The recent centenary of Stefans Grové’s birth has been a catalyst for Herman Jordaan to investigate Grové’s monumental Afrika Hymnus, where the compositional materials, timbres and resonances, often removed from organ conventions, are stimulating and rewarding for the player and listener alike.  The author puts the music in the context of the environment and cultures of his native South Africa, and has prepared recorded music examples to accompany the article.

Magnus Williamson recounts the archival and archeological detective work that has taken place at Lincoln Cathedral, in conjunction with the Byrd quatercentenary.  By bringing the building in line with post-Restoration practice in 1702, the Dean and Chapter also ended a spatial arrangement which had once generated the rich pre-Reformation tradtions of organs and voices in ‘alternatim’.  The characteristics of the building, and their musical implications, are probed in detail.

International Organ Day is now in its fifth year, and each year more and more countries have joined in this celebration of organs, organists, and organ music. We report on the huge variety of events, and instruments, that were part of International Organ Day 2024.

Watch the College’s 2024 Conferment of Diplomas Ceremony here, in full, or as edited highlights, and download the programme, along with the full texts of the speeches and citations.

A gallery of pictures from the College’s annual Conferment Ceremony at Southwark Cathedral on Saturday 9 March, at which RCO President David Hill presented successful examination candidates with their awards and diplomas, and also presented four RCO Medals.

The Royal College of Organists has launched a new podcast dedicated to the world of the organ, organists and organ music. The Organ Podcast is a fortnightly show for organists and organ enthusiasts alike, and will also appeal to those who are simply curious and want to know more about this unique instrument and its music.  

The Royal College of Organists has launched a new podcast dedicated to the world of the organ, organists and organ music. Listen to all episodes here.

The College’s bi-annual magazine for members contains features, details of forthcoming events and courses, and general news and views from the RCO.

The 2022 edition of the College’s research publication, The Journal of the Royal College of Organists, can be downloaded here as a complete edition.