Meetings and Events

2023-24

Saturday 16 September, 10.30am–12.30pm, St Cecilia's Hall, 

50 Niddry Street: The collection of early keyboard instruments—harpsichords, spinets, virginals, clavichords and organs—at St Cecilia’s  Hall and Museum is the second-most comprehensive early  keyboard collection in the world. John Kitchen will discuss and demonstrate a few of these priceless instruments.  John has recorded most of the instruments, and knows them very well. The historic hall, which dates from 1763, was fully restored in 2015-17 and now attracts many visitors and concert-goers.

Contact: John Kitchen

Saturday 21 October at 2pm in Old Saint Paul’s Church,  Jeffrey Street:

Music from the Polish 'Golden Age’; An Illustrated Tour

presented by Dr Paul Newton-Jackson, scholar-in-residence at Old Saint Paul’s Church. Paul will explore some of the little-known but extremely fine polyphonic liturgical music from 17th- and 18th-century Poland, with illustrations provided by members of the Old Saint Paul’s Choir.

Contact: John Kitchen

Saturday 18 November at 2.30pm, Church of the Sacred Heart, Lauriston Street: ‘Organ improvisation — revealing the art’ by John Riley;  a presentation using the Harrison organ (1971): Contact: John Riley

Saturday 20 January  2024 at 2.30pm, Morningside United Church, Chamberlain Road, EH10 4DH: President’s Meeting; A demonstration of the recently restored 1955 Rushworth and Dreaper organ followed by a recital of music for organ duet by Michael and Brigitte Harris. 

Contact: Michael Harris

Friday, 23 February 2024, St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral,  6.30pm: ESO recital by Philip Rushforth, Director of Music at Chester Cathedral, followed at 8pm by annual dinner at the Scottish Arts Club.

Contact: Martyn Strachan

Saturday 16 March 2024 at 10.30am, Canongate Kirk: Masterclass with Tom Bell. Tom Bell, one of Britain’s most exciting recitalists, has a vibrant career as a performer, teacher and animateur.  This session is open to all, and those who wish to take part as an active participant should contact Michael Harris

Saturday 20 April 2024: Trip to Cumbria:  Kendal Parish Church, (two organs); St George’s Parish Church, Kendal; St Peter’s Church, Heversham. Timings, travel arrangements and full itinerary will be issued nearer the time.                                                         Contact: John Riley

Tuesday 14 May 2024 at 7pm (access from 6.30pm): AGM at Cathedral House, 61 York Place, followed by a recital from Tom Wilkinson in St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral.

Contact: Caroline Cradock