Choral Training with Dr John Bertalot. We are delighted that John Bertalot has agreed to lead a session on choral training. The event, which will include the singing of anthems, hymns and some of John's own warm-ups, is designed to cover many important aspects of choir training. It will help choir trainers, organists and singers alike, and promises to be informative, lively, and lots of fun. John's two renowned books on choir training will also be on sale. Do invite any choir members and choral trainers you know, as non-ESO members will be very welcome. To ensure we have enough music on the day, it would be helpful if you could please let Sheila Robertson know if you, and/or approximately how many other singers or choir trainers intend to come, together with the parts they sing. Finally, if you have any specific questions for John Bertalot, please email or give them to Sheila in writing before the event.
French
Romantic Repertoire with Gerard Brooks. We welcome back to Edinburgh
Gerard Brooks, arguably the finest interpreter of French Romantic repertoire in
the
11.00am - 1.00pm: Lecture-Recital. Gerard will give an overview of the riches of French Romantic repertoire, illustrating these with performances and recordings
(There will be time between 1.00pm and 2.00pm for lunch in various cafes, pubs etc in the vicinity)
2.00pm - 5.00pm: Masterclass. Gerard will lead a
practical session on playing and interpreting French Romantic repertoire on
British organs. Please note that this is open to all abilities - whether you
want to play a movement from Franck's L'Organiste or
a chunk of a Widor Symphony, you will be most welcome
to participate. However, the following points apply:
(i) Your chosen piece must be well-prepared, otherwise time may be wasted in the masterclass;
(ii) Only single pieces (or a movement from a large work) are acceptable: this gives every player a fair share of Gerard's time;
(iii) Your choice of music should fall within the period from the French Revolution (c 1789, starting with the music of Boely, for example) until the end of WWI - 1918 - 1920 (if you are unsure, please contact Jeremy Cull);
(iv) The ESO cannot arrange your rehearsal time at St Stephen's. Please contact the centre directly to arrange access to the organ in advance, either by email
(st.stephens@btopenworld.com) or telephone (0131 556 2661). Please note that the early morning of Saturday 17th will not be available;
(v) Please notify Jeremy Cull of your wish to take part, and what you wish to play, no later than Saturday 10th November, either by email (jeremycull@yahoo.co.uk) or telephone (0131 659 7686).
Favourite Recordings This evening meeting will take the form of a collated programme of ESO members' favourite recordings, together with a short musical quiz (there will be prizes...). Please let Andy Caskie know in advance if you would like to provide one of the recordings for the evening; it would be ideal if you were prepared to say a few words on why you have chosen it. Perhaps there is a recording that encouraged you to learn (or give up?!) the organ. We will have use of an excellent sound system and it is hoped that an enjoyable evening of varied repertoire will ensue. Preferred formats are CD, vinyl (33 or 45 rpm) or mp3.
Social
Luncheon. This year's social luncheon will again take place in the
elegant surroundings of the Castle Room in the New Craig building at the Craighouse Campus of
Members of the Royal School of Church Music, keen singers and ministers are all being invited to join with the ESO for a "Big-sing" choral event. This is an opportunity to come and sing a mixture of both favourite and new choral classics. With Matthew Beetschen, Organist and Choirmaster at Dunblane Cathedral and the President of RSCM Scotland conducting, and Morley Whitehead, Organist and Choirmaster at Morningside Parish accompanying, it promises to be a fun-filled afternoon of music making. The event is open to anyone who enjoys singing, but to ensure that we have enough music it would be helpful to know approximate numbers, and which vocal parts intend to be present. Although it is not essential, could you please let Sheila Robertson know by phone or email if you, your minister, choir and/or members of your congregation intend to come.
Messiaen 2008
2008 marks the centenary of the birth of Olivier Messiaen, one of the most significant composers of the twentieth century, and arguably the most important composer for the organ since J S Bach. In collaboration with the Royal College of Organists, the ESO will be presenting a number of events, and we are delighted that Susan Landale - Titulaire at Les Invalides, Paris, notable interpreter of Messiaen, and an Honorary member of the ESO - will be joining us for this weekend of celebrations. She will give a recital in St Giles Cathedral, and lead a Messiaen performance masterclass. There will also be a talk on Messiaen's life and music.
Friday 25th
April – St Giles’ Cathedral
20:00 Organ Recital by Susan Landale
Admission £7 (RCO and ESO members £5).
Saturday 26th April – St Mary’s Metropolitan RC Cathedral, Edinburgh
11:00 Lecture Messiaen and La Trinité by Professor Nigel Simeone
14:00 Masterclass given by Susan Landale on the new organ by Matthew Copley.
Admission to both Saturday events is free.
The Annual General
Meeting of the Society will be followed by a short recital on the
Wells-Kennedy organ, given by Christopher Nickol,
Director of Music at
Please note also:
Scottish
Federation of Organists Annual Conference, hosted this year by the