Michaelmas Term 2016

Carlisle Cathedral Choirs Association

Newsletter

The past few months have brought into focus the fact that the support and encouragement that the Association seeks to provide to all the Cathedral choirs and their members both past and present covers an extensive age range. In June the Association hosted a social event for new probationers and their parents, when, after a tour of the Cathedral, they enjoyed tea in Canon Kearton’s house. These probationers were just setting out on their choral experience that it is hoped they will develop, enjoy and benefit from in the years to come.

In contrast, at a recent Committee meeting, Alan Wilcock and his wife, Dorothy, were elected as Honorary Life Members of the Association in recognition of the considerable contribution they have made to the Cathedral music over many years and, in particular, Alan’s 46 years as a lay clerk and 22 years as the lay clerk representative on the Association Committee.

In August another significant milestone was recognised when Jeremy Suter gave an Organ Recital to a large and appreciative audience marking his 25 years as the Master of the Music. The retiring collection of £472 was generously donated to the Association’s funds.

The Cathedral Choirs provide the opportunity for boys and girls to start out as probationers, develop as choristers, subsequently to join the Youth Choir and then to move on to the back rows as Choral Scholars or Lay Clerks. This progress in a singing career is supported by the social and fund raising events that the Association is able to organise. In July there was a second Singathon. This time it lasted for six hours and involved the Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs, the Youth Choir and Carlisle Cantate, the children’s community choir. It was a successful and thoroughly enjoyable occasion.

The Association Committee is now busy planning the social and fund raising events for the coming academic year and is also considering means of encouraging new members to facilitate the development of the Association’s activities

If you would like to support the musical life of the Cathedral by becoming a member of the Association please contact Mr David Wilson, Membership Secretary, 17 St James’ Road, Carlisle CA2 5NX E-mail d.wilson17@talktalk.net

Ellis Amos

From the Chairman

The summer term was dominated by the Queen’s 90th birthday: the choir’s involvement in no fewer than three services marking the event helped both to raise its profile and enhance its monarchistic credentials. Separate services for the county and city featured Handel’s coronation anthem Zadok the priest, Parry’s I was glad and William Byrd’s O Lord, make thy servant Elizabeth. A week later the choir sang Evensong in St. Michael’s, Burgh by Sands to coincide with the village’s own celebration of the monarch’s birthday.

Last term’s experiment of involving both boys and girls in the 10.30 Sunday Eucharist proved to be a success and so will continue for the remainder of the year. Many choristers exceeded the minimum 50% attendance, and some sang every week, which was most encouraging.

In the annual Ford Prize Matthew Warwick scored the top mark for the second year in succession, and so, in accordance with the regulations, prizes were awarded to the two joint runners up, Martin Atkinson and Glory Poothavelil. At the end of the summer term we bade farewell to our organ scholar, Max Smith, and five choristers, four of whom have since joined the Youth Choir.

On the first official Sunday of term we welcomed Jack Stone as our first full time resident organ scholar and admitted four new choristers. Beth Robinson is the new Head Girl and Martin Atkinson Deputy Head Boy. Some choristers decided not to return after the summer break, but the remainder are in good heart and working hard.

A Be a Chorister for a Day event was held at the beginning of September, resulting in three new girl probationers. Meanwhile Jack and I are visiting a number schools in the first few weeks of term and hope that this will produce further recruits.

Jeremy Suter

Cathedral Choir News

Jeremy Suter 25yrs

Master of the Music

On Sunday September 1st 1991, I conducted my first service as Master of the Music. This year, on the first Sunday in September, several choristers and lay clerks volunteered to return to choir a day early in order to help me mark the completion of 25 years’ service. On this occasion I played the organ and Jonathan Millican, who was a 10 year old chorister when I took over, conducted the choir. A few days earlier the vergers’ department arranged a party for some of the people I have worked with during my time at Carlisle. The piece de resistance was a three manual “organ” made out of vegetables, cheese and breadsticks.

Jeremy Suter

An ‘Organ Cake’ prepared for the celebrations by, James Armstrong, Head Verger.

Auction of Promises

In the last Newsletter it was reported that £2653 had been raised for the Choirs Association from the Auction of Promises that was held in March. Thirty-seven Promises, that had generously been donated, came under the hammer in the expert hands of Mr Stephen Farthing. A varied and attractive selection of Promises was available to be bid for and here are a few examples of the experiences that have since been enjoyed.

