2014 - Birmingham Organists' Association

Dinner with the Lichfield & Worcester associations
Over forty people enjoyed an excellent Christmas Dinner during a repeat visit to this newly refurbished restaurant. Our guest and after-dinner speaker was ADRIAN LUCAS, a former Organist of Worcester Cathedral and Musical Director of the City of Birmingham Choir.

Annual Service
This year's service, directed from St Peter's digital organ by JOHN SIRESHUK, included the anthem Greater Love by Ireland and ended with former BOA President Andrew Fletcher's Toccata Festiva.

ORGANFEST 2014
BOA shared its 90th anniversary with the 150th anniversary of the RCO and, joined by the IAO and BIOS, mounted a week of celebration in Birmingham, culminating in a Thomas Trotter Town Hall recital and Choral Mass in the cathedral celebrated by the Archbishop of Birmingham.

90th anniversary celebration
BOA members celebrated our anniversary in  style with a specially-created cake, champagne, and a recital given by our present President and five former Presidents of the association.

Oxford trip
A day out in the "city of dreaming spires" to hear & play the exciting new Dobson organ in the chapel of Merton College, and a Peter Collins / Richard Bower organ in Brasenose College.

Post-Evensong "lock-in"
Members enjoyed a Choral Evensong conducted by Sub-Organist (and BOA member) JAMES LUXTON, followed by the opportunity to play the cathedral's 2008 Quire Organ by Kenneth Tickell, hosted by Assistant Organist CHRISTOPHER ALLSOP.

"Everything Else an Organist Should Know"
Authors of this authoritative guide, ROBERT LEACH and BARRY WILLIAMS gave a fascinating talk on matters ranging from employment law & tax to working with clergy & running a choir - and sold discounted, autographed copies of their book.

AGM and annual recital
MICK PERRIER was elected President of the Association, tribute was paid to the contribution of retiring President PAUL CARR, and CARLETON ETHERINGTON played the catehdral's celebrated Walker organ.

An evening with the City Organist
An audience of 60 members & guests enjoyed a conversation between THOMAS TROTTER and JOHN STORMONT, followed by cheese, wine & more (informal) conversation.

LGF fund-raiser & "hands-on"
Resident organist & BOA council member EDDIE GUARD demonstrated the 3-manual (originally) Norman & Beard, after which there was an opportunity for members to "have a go".  Donations of £60 supported our Leonard Gibbons Fund.