Sacred Sounds

In this episode, Simon Lole reflects on his lifelong love of choral evensong, from his days as a chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral tohis work as a cathedral director of music and, today, leading choral evensong in the parish.

His conversation explores why evensong remains such apowerful form of worship, the challenges facing parish choirs, and how ‘Come and Sing’ events can bring new singers into the tradition. Simon also shares practical advice on choosing repertoire, welcoming singers and creating an experience that people will want to return to.

In this episode, Paul Hedley speaks with David Mason of Viscount Classical Organs about the changing world of digital organs, from the early days of electronic instruments to the realism made possible through physical modelling technology. Their conversation explores what gives an organ its sense of life and musicality, how digital instruments respond within sacred spaces, and the unique challenges of bringing sound into some of Britain’s great cathedrals and churches.

Insightful discussions on caring for church buildings and their future. The first interview brings together Paul Hedley, RSCM deputy director, and Jennie Schillig, senior church buildingsofficer for the Diocese of Oxford. Schillig explains how her team supports parishes from the earliest stages of every project, whether routine repairs, ambitious re-orderings or major organ works.

The second interview sees Nicholas Cleobury speak with David Knight, deputy director for church buildings at the ChurchCommissioners, about the wider landscape of church buildings nationally.

To accompany the December issue of Church Music Quarterly, this episode of Sacred Sounds features an interview with Ian Hare, who recalls his memories of Sir David Willcocks,

In this episode, Hugh Morris, RSCM Director, sit down with Peter Shepherd to discuss the realities of leading music in a parish church and the difficulties of recruiting new choir members.

The podcast of the Royal School of Church Music, from the June issue of the magazine Church Music Quarterly. Featuring an interview with organist, composer, director of music, and former RSCM director, Harry Bramma.