Beware Promises Auctions! I bought a Masterclass with the Conductor of the Carlisle City Orchestra before one of their rehearsals, and tickets to one of their concerts. So far so good. Fantastic Concert; Masterclass several weeks away. No panic! The date arrives. Panic!! But - ever hopeful, and extremely nervous, I duly had my Masterclass, and then mounted the podium in front of what appeared to be a vast array of instruments; far more than the little orchestra of which I’m a member. But - I managed to deal with a small part of Glinka’s Overture to the opera 'Ruslan and Ludmilla’ without disgracing myself, and - I actually enjoyed the experience, although the Conductor, Leon Reimer, had to keep reminding me to "SMILE". But, as I keep telling my family, "I like an adventure." And it was. The Revd Ferial Etherington

As the idiom states An Englishman's Home is his Castle. For some time we have thought that a painting of our home, where we have lived for 40 years, would act as a lasting memory should we ever move. The Auction of Promises presented that opportunity with Pat Porter promising to undertake a commission. We were fortunate to have our bid accepted and Pat appeared, took photographs and within a short period presented us with a superb watercolour of our home. It is proudly displayed in our hallway and in addition to giving us great pleasure it has been greatly admired by visitors. Dr Bill Paterson

In 2015 I bought and read James Rebanks’ book about his life working the land in the Lake District fells. It became a publishing sensation that topped the Sunday Times best-seller list. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and being from a farming background and living within the district where the book was set I could relate to all that was written. So I was delighted when I successfully secured at the Auction of Promises tickets to the production of The Shepherd’s Life at the Theatre by the Lake and a backstage tour.

The play is a family saga that follows a shepherd's year through the seasons, from grueling winters digging sheep out of the snow, through to the excitement of lambing time. Intrigued by how it would be depicted on stage, I have to say the performance certainly didn't disappoint. This was topped by a fascinating tour backstage with Assistant Producer, Tess Ellison. I was amazed at how small an area they had to work in and keep all the props needed. I am sure great organisation, management and discipline is required to make sure all runs smoothly. My sincere thanks to all concerned for a truly magnificent and enjoyable evening.

A warm, sunny July afternoon and my bid becomes reality- The Flying Experience at Carlisle Airport. For the technically minded I was going up in a Piper Warrior 4 seater. Met my instructor, and then the first challenge - getting into the plane! No Jet2.com stairs, rather a climb onto the wing and swing into the cockpit. Here to be confronted with a mind-boggling array of dials. Headphones on, then an explanation of the layout and instruments. Now we get underway- I was asked to taxi down the runway following the yellow line. What I couldn't believe was that I had two foot pedals, much like a child's pedal car, to direct the plane. Take off (I didn't do that bit)! and away. Once in the air I was allowed to take the controls called a yoke, not a steering wheel although that's what it looks like! We started the sightseeing. The route took us over Irthington, Brampton, Lanercost , coming back via Walton, when I was able to look down our house (must clean the gutters out)! Soaring through the skies gave me an extraordinary view of the countryside, landmarks and houses from a completely and new perspective. A real highlight of the trip for me was the freedom of the skies and then coming back to earth (no bump), and some more peddling to finish off. Isobel Newing

What prompted me to bid for a horse riding lesson at the Auction of Promises? I have always loved horses but in childhood I did not move in those circles of privilege associated with horse riding, When I was about 15, a racehorse trainer made me the very serious offer of making me into a jockey! "I'll make you rich in five years" he said "whereas if you just stay on at school, you just plod on for years without getting anywhere." My past experiences on horseback have been confined to pony rides on the beach but I am an admirer of the philosopher and polymath Rudolf Steiner who said that mankind has a very special relationship with the horse which ennobles both horse and human. So with these mixed and certainly irrational motives I bid for a horse riding lesson!

On 14th April, somewhat tentatively, I set off for the Boustead Hill Equestrian Centre Burgh by Sands. My instructor's name was Jenny, I read and signed all the appropriate papers, stating that I fully understood the various risks to life and limb and was then introduced to my mount named Billie, a 12-year-old black gelding measuring 14.2 hands. He turned out to be a very good-natured gentle animal. I’d seen jockeys, (and cowboys in the westerns) leap onto their mounts and was a little apprehensive as to how I was to get on to Billie. To my relief and embarrassment a stepladder was provided. I was pleased that no one I knew was there to watch! I was given a short tutorial as to how to get Billie to start and stop and was pleasantly surprised as to how compliant and biddable he was as he set about walking zigzag across the training ground. We then moved on to a very modest trot. It was an empowering experience. Meanwhile, as if to show me up, two or three young girls and frisky ponies came cantering into the ground leaping over the jumps. Horses and girls also seem to be having a glorious time, and I could sense that poor Billie was dying to join them. We subsequently went for a short walk on tarmac, and that was the end of my lesson. I was disappointed that it was over so quickly. Many thanks to the Equestrian Centre, Jenny and Billie. Dr. Arthur Paynter

Singathon

On Saturday 2 July the Cathedral resounded to a six hour Singathon. The Boys’ and Girls’ Choir, the Youth Choir and Carlisle Cantate, the Cathedral children’s community choir each performed for a total of two hours. An appreciative audience of supporters, and tourists visiting the Cathedral during the day, were able to enjoy a wide range of music during this vocal marathon that raised £1102 for the Choirs Association

Photographs courtesy of The Cumberland News

Christmas Cards

Disigned by the Cathedral Choristers

Are available from No.6 The Abbey

£3 per pack of six or 50p each.

