Music News - August-September 2026
News first from our organ scholars, past and present. Elliot Randall completed his studies at the Royal College of Music by giving his final recital in the RCM concert hall, attended by Oli King. It was a truly superb performance and so we wish him well with the results of his degree and for his continuing role as organ scholar at St Martin in the Fields.
Our current organ scholar completed a week of work experience at Durham Cathedral. James was able to attend the daily rehearsals, received lessons on the cathedral organ and was invited to play before Evensong: a credit to his ability and a fantastic opportunity to experience first-hand the daily work of a cathedral organist. What a tribute to our Director of Music and his expert training of young musicians.
Joyful Noise had a busy summer, singing beautifully at the Family Service on the 5th July. Their production of The Princess and the Pea, given in the Parish Rooms on Friday 10th was a tribute both to them and to their new leader, Helen.
The SMMA have funded a replacement for the small electronic organ in the choir stalls, known as “The Toaster” by church organists. The old instrument was in its declining years and the replacement is an invaluable tool at rehearsals and services alike. Many thanks to Oli and Hannah for a day trip to Bicester to pick it up!
Wednesday's lunchtime concerts have concluded for the summer holiday. They have encompassed a wide variety of performers and some beautifully chosen programmes. These concerts involve an enormous amount of work for Hannah and for all those from the choir who help front-of-house and with baking and sandwich making. Details of further concerts and the Celebrity Organ Recital by Jonathan Scott on 24th October will be in the next bulletin.
The choir takes its well-earned August break now and so we thank them for their ongoing support and for the time and dedication they give to St Mary’s.
Philip Sunderland