to me the most beautiful hymn in the current Church Hymnal, one with the message that David McConnell is organist of Zion Church and the reminds us of the truth that we often need to remind Church of the Three Patrons, Rathgar; and is a member ourselves of “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew of the Diocesan Church Music Committee. their strength...." (Isaiah 40:31).  [email protected]  Patricia Eadie is a member of the choir of St Mary’s Howth

Do you know your hymns? Dentist's Hymn Crown Him with Many Crowns Contractor's Hymn The Church's One Foundation The Tailor's Hymn Holy, Holy, Holy The Golfer's Hymn There is a Green Hill Far Away CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL FEES FOR WEDDING SERVICES is in the process of developing a We have received a couple of Past Choristers' Association to enquiries about the entitlement of otes maintain a connection with the organists to wedding service fees, cathedral for those who have sung in where the couple provide their own and the choirs in past years. organist. The principle in such Membership will be open to former cases is clear and unambiguous: choristers and pupils of the choir The resident organist is entitled to ews school, past and present lay vicars receive the normal fee for a wedding choral, choral scholars and lay (provided he or she is available to N clerks, past and present members of play) and his/her permission must the Girls' Choir and their families be sought for another person to play. ARCHBISHOP OF DUBLIN'S together with families and friends of It is unfair that the appointed CERTIFICATE IN CHURCH MUSIC the cathedral choirs, past and musician should be deprived of a ORGAN EXAM RESULTS June 2009 present. The cathedral has a fee. In practice, a degree of Year One database of almost 300 singers who flexibility may be required to meet Tristan Clarke (Distinction); have been members of the cathedral special circumstances but this does June Lee MacCurtain (Distinction); choirs and would be glad to have not detract from the basic principle. Ciaran Judge (Honours); current contact details for former To avoid misunderstanding, these Damian Bourke (Honours); choir members. It is planned to arrangements should be written into Eva Draper (Pass). formally launch the association on organists' contracts on appointment. Saturday 17 October when it is The draft contracts issued by the Year Two hoped that as many past choristers Church Music Committee and the Philip Good (Honours); as possible will join the cathedral RSCM have always been clear about Zoe Hodgins (Honours); choir to sing Evensong. Further this and the annual fee guidelines Ronan Whittern (Honours). information may be had at also set out the procedure. There is Year Three [email protected]  evidence of reluctance in some Ruth Clinton (Distinction); places to follow these arrangements Paul Mullen (Distinction).  and in such cases organists should have no hesitation in drawing the MUSICAL MARATHON attention of the church authorities to Congratulations to Ian Maxwell, what is widespread practice.  ORGAN RECITALS organist of Sutton Methodist Church St Mary's Pro-Cathedral Annual for just forty years, on organising the Wednesday September Lunchtime nine-hours of music as a fund-raiser Organ Recitals, from 1.15 to 2.00 for the Raheny Hospice. Choirs and DO YOU KNOW YOUR MUSIC — p.m. 9 September: Simon Harden groups that took part included those ANSWERS (Anglican Church, Franfurt); 16 of St Fintan’s Sutton, St Mary’s 1. Joseph Haydn September Niall Carroll (Organ Howth, St Brigid’s Killester, Clontarf Scholar 2008/09); 23 September: Presbyterian, All Saints Raheny, the 2. Sir Edward Elgar Gerard Gillen (Titular Organist); 30 Cameron Singers, the Mezin String 3. Ancient instrument like a September: Dom Columba McCann, Quartet and the Fingal Chamber dulcimer, but played by OSB (Glenstal Abbey) Choir. Each group sang or played plucking two Wesley hymns and other music, and in between, Ian played more 4. Birmingham Festival, 1846 25 September 6:30 p.m. Mark Wesley hymns. Tea/coffee was on 5. Parsifal, by Wagner Duley. RTÉ presents leading tap at all times. A steady flow of organist Mark Duley in a free 30- listeners came and at times the 6. Charles Wesley minute solo recital. Featuring the church was quite full. As a result, 7. Sir Hubert Parry famous Widor Toccata, a Donnacha €3600 was presented to the 8. Sir Arthur Sullivan Dennehy piece and music by Bach, Hospice. Ian is already planning Vierne and Franck. This is a next year’s marathon!  9. John B. Dykes ticketed event; to book your free ticket call 01 417 0000 or 10. 16th century (1505 – 1585) www.nch.ie NEW ORGAN SCHOLAR 11. Spohr St Patrick’s Cathedral welcomes its 12. Plainchant Monkstown Parish Church new organ scholar Catherine A service for the dedication of the Wallace who has joined the 13. Hymn of Praise (Mendelssohn) rebuilt Gray and Davison Organ will Cathedral’s music staff for this 14. Release of men from a debtor’s take place on St Cecilia's Day academic year. Catherine was prison Sunday 22 November at 8 p.m. educated at Charterhouse School There will be a short recital by and Trinity College Oxford, where 15. Zadok the Priest Professor Gillen and all are welcome she studied organ with Stephen 16. Italian to this service of Praise and Farr. She was senior organ scholar Thanksgiving.  last year. Her brothers have been 17. Rossini and Dvorak choristers in the Chicester Cathedral choir. 18. Lohengrin, Wagner CONGRATULATIONS to Derek Verso Also from St Patrick’s: Sunday 4 19. Saul, Handel who has gained his ATCL (Associate October 2—5 p.m. Open Afternoon 20. Birthday Cantata, Bach  of Trinity College London). The test for prospective choristers. For included giving and introducing a further details and to book your 40 minute organ recital, and writing place, please ring the Cathedral a 1000 words programme note — for Office on (01) 453 9472.  the benefit of the audience on one — the examiner!  