I’m starting to think there is no such thing as a quiet month in the organ world! Perhaps November has been a good time to realise this with the feast of Saint Cecilia, patron saint of musicians and church music, being celebrated on 22 November. There were many images being shared of her that day on social media, more often than not at an organ the instrument most attributed to her.

Also on 22 November, the news of the death of  Sir Stephen Cleobury, former Director of Music at Kings College Cambridge, was announced. It is perhaps fitting that such a great man, knighted for services to choral music, should depart this world on the feast of St Cecilia. There are many reasons he will be remembered of course, not least for bringing Nine Lessons and Carols to the world for nearly 40 years from King’s College. Just a couple of days later, Colin Mawby, composer, organist and former Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral, also died. Similarly, he will be remembered for many wonderful reasons, not least his impassioned defence of Church Music.

Whilst many enthusiasts were not able to attend the recent concert at Westminster Cathedral, the ‘La Révolte des Orgues’ performance this month was quite rightly a much discussed event. Kathleen Austen who attended kindly wrote about her experiences in this article for The Organ Manual. There are also some short recordings on the Viscount Twitter and Facebook pages which are well worth listening to.

The past month has seen a great deal of work to organs continuing. Of particular note is the work at Salisbury Cathedral and The Blue Coat School where the pipes going back into place has been well photographed for us all to enjoy. A big thank you to Harrison and Harrison who have also shared many images on their Facebook page of the work they have been carrying out, including at Canterbury Cathedral. A highlight for us all must have been seeing the delivery of various parts of the organ by dray to The Blue School, a move recreated from over a century ago.

I am delighted that The Organ Manual has continue to enjoy its own coverage in the media as well. Several organisations and individuals have tagged The Organ Manual on twitter which helps promote the profile of the site, so I am very grateful. This month has also seen articles published in The Organ Magazine and Organists’ Review. Copies of both can be found in In the Press area of the site.

Either I haven’t kept my eyes open, or slowly but surely the number of additions is starting to decrease. Hopefully this is really helping in making The Organ Manual a one stop shop.

A summary of recent changes to The Organ Manual are detailed below. If you know of anything I should add please do drop me a line.

Finally, may I take this (slightly early) opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas. I hope the lofts aren’t too cold or dark and the benches aren’t too uncomfortable as we all spend more time at the organ during the festive season.

Best wishes

Anna