RCO launches autumn 2023 events programme

The Royal College of Organists (RCO) has announced an ambitious autumn events programme to be delivered at venues across the UK and overseas.

Starting in Ormskirk and concluding in London, the programme comprises a mix of short classes, one-day courses and other events designed to support organists and choral directors with everything from practice and performance technique to examination preparation and professional skills.

The autumn season kicks off on 9 September at Ormskirk Parish Church, where John Kitchen will be leading an open repertoire performance class on the fine romantic organ.

We move to Newcastle Cathedral on 23 September for a study day with Magnus Williamson and Terence Charlston, marking the 400th anniversary of William Byrd’s death. The month closes on 30 September at London’s St George’s Church, Hanover Square, where David Hill will be leading a choral directing workshop.

The second in the ‘Working Webinars’ series for RCO members takes place on 5 October, exploring the critical issues around working with children and vulnerable adults.

On 7 October, RCO Accredited Teacher Jeremiah Stephenson will be on the vintage four-manual at Harrison & Harrison organ at All Saints’ Church, London W1, to lead a class on improvising in church services. The following week, Ian Hare will exploring The Voluntary in a class on 14 October using the newly restored organ at St Oswald’s Church in Ambleside.

We head overseas on 21 October with a weekend in the Netherlands providing an unmissable chance to play organs by Christian Muller, Adema/Philbert, Wilhelm Sauer, Van Covelens, and Van Hagerbeer/Schnitger.

Back in the UK, 21 October also sees our first TOSE-in-a-Day event in the north of England, with teachers Tom Bell and Cathy Lamb heading to York to bring our famous The Organ Student Experience (TOSE) to teenage organists of grade 5+ level.

Again on 21 October, we’ll be at St Giles’ Cripplegate Church in London for a class on harmonising Bach chorales – ideal for those working towards ARCO, as well as those seeking to develop their understanding of keyboard and written harmony more generally.

November begins with the RCO Organ Forum at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Join us on 4 November for 21st-century Bach, a day of music making and discussion looking at the possibilities for the contemporary performance of Bach's organ music.

And the month concludes with an organ playing study day for anyone entered for, or considering, CRCO, ARCO or FRCO examinations. Join our team at Lincoln’s Inn Chapel in London on 25 November for invaluable support and preparation towards the organ playing section (pieces and keyboard musicianship).

For more details and booking for all these events and more, please visit www.rco.org.uk/events