Report on the Carliol Choir

Since the previous Newsletter, the Carliol Choir has sung at Cathedral services on Sundays 29th May and 7th August. In the Michaelmas Term they will be singing on Sunday 23rd October and at the Eden Valley Hospice Carol Service on Friday 9th December at 7.30 p.m. This will be a celebration of the Hospice’s 25th anniversary. During the Christmas vacation they will also be singing at the Sung Eucharist only on New Year’s Day.

Continuing the practice of singing in other churches in the Diocese, the Carliol Choir sang Choral Evensong in Wetheral Parish Church on Sunday 5th June to a substantial congregation. The service was led by Nigel Holmes and the organ was played by Jordan English. Afterwards we repaired to the Crown Hotel for our annual social gathering and meal.

An interesting coincidence is that two members of the choir attended the same school in Hull as the Musical Director, Hymers College. Whilst at Wetheral, we seized the opportunity of taking a photograph, which is attached to this report, showing Ian Watson and Brian Lowe in their robes. Ian Hare

Membership of the choir is holding up well, although we could possibly do with another regular bass, to help balance the ensemble. This and other matters will be discussed at a meeting of the Steering Group on Thursday 13th October at 6.15 p.m. in the Prior’s Room.

Brian Lowe Ian Hare Ian Watson

At the Cathedral we believe God cares for all areas of life : Monday to Saturday as well as Sunday, the county , nation and world, as well as the City : so our core task is to pray daily for them all.

As Canon Missioner, my particular brief is to make sure we look ‘outwards’ where God is at work, as much as ‘inwards’ where we offer our prayer and song.

Cathedral PLUS has developed as a series of monthly special services, preceded by a workshop, and recently a CAFÉ CHURCH , running every Sunday in term-time - an informal meeting beginning with snacks, leading into an informal service. The vision behind Cathedral PLUS, is to offer an alternative ‘way in’ to God , to complement the traditional ‘way in’ of cathedral services. It tries to balance the formality of our cathedral processions, with the informality of gathering informally; the fear of needing to know ‘what to do’, with a more spontaneous relaxed format; the challenge of concentrated teaching through sermons, with more visual and activity-based learning for all ages and all stages of faith. Adults, youth and families should be able to worship together.

Using videos, new music, stories and even aerobics, Cathedral PLUS seeks to engage the ‘whole’ person : allowing the energy of the young as well as the thoughtfulness of the older, to be expressed and flourish : ‘hearts and minds and hands and voices’ All are welcome to try it out : come and see !

Canon Michael Manley

Hearts and minds and hands and voices ?

Carlisle Cantate

Cantate continued to sing to a high standard in the wake of their performance at the music competition earlier in the year. The summer Outreach concert was the main focus of the summer term as due to lack of numbers our concert in Ambleside was postponed. The choir had the opportunity to sing a complex song from the musical ‘Wicked’ called ‘For Good’ followed by the always favourite ‘Defying gravity’ from the same show. Both went down well in the Cantate spot at the concert.

The Ambleside trip was not completely cancelled as we decided to take the 9 members who were available and their families on a social day out to thank them for all their hard work over the previous year. An early start was made and we travelled to Fellfoot Park on Lake Windemere where we played games, used the adventure playground and had a picnic in the wonderful weather before hopping on a boat across to the aquarium. We had a very knowledgeable guide which really enhanced the visit! Ice creams all round afterwards before heading back to Carlisle. All in all, a very pleasant day out and a nice end to the term.

September has seen the departure of a few members but we’ve also gained 3 new members which is always encouraging. Work was started in haste for the first of six performances this term which was the cathedral PLUS Eucharist where for the first time we would be singing the mass setting with the cathedral choirs, Bob Chilcott’s ‘Jazz Mass’. A few days later we performed at Pennine Lodge care home a programme of old favourites including Mary Poppins, Sound of Music and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

A busy year is ahead with a performance in 2017 with Keswick Choral Society, fundraising and carol singing at Sainsburys, 3 outreach concerts and much more. Look out for our new glossy leaflet. My thanks to Max Smith for last years accompanying and to Jack Stone for his work so far and of course to Anna Howard for keeping us on the straight and narrow.

Ed Taylor

Youth Choir

After having survived the stresses and strains of the public exam period the choir were back in full swing in June in preparation for their cathedral concert on June 23rd. I chose a programme for this performance of works from the English choral tradition that had been favourites of the choir over the past few years to give the many departing members a final opportunity to sing them in the magnificent setting of Carlisle Cathedral.

