A player well known to many of us, Gary Hulme, gives the next O.R.T.O.A recital this Saturday. ORTOA

20 April is International Organ Day 2024, promoted by the RCO. It is an opportunity to celebrate everything connected with the instrument and many groups and individuals are arranging events. Support materials and ideas are at tinyurl.com/bdzm3cep #InternationalOrganDay

The Royal College of Organist fortnightly podcasts launched in February. To date there are four editions and all can be found at: theorganpodcast.buzzsprout.com/2278771

The Northern Ireland International Organ Competition for players up to 21 years old is open. It will take place from 12 to 14 August 2024 in Armagh. The jury will be chaired by Thomas Trotter with Anna-Victoria Baltrusch and David Hill. NIIOC niioc.com/news/northern-…

The Leeds International Organ Festival started this week. Full details are at this link. leedsiof.org/whats-on-in-20…

The next Bank Holiday Organ Recital at Blackburn Cathedral will be on Monday 27th May at 11am by Organist in Residence, John Hosking. Admission is £10. The Wednesday lunchtime free series also continues at 12:15 on 22nd May with Lyndon Hills and then on 29th with Matt Haynes.

The Ripon Cathedral Summer Organ Festival begins tomorrow, Tuesday 4th June at 19:30 with Dr Ronny Krippner. On June 25th, the recitalist will be SWO Vice Patron, Katherine Dienes-Williams. The venue is at Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QT. More details at eventbrite.com/cc/summer-orga…

If you can't wait for more organ events, there's one in Macclesfield this coming Saturday. npor.org.uk/survey/N02128

The Incorporated Association of Organists Festival starts tomorrow in York. Those without pre-booked season or day tickets can pay at the door for some events. The programme is at iao.org.uk/festival-invit…

Next Saturday at 3pm, our secretary, Mel, will be playing the new (2023) Henry Groves organ at the Church of the Ascension in Salford. Not surprisingly, the church is on Ascension Road, Lower Broughton and nearby parking is usually easy.

Blackburn Cathedral have launched their third composition competition. Entries should be an organ piece suitable for use as an Advent processional. Judges will be Professor Paul Mealor Dr. Colin Walsh and John Hosking. Full details are in the image.

The series of concerts and organ recitals at Bolton Parish Church begins again next week.

It is good to hear one town hall back in concert use. Last Saturday Jonathan Scott reopened the superb J J Binns instrument of Rochdale Town Hall to a room with very few empty seats. Let's hope the other town hall concert organs can soon speak again.

There is now just a short time before the closing date of Blackburn Cathedral's third composition competition. The age rule suggests this as a competition for organ scholars and others early in their career. Full details are in the image.

Time is running out to book for the IAO Midlands Organ Day on Saturday 5th. Full details are here. iao.org.uk/mod2024/

On Saturday 9th our member, Marc Murray gives a recital marking the 60th anniversary of the Brindley & Foster organ of St Peter's in Hale, Harrop Road, WA15 9BU. Free entry with refreshments following the recital. npor.org.uk/survey/N02065

St Lawrence's and St Paul's churches in Longridge are seeking an organist and director for both their SATB choirs. St Paul's has the Grade 1 listed Willis organ and St Lawrence's a Wyvern. For more information contact [email protected] (tel 01772 389837).

Young would-be organists can register now for The Cambridge Organ Experience with Sarah MacDonald & Anna Lapwood on Sat 24 May (10:00–17:00 BST). A day of music, inspiration & hands-on organ fun for ages 11–18 - all levels welcome. Apply at: bit.ly/3Z50F7x #playtheorgan

On May 24th at 3pm Peter Sharp of York will be giving a recital at Saint Peter’s Church, Ashley Road, Hale, WA15 9NE. The organ details are at: npor.org.uk/survey/S00343

The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, a VAT recovery option that can make projects more affordable will be debated in Westminster Hall TOMORROW. whatson.parliament.uk/event/cal51789. Lobby your MP to support the continuance of what has already provided many benefits to organ projects