Holy Week

It's been quite a ride these past several weeks!  Lots of exciting music, research and memorable moments.  I've been traveling to York doing research for my PhD- which has proved very exciting! Also went to the Royal College of Music in London,  as well as Cambridge and Ely, following up other research leads.  The research world is very different from the musical performance realm, but equally exciting and interesting!

My family came to visit during March, which was a wonderful new experience for them.  It was their first time to travel outside of the USA.  They spent several days in London, then came to Durham.  Everyone at the cathedral was very kind and helped them to feel welcome and to learn more about the history of this beautiful place.

Last week brought a very exciting musical moment for me- I took an organ lesson with Dame Gillian Weir.  Dame Gillian actually lives in Durham, next to the cathedral, so it was very easy to coordinate!  She is truly one of the greatest organist of all time and it was an honour and privilege to play for her.

Also during March, I played continuo harpsichord for a complete Bach "St. Matthew Passion", as well as organ for Stainer's "Crucifixion" and Rutter's "Requiem."  Quite a broad range of Lenten musical experiences!

I will be home in exactly one week.  I'm very excited about being in Houston and working at Trinity for two weeks.  Following this visit, I will return to Durham for the final 2.5 months of my stay.  I'll be back in Houston on 20 July and can't wait to settle in and start making music on a daily/weekly basis at Trinity Church.  Thanks to everyone for your support and patience during this exciting, challenging and formative time.

Happy Holy Week and Easter (when it comes...)

We three kings of Orient are- one in a taxi, one in car...

The season of Advent (and Christmas!) is in full swing and very exciting.  I managed to play "Once in Royal David's City" five times last week!  I think that's a record for me- and it's only the 7th December.  Today was a beautiful day at the Cathedral.  The choir sang Vierne "Messe solennelle" and I helped play the second organ part!  It was quite a sight in the organ loft -two people on one instrument!

I have been amazed at how well the Cathedral functions at this time of year- so many events everyday!  The St. Nicholas Procession last Saturday was especially interesting.  To see a major Cathedral open its doors to hundreds of children and expose them to a quality Christian experience was truly extraordinary.  For them to know that Santa Claus has an origin deeper than Wal-Mart is very important!  

I hope everyone in Houston and Trinity Church is doing well.  I enjoy hearing from you all!  See you on 28 December.

P.S.  This blog has become quite popular in Durham!  We even have a celebrity follower- hope you enjoy the pictures Mr Dean!

The countdown to Christmas begins...

Yesterday was a very exciting day!  Not only was it Christ the King Sunday, but also the Commemoration of Founders and Benefactors of Durham Cathedral.  This was a huge service with many important officials.  The Preacher was the Archbishop of York.  The head producer from the BBC Choral Evensong was also there and I got to meet him!

The weekend was also filled with big events:  a wedding for a former organ scholar, the Feast of St. Cecilia (we did Britten: Hymn to St. Cecilia), and the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Durham Cathedral Choir Association.

This weekend begins Advent with the Advent Procession on Saturday and Sunday.  Then the real fun is upon us!  There is a carol service of some sort in the cathedral EVERYDAY during December.  I'm playing about 8 of them.

Today is my day off.  Got lots of work to do to get ahead!  Oh, must not forget- it snowed yesterday!

Half-term

We've been on half-term break since Saturday.  I was never so glad to walk the boys back to the school on Friday evening and say, "see you in a week!"  They were glad to go too!  The day before, I had to do their practice in the morning, because James (Organist) was away in London playing a recital.  We rehearsed the Faure "Requiem" which we are singing this Sunday morning for the Requiem Eucharist.  It was a good practice and they were actually very nice to me.  It was also Fancy Dress day at the school (each child pays money to a charity to dress as they wish).  One boy dressed as "Tiny the Cleaner!"  WONDERFUL!  I told him if he didn't behave, he would have to clean the entire cathedral.

Saturday and Sunday were days of rest and sleep for me!  Sunday night, I had dinner with the Chapter Steward, Anne Heywood.  Anne is a lovely person who has a special North Carolina connection.  She was a foreign exchange student in the 1960s at Morganton High School (my home town!)  She actually knew members of my family!  Small world!

Monday was a fun day-  The Succentor (person in charge of worship and liturgy at the cathedral) and I took a road trip to the coast town of Whitby.  It is a nice town on the North Sea.  Wonderful Fish and Chips- we queued for an hour! There are also ruins from a Medieval Abbey among other ancient things.  

Today was filled with organ practice as is tomorrow.  The Choral Scholars come back on Thursday and we will do Evensong.  The boys are back Friday morning and life resumes as normal.

Happy Halloween!

Almost a month...

Well, it will be one month on Wednesday since arriving in Durham.  Things are good and VERY busy.  I've made lots of friends and everyone is so nice.  Tonight was Evensong for the Old Choristers Association.  Richard Lloyd, the former Organist and Master of the Choristers was in attendance.  The Sub-Organist was out of town and so it was my job to play the entire Evensong.  Very fun, but lots of work!  I'll post some more photos.  The weather is quite cool and the autumn is settling in.  Such beautiful country.  More later...

The day of arrival and first week...

I have arrived!  AND it is cold!  Durham is such a beautiful place, but at the same time, I'm having homesick moments.  Monday night I had dinner with the Organist and Master of the Choristers (James Lancelot) and his wife Sylvia.  They live in the College, which is the housing the cathedral provides for its staff and clergy.  I, however, am living across the street in a College- St. John's.  I began attending practices, etc... on Tuesday morning.  The boys practice every morning at 8.10am and then again with the men at 4.15pm.  Friday was a very special day this week- The Princess Royal (Anne) came to Durham for a Royal Visit!  I actually saw her and waved at her as she drove past.  Beginning this evening and all tomorrow, I am playing the organ for services.  This includes two Evensongs, Matins and a Eucharist.  The Sub-Organist, Keith Wright is directing whilst the Lancelots take their youngest daughter off to Bristol to begin school.  Monday is my day off!  More later....