JUNIOR CHOIRS LAUNCH CD carried out when she was a LITURGY IS Donald Maxwell reports: baby and the third (including WORSHIP bone graft etc.), when she was Writing in a recent In spite of the prevailing air of aged 11. The principal surgeon doom and gloom, earlier this issue of Church involved was Mr Michael Earley Review and also in year some 45 vibrant young who delivered, at the recent singers from St Matthias' Friends' News, launch, a wonderfully Dermot Dunne, Church, Killiney-Ballybrack, illustrated address about this Kilternan Music School and St Dean of Christ medical condition and the work Church, explains Kilian's Deutsche Schule came of Operation Smile. together with their trainers on what Liturgy is. several busy Saturday When Sarah was born she One is often asked afternoons to make a CD in aid weighed only 1.4 kg, and I was what is the differ- of Operation Smile Ireland. the first family member to see ence is between Entitled A Symphony of Smiles, her. Minutes before, the nurses liturgy and worship. the CD was launched by Revd warned me that there was a The words are used interchangeably to Ian Poulton, Rector of St 'little problem' with her face; but describe how we give praise to God in Matthias' Killiney-Ballybrack. once I had established that it church in an organised way. The two was only a Volunteering their terms describe the same practice. Quite physical defect, often it is thought that liturgy describes sweet young my initial shock voices, and with a something different from and more subsided, elaborate than worship. This is not true; repertoire of well especially when known songs from because everything we do in church, be it they explained simple morning prayer or an elaborate world music and that the 'hole' in the great musicals music setting of the Eucharist, is both her face could be liturgy and worship at the same time. A (including such corrected favourites as ‘You classic definition of liturgy is 'the eventually by customary public worship practised by a are never fully surgery. dressed without a specific religious group, according to their smile’, ‘By the However strange particular traditions'. I prefer to use the waters of Babylon’ as it might word liturgy when referring to our worship and ‘Siyahamba’, sound, one of the in the cathedral, because the term they embrace first thoughts encompasses much more than just words Operation Smile volunteers' which entered my head was: from a book. Liturgy is the organising of mission of repairing childhood ‘Will she be able to sing?' In worship to make it the most beautiful way facial deformities around the those first few revealing' possible to offer praise to God and world. It is an operation of moments, it seemed to me stimulate those who participate. It is symphonic proportions because terribly sad if my daughter getting away from the notion that once you singing is one of mankind's most would be denied this most have prayed the words, that is enough. noble arts and can touch the wonderful of life's experiences! Good liturgy demands good preparation hearts of everyone all over the and the adaptation of many different Fortunately it is now a bit of 'a world. Through the making of elements to form a whole act of worship. dream come true', in that she is this CD the children have found Whenever we worship, we are engaged in singing a solo on the CD (and the perfect medium to bring liturgy no matter what church we attend. sang live at the recent launch, awareness and practical help to From the time we enter the building to the accompanied by Papa, of this cause which benefits less time we leave, there are certain rubrics we course!). She chose 'My fortunate world communities. follow. There are times when we stand Favourite Things', made famous The choirs were trained by Anne and times when we sit or kneel. The in the film version of The Sound Thielemanns and Owen Miley- readings and inter-cessions are prepared of Music. It also seems a fitting Read and accompanied by and read in a certain way. Hymns and choice as Ms Andrews was Anne's spouse Gordon Douglas music are chosen to suit the particular renowned for her diction; and (who is one of those on our list theme in the gospel reading and certain what better training for Sarah of deputy organists). collects and propers (prayers proper to a who has had several 'clinics' season) are chosen to reflect the Speaking at the launch, plastic with the speech therapists of the particular church season. We have a surgeon Mr Michael Earley gave cleft lip and palate team. It was different liturgy for the celebration of an illustrated account of his life- also an opportunity for Mr Eucharist from what we do at Morning changing missions around the Earley to witness a pleasant Prayer and other services. globe, which was truly outcome from one of his many enlightening. It is a tribute to so success stories’ Good liturgy demands that we use all our many people involved that Anne senses in giving our worship to God. The CD is available from Anne Thielemanns, who coordinated Stimulation of sight, hearing, smell, taste Thielemanns, Tel. 086 318 the project, could one day and touch plays a central part in any [email protected] realize her vision and ambition . 9198; email celebration. When preparing a liturgy, the This is how her husband, or Gordon Douglas telephone 01 use of colour, sound, speech and silence Gordon Douglas, tells their 282 6213/087 780 7688; email needs to be carefully planned to bring a daughter Sarah's story and [email protected], at the harmony to the celebration. If the service relates how they became nominal cost of €10. Their is dominated by music and nothing else involved with Operation Smile address is 8 Bayview Green, then there is an imbalance that may tip Ireland. Killiney, Co Dublin.  the service in to the realms of performance rather than worship. It is ‘Daughter Sarah is a patient of Donald Maxwell is organist at important to maintain delicate balance in the Cleft Lip and Palate team at St Matthias, Ballybrack and is a all the elements of worship to create an Temple St Hospital and has member of the Diocesan Church overall harmonious mood.  already undergone three major Music Committee. surgeries for cleft lip and palate [email protected] repair. Two of these were IRISH ORGAN STUDENT PLAYS IN was very much restricted by NEW YORK ! the fact that the only available piano was one in a local cafe. Ruth Clinton, who has just They didn’t mind my playing completed the ACCM course, is a there and the Korean chef final year NCAD student. In June even came out of the kitchen she set off to New York to look for to tell me that the music summer work. In the course of her reminded him of his wanderings, she walked into a Methodist church back home! church to have a look at the organ. Not having music with me, I Here’s Ruth’s account of what sourced some in the Brooklyn happened. library and my mum sent In south Brooklyn, New York there more from home. The organ is is a small church called the King's a 1946 Moeller pneumatic Chapel. In June they were looking pipe organ and the service for a new organist and I, a hungry lasts two hours with a forty student on a three month working minute sermon ! There are visa in America, was looking for a three hymns sung in their job. I was delighted therefore when entirety; then, using various the pastor, Ronald Weinbaum, other hymns, they sing a agreed to take me on as a sort of single verse in response to stand-in. He was conducting God’s forgiveness, two verses interviews all summer and so I was in response to God’s Word, a able to fill in when there was no Doxology and a psalm at the candidate to audition. Their hymns end. It was a great way to stay are very similar to those in Irish in practice over the summer Church Hymnal so I didn’t have too and it gave me a chance to try much trouble, but my practice time out another organ! 

