The assembled audience included people from across the city, as well as invited guests from the world of the arts, culture and the city, including Members of Parliament, Bradford City of Culture 2025, and members of the Bradford City FC Community Foundation. ‘Songs for Ukraine’ is a creative exchange between the Royal Opera House and displaced Ukrainians produced by ROH Learning & Participation. The project has created a space for 150 Ukrainians to make music and connect with one another, and with the Royal Opera House. Beginning in September 2022, the project has continued to grow and evolve, with the group performing for the first time at the Royal Opera House in March 2023. The concert featured the Songs for Ukraine Choir alongside, from Bradford, the Fiyalka and Dibrova choirs, as well as lay clerks from Bradford Cathedral and the Grace Notes, the Cathedral’s young community choir. The programme included ancient pre-Christian carols to the well-loved “Carol of the Bells”. As is customary in Ukrainian song culture, this included “Kolyadka” which signifies the birth of Christ and “Shchedrivka” which brings wishes for well-being, a rich harvest, and family happiness.You can read the full piece at https://bradfordcathedral.org.uk/2023/12/12/songs-for-ukraine-chorus/
Having started with a beautiful and reflective Advent Procession; a sold-out concert with the Black Dyke Band; and an exciting collaboration with the Royal Opera House, Bradford Cathedral’s Advent and Christmas season continues with more services and events up to, and including, Christmas Day. On Saturday 23rd December, Bradford Cathedral will hold ‘An International Christmas’. All are welcome to this informal Christmas service featuring music and readings from Christians from Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, India, Sudan, Hong Kong and other communities based in- and around- Bradford. The free service, which begins at 6pm, will conclude with light refreshments including food from some of these cultural traditions. The Revd Ned Lunn, Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts, says:“Jesus Christ came to bring good news to all peoples and nations; to all cultures and languages. We remind ourselves each year that the angels announced his birth with a joyful song heralding peace to all humankind and this year particularly we're inviting all to join that song as we weave this good news into the rich fabric of our city. “With as many different tongues from our diverse Christian community across the district we will proclaim the unique message of Christmas for our city and beyond. We invite you to come and join the song.”Having started with a beautiful and reflective Advent Procession; a sold-out concert with the Black Dyke Band; and an exciting collaboration with the Royal Opera House, Bradford Cathedral’s Advent and Christmas season continues with more services and events up to, and including, Christmas Day.On Saturday 23rd December, Bradford Cathedral will hold ‘An International Christmas’. All are welcome to this informal Christmas service featuring music and readings from Christians from Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, India, Sudan, Hong Kong and other communities based in- and around- Bradford.The free service, which begins at 6pm, will conclude with light refreshments including food from some of these cultural traditions.The Revd Ned Lunn, Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts, says:“Jesus Christ came to bring good news to all peoples and nations; to all cultures and languages. We remind ourselves each year that the angels announced his birth with a joyful song heralding peace to all humankind and this year particularly we're inviting all to join that song as we weave this good news into the rich fabric of our city. “With as many different tongues from our diverse Christian community across the district we will proclaim the unique message of Christmas for our city and beyond. We invite you to come and join the song.”
Mr Buzzard, who died last year at the age of 95, left every Church of England cathedral a bequest in his will, alongside a short report of his visit to each one, which he did over a 10-year period. He visited Bradford Cathedral in December 1997, as the final Cathedral on his pilgrimage.This legacy will go towards supporting the ministry and work of the Cathedral.You can read more about his thoughts on Bradford Cathedral at https://bradfordcathedral.org.uk/2023/12/08/the-man-who-loved-cathedrals-leaves-legacy-gift-to-bradford-cathedral-alongside-memories-of-his-visit/You can read more about Frank Buzzard and his legacy at https://www.englishcathedrals.co.uk/latest-news/frank-buzzard-the-man-who-loved-cathedrals/
In this edition of ‘Notes from an Organist’ we discover more about them, and what to expect from their recital, including what he most loves about playing the organ; his love of running; and whether he would ever swap the organ console for a pair of football boots!Could you introduce yourself, how you got into music / become an organist and your musical journey to where you are today?I have wanted to be a musician (organist/ conductor specifically) for as long as I can remember. My father used to be the organist at Banbury Parish Church and I used to go along to Sunday services with him and sit on the organ bench as a very keen 2 year old!What can people expect from your recital at Bradford Cathedral?I have tried to programme a varied selection of seasonal music, with something for everyone! You can be sure that I’ll do my best to use every stop on the organ!Why do you enjoy playing the organ?I love that no two instruments are the same. You can have two stops on two different organs that are called the same, but they sound completely different! It is also a great pleasure to get to be ‘let loose’ on these instruments in such beautiful buildings!Do you have a particular favourite piece out of those you are playing?That’s a tricky one! I try to only programme music that I love playing, but if I had to choose one, I would have to say the Bruhns. I find his music fascinating and feel that I can really resonate with it. I love the variety of sounds and textures that can be explored – it’s a great piece for showing off all of the organs’ colours.This recital season we are celebrating ‘Fanfares and Fireworks – Celebrating the Return of the Organ’. How are you weaving that theme into your recital?As mentioned, I have chosen a varied programme that, I hope, allows me to ‘show off’ the organ in al it’s glory! You will hear the whole dynamic range in my recital, from the very quieter sounds, all the way to the full organ!Are you looking forward to playing / hearing our refurbished organ?I certainly am! I have heard much about it from your Graham Thorpe and am very much looking forward to hearing and playing it!You ran a half marathon back in October. Did you enjoy it?I did! So much so, that I am running another one in January and travelling to Sweden in May to run the Gothenburg Half Marathon!You have played recitals all over the world. Have any particular places stood out to you as ones you’ve enjoyed visiting / playing?I have been very fortunate to perform in several countries and I have enjoyed them all immensely. However, it is always wonderful to perform in the USA. The audiences there are often large and very appreciative! I’m very much looking forward to traveling to New York City in April to perform some concerts there, including at St Thomas’ Church Fifth Avenue.At Norwich Cathedral you oversaw media and digital worship – how did you find that?I very much enjoyed it. I have always been interested in Music Technology, having studied it at A-Level, so it is somewhat of a hobby of mine.Back in 2005 you were a soloist in the Young Voices Tour of the UK – what was that like to be involved in?This was an incredible experience for a 10 year old boy! I travelled the length and breadth of the British isles (chauffeured by my mother!) and got to perform in the countries’ biggest arenas and concert halls alongside some of the biggest names in pop music!Away from music, you’re a keen footballer. Were you ever tempted to swap the organ for football boots?Tempted yes, but music has always occupied the no.1 spot! I much prefer having my twice weekly 5-a-side football sessions with friends!Finally, how would you sum up your upcoming recital at Bradford Cathedral?In short, fun and festive!You can join us on Wednesday 13th December 2023 at 1pm to hear George’s organ recital, with an optional £4 buffet lunch beforehand at 12:30pm.