Come the night of the concert the choir were on excellent form and a small but appreciative audience of about 50 people joined us to celebrate the achievements of the choir over the past few years. The concert opened with Parry’s ‘I was glad’, moving through works by Stanford, Sullivan, Wilby, Mawby, Moore and ending with Elgar’s majestic ‘Great is the Lord’. The concert was recorded with the intention of releasing a CD sometime in the near future of excerpts from the concert. Watch this space for details of its sale in due course.

A couple of weeks later, on July 2nd, the Youth Choir was part of the Singathon fundraising event at the cathedral, covering two hours of singing during the day. In total 6 hours was covered by all the cathedral choirs and plenty of money was raised. Fun was had by all, especially those who had a go at conducting the choir and in Robert Henderson’s case, climbing the stairs to the organ loft for his debut accompanying experience!

Gabriel Fauré

Requiem

All Souls EucharistAll Souls EucharistAll Souls EucharistAll Souls Eucharist

Sung by the Cathedral Youth Choir

Wednesday 2nd November 7:30pm

Carlisle Cathedral

Conducted by The Master of the Music

Mr Jeremy Suter

The year came to an end two weeks later with a Jubilant final evensong including Dysons Canticles in D and once again Elgars ‘Great is the Lord’. A patching session for the CD of moments from the concert followed, as did this photo(!) and then dinner at Pizza express was enjoyed by all. The choir has had an exciting few years and my thanks for the hard work and commitment from all who have now left; Emily Milburn, Ophelia Appelby, Megan Hunter, Hannah Ord, Alexia Rowell, Robert Henderson, Sam Mead, Jonathan Hill and Will James. My best wishes to them all for their future study and careers.

In September I was extremely pleased to welcome so many new members, mainly from the cathedral choirs but also from outside of the cathedral. Two sisters, Zoe and Ombretta Crouch join the soprano ranks alongside Molly Bradley, Jessica Evans and Charlie Butcher who join from the cathedral choir. Eli Crook has joined as a tenor. I am grateful to Jack Stone, the cathedrals new organ scholar who has agreed to sing tenor for us also. Term has started well with the main focus being on blending the choir, getting used to singing together and of course for many of them learning a brand new repertoire on a weekly basis. On top of this it falls to the choir to sing for the All Souls Requiem this year under Jeremy Suters baton in my absence of paternity leave. Work will also need to start very soon on Christmas music for the Border Regiment Carol Service and also the joint concert between the cathedral choirs and the Youth Choir later in December.

Cathedral Staff

This Summer we saw some changes in our Cathedral staff

Leaving us were

Ian Burns who retired from his position as Bursar and Chapter Clerk after almost 15yrs at the Cathedral.

Max Smith our Organ Scholar last year, has taken up the post of Assistant Organist at Peel Cathedral, Isle of Man.

We wish them both well

Joining our Cathedral Staff

Sharon Parr, Director of Strategic Operations, Starting 7th November.

Jenny Finnegan, part time Finance Manager, starting 26th October.

Grant Raw, Chef-Manager, Priors Kitchen, started in July.

Jack Stone is our new Organ Scholar who joined us in September.

We wish them well in their new positions

Jack Stone, Organ Scholar, writes:

I have recently graduated from the Royal College of Music in London in organ playing. Having not been a chorister myself as a child I am looking forward to being taught the craft of working as a Cathedral Musician and teaching talented children the art of music with liturgy.

Cathedral Choir CD

Imagined Corners

Contemporary anthems and settings

composed for Carlisle Cathedral

by

David Baxter, Mark Blatchly, June Clark, Harold East, Tamsin Jones, Richard Lloyd, John McLeod, Jonathan Millican, Andrew

Seivewright, Adrian Self, Robin Walker.

Available in the Cathedral Gift Shop

Also Available:

Cathedral Choir, Praise to the Holiest in the Height, We will go into the house of the Lord, The Choral Music of Frederick Wadely Youth Choir, God is gone up with a triumphant shout Carliol Choir, To thee, O Lord

Upcoming Events

Wednesday 2 November, All Souls Eucharist sung by Cathedral Youth Choir. Faure Requiem Conducted by Mr Jeremy Suter Friday 9 December, Eden Valley Hospice Carol Service 7:30pm Friday 16 December, Christmas Concert ‘Deck the Hall’ 7:30pm in the Cathedral. Sung by the Cathedral Choir and Youth Choir. Directed by Jeremy Suter, Edward Taylor with Jack Stone (organ).

In aid of the Choirs Association

Sunday 30 October All Saints Eucharist. Choristers, Probationers and Youth Choir. Sunday 13 November Remembrance Service, Cathedral Choristers. Carlisle Cathedral 10:00am Tuesday 15 November Judges Service, Cathedral Choristers. Carlisle Cathedral 10:30am