Messiahs in Durham
There are Messiahs of all shapes and sizes coming to Durham this Christmas season – here’s my run-down of what’s on offer.
Interview: meet Daniel Cook, Durham’s new organist
Daniel Cook takes up the post of Organist and Master of the Choristers at Durham Cathedral in the Autumn. The cathedral’s central role in in our musical world and in our wider community means that this is undoubtedly one of the most important musical jobs in the North East. In this interview for Music in Durham, Daniel talks about coming home to his dream job, the important and inspiring task of training young choristers and the musicians that inspire him.
New organist appointed at Durham Cathedral
Daniel Cook, who is currently sub-organist at Westminster Abbey has been appointed to replace James Lancelot as Organist and Master of the Choristers at Durham Cathedral. James has been at Durham for 32 years – I first encountered him when I was an undergraduate in the early 90s, as he also conducted the university choral […]
Not the Messiah…. Israel in Egypt
Royal Northern Sinfonia with Nicholas McGegan and six Samling Artist soloists bring a Handel oratorio to Durham Cathedral in Holy Week. But it’s not Messiah. I’ve been finding out more about the technicolor glories of Handel’s “Israel in Egypt” .
CD review: Francesca Massey – Bravura!
A guest review by Julian Wright of Francesca Massey’s new CD Bravura!, a recital of 20th century European organ music, recorded at Durham Cathedral, where she is sub-organist.
Messiaen – La Nativité du Seigneur
The Christmas baubles have been packed away, the thank-you letters written and the more virtuous folk out there are almost at the end of their “dry January”, but as far as the church is concerned, the Christmas season spreads gloriously out to the feast of Candlemas on 2 February. With all the other distractions out […]
DUCS to perform new Ben Rowarth work
An exciting bit of news landed in my in-box on Friday evening: the next Durham University Choral Society concert will include the first performance of a new commissioned work by recent Durham graduate Ben Rowarth. It’s called “Christus: A Passion Sequence” and is for chorus and soloists, accompanied by strings and harp. It sounds as […]
The Sixteen Choral Pilgrimage dates announced
Diaries out – The Sixteen have announced dates for their 2014 Choral Pilgrimage concerts. They’re back to their regular October slot in Durham Cathedral – they’ll be here on Friday 24 October. Booking opens in January and I’ll update my event listing as soon as I have the information. It’s another great programme with music by […]
Renaissance – Christus Natus Est
Ben Rowarth and his choir, Renaissance, jumped ahead of the Christmas starting gun, sneaking their “Christus Natus Est” concert in just a few days before Advent Sunday. And what a lovely way to start the hectic Christmas season, with calm, cool singing and an imaginative programme.
