Saturday Morning Coffee Concerts

10:30am, St John's Church, St John's Road, Harpenden (The Church on the Common)

16th October: Roger Carter (organ) - Sweelinck, Bach, Franck, Dubois

13th November: Kate Suthers (violin), Alexander Rolton (cello) - Solo string music by Bach played by two students from the Royal Academy of Music

11th December: Roger Carter (organ) - Music for Advent and Christmas

Admission free, retiring collection

Directions at: www.stjohnsharpenden.org.uk

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

Christopher Muhley - St Albans Cathedral Music Trust

The great organ at St Albans Cathedral was restored and tonally enhanced in 2009 and now is once again fully operational. 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 comprised 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 were made including the addition of a 32-foot reed.

Through donations to the organ restoration fund and other gifts, the St Albans Cathedral Music Trust has been able to allocate some £690,000 towards the scheme. This enabled the contract to be signed and the work carried out. However the need to close the gap on the total cost of £830,000 is urgent.

One way of helping is through the "Sponsor a Pipe" scheme, which has 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 we can also celebrate the raising of the full cost.

Further details: Sponsor A Pipe Brochure (PDF file)

Vacancy: Organist and Director of Music

Great St Mary's, Sawbridgeworth, Herts

An exciting opportunity for a creative and inspiring musician with an enthusiasm for teaching youngsters.

We are a lively parish with a strong musical tradition. Enthusiastic robed choir of adults and children. Good 2 manual organ.

One Sunday Eucharist, Sunday Evensong, major festivals and Friday evening choir practice. Other services by arrangement. £5000 per year, plus fees for weddings and funerals.

This post is subject to Enhanced CRB check.

Details from:

The Revd Canon R.F. Sibson,
The Vicarage Sheering Mill Lane, Sawbridgeworth, Herts CM21 9ND

email:

[Item added: 5 February 2010]

Vacancy: Director of Music/Organist

St Peter's Church, Parish of Mill End, Rickmansworth, Herts.

Required from April 2010, on the retirement of Roger Harris, to continue our musical development within the catholic tradition of the C of E. Duties include directing and inspiring our able, enthusiastic choirs and playing for weekly Sunday services (10.30 Eucharist, 6pm Evensong), monthly choral Evensong, major festivals/Saints Days, weddings and funerals. Deputies are available if required. The small RSCM affiliated adult (SATB) and junior choirs rehearse weekly separately. We have a 2 manual + pedals tracker action organ. RSCM rates plus fees apply. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Details from:

Father Nicholas Pnematicatos,
Tel: 07703 566787

email:

Parish website: www.parishofmillend.org.uk

[Item added: 11 November 2009]