The British Institute of Organ Studies Conference - The making of the English Organ, A Study Day
St Swithun's Church, Worcester, Worcestershire
As a contribution to the CCT’s Sound & Art at St Swithun’s programme, the British Institute of Organ Studies are holding a day conference in this historic grade I church. The focus will be the exploration of some of Worcester’s early adventures in organ provision.
As a contribution to the CCT’s Sound & Art at St Swithun’s programme, the British Institute of Organ Studies are holding a day conference in this historic grade I church. The focus will be the exploration of some of Worcester’s early adventures in organ provision.
In 1795, Robert and William Gray provided (at least) the third organ to stand in St Swithun’s church and, in 1844, John Nicholson (late of Rochdale and then settled in Worcester) enlarged the instrument. It features in James Berrow’s new book, The making of an English organ builder: John Nicholson of Worcester, published by BIOS last August. The Covid pandemic made it impossible for BIOS to launch the book at that time, but hopes that all those interested in the history of the organ, its builders, music and technology, will gather in Worcester to celebrate the reprint of a book which is hoped will be the first in a series.
Other contributors will be the historian Tim Bridges who will talk about St Swithun’s, its architecture, social and religious role and Andrew McCrea, will demonstrate the Gray / Nicholson organ and its place in church life. Dr Berrow will talk about the background to his continuing research and some recent discoveries. Dominic Gwynn will address the controversies surrounding the Worcester Cathedral organ in the 1660s, including some clues about what constituted a cathedral organ at the time, and Nicholas Freestone and Christopher Allsopp will again mark the 450th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Tomkins. These latter contributions are linked by the famous Dallam family of organ builders. Historic documentation will also be on view.
A full programme will be published in due course. The event is open to all and further details will be available through the BIOS website.
The cost is £35, to include lunch. To purchase a ticket click here
To download a booking form for payment via cheque click here