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Vacancy: Organist and Director of Music

All Saints' Hockerill, Bishop's Stortford, Herts., CM23 2DY

An exciting opportunity for a creative and inspiring musician

We are a friendly, lively, growing parish in the modern catholic tradition
Enthusiastic robed adult and children's choirs
Good 2 manual Willis organ
10.00am Sunday Mass, major festivals and one weekday choir practice
RSCM rates plus fees

Very easy access from M11 and only 7 minutes from station (express trains from London / Cambridge).

This post is subject to Enhanced CRB check.

Details from:

Fr Kevin Goss,
The Vicarage, All Saints Close, Bishops Stortford, Herts. CM23 2EA. Tel: 01279 506542

email:

Parish website: www.allsaintshockerill.org.uk

[Item added: 15 November 2008]

Organist required for a Mystery Play, November 2008 (paid work)

Andrew Pink
Office of the UCL Vice-Provost (Academic and International)

For the past two years I have been advising on music, for an amateur group known as ' The Players of St Peter'. For the last sixty years the Players has presented an annual week-long production of English mystery plays at Advent-tide (or thereabouts), in churches the City of London; currently at St Clement Eastcheap, which is located between the Bank of England and the Monument.

In addition to advising on, and devising, the music for members of the company to perform, I also play the organ for the performances. This is a minimal role, particularly this year, since here the organist is required to provide little more than a 10 second fanfare (right hand and Great trumpet), 10 seconds of mysterious Messiaen-esque Swell strings and rumbling 32' pedal (you get the idea), and then to accompanying a hymn ('Thine Be the Glory') and a carol ('The Sussex Carol'), both for unison singing, at the 'finale'. It is hardly taxing! But, being involved in these 'Mysteries' is great fun - right out of the usual rut of organist activity - and immensely enjoyable, despite the negligible musical demands. This, not least, because the Players are a great bunch of people from all walks of life (including some 'resting' professional actors). The age range is from early 20s to early 80s.

So, what is my point here?

I have to miss three nights of this year's performance because of a work commitment that is taking me to a conference in Leiden (Holland). As a result, I am desperately trying to recruit someone to assume my role as organist for those three nights. I am willing to pay £150 as a fee. The work requires someone to be available as follows, all at St Clement's:

Saturday 22 November: dress rehearsal 2pm-7pm.
Monday 24th November - Friday 28th November: 6pm-9pm

There are two performances a night in this three hour slot. The 'new' organist would be working along side me up to and including the Tuesday performances, and then taking over at the organ from Wednesday to Friday, when I will be in Holland. The non-organ music is directed in performance by the acting members of the company, so there is nothing else to do but the little bits of organ music as described.

Any organist who is a good Grade 5 standard or above, AND who is experienced and confident to accompany a large congregation could manage the demand of this work, and so it could suit a confident teenage student who is mature enough to travel home from the City at night, or one of the EDOA's so-called 'late starters'; you know who you are. But, these are not exclusive parameters, it may be, for example, that one of the Association's experienced FRCO-level players or even one of the Association's international recitalists thinks such back to basic experience might be interesting, or even fun. In short, if you think this is for you, then do please get in touch. I am happy to talk about this further, by phone, with anyone who is interested and would like to know more.

Andrew Pink
020 7679 1374
email:

p.s. The organ is a three manual Hill, Norman and Beard, detached console.

Sponsor A Pipe in the Harrison & Harrison Organ at St Albans Cathedral

Barry Forrester - St Albans Cathedral Music Trust

The great organ at St Albans Cathedral has now been silent for over a year. A major programme of restoration and development by the original builders - Harrison & Harrison of Durham - was initiated in August 2007 when it could be delayed no longer.

For over forty-five years the organ had been used every day for rehearsal, practice, services and performances. Such heavy usage had, however, paid its toll. The mechanism had become worn and unreliable and it became clear that a full refurbishment could be put off no longer.

The programme of work now underway comprises the complete restoration, repair, cleaning and adjustment of the instrument. At the same time some sensitive tonal enhancements consistent with the organ's essential character are planned, including the addition of a 32-foot reed as well as a small section in the Nave to support congregational singing.

Through donations to the organ restoration fund and other gifts, the St Albans Cathedral Music Trust has been able to allocate some £465,000 towards the scheme. This has enabled the contract to be signed and the work initiated. However the need to close the gap on the total cost of £830,000 is urgent.

One new way of helping is through the "Sponsor a Pipe" scheme, which has recently been launched by the Music Trust. You can sponsor a pipe in memory of a departed friend or relative, in thanksgiving for a special event, as an unusual gift, or simply for yourself. Families, schools and groups can help too by sponsoring a pipe jointly.

A separate brochure (see link to pdf below) explains how you can take part, and what you will receive in return.

Please be generous in your support so that when the return of the organ in Spring 2009 is celebrated, we can also celebrate the raising of the full cost.

Further details: Sponsor A Pipe Brochure (PDF file)