House Organs (Part 4) Shirley Wright is organist in the Methodist church, Bray. In her house, also in Bray, she has a Viscount Jubileum (was supplied by Jeffers of Bandon). It is a two-manual 61 note instrument and has a 27 note pedalboard. Any reader who is interested in playing the instrument is welcome to contact Shirley (Tel. 286 1705) and she says a ‘cuppa’ will be included in a visit! 

Specification is as follows: Manual 1 Manual 2 Principal 16 Bourdon 8 Principal 8 Viola 8 Gedackt 8 Flute 4 Octave 4 Flautino 2 Rohr Flute 4 Sesquialtera II Super Octave 2 Celeste II Quinte 11/3 Fagotto 16 Mixture III Oboe 8 Trumpet 8 Clarion 4 Tremulant Tremulant

Pedal Accessories Subbass 16 3 couplers Principal 8 6 pistons Bourdon 8 Chimes Octave 4 Transposer (3 semitones Fagotto 16 up or down)

ORGAN SCHOLAR The holder of the Christ Church Cathedral organ distinction. He further studied with scholarship for 2009-10 is Aleksandr Nicholas Kynaston and Lionel Rogg on the Nisse. Aleksandr Nisse was greatly influenced by postgraduate course at the Royal Academy of his father's teacher, Helmut Walcha. He studied Music, London, graduating in 2007 with the piano with Valery Krol and began organ distinction. Aleksandr has given concerts in studies in 1999 with Susan Landale in Paris. Switzerland, , , Hungary. From 2001-2004 he studied with Louis Before coming to Dublin he was organ Robilliard at the Conservatoire National de Region scholar at Sherborne Abbey and School.  de Lyon where he was unanimously awarded the “Premier Prix de Perfectionnement” with