MUSIC IN THE PARISH
|
Introducing our new organist: Mitchell WrightWe were delighted to welcome a new organist, Mitchell Wright, to All Hallows' early in 2026. Mitchell, who is also a renowned bass-baritone and piano accompanist, grew up on the East coast of Yorkshire.
He began conducting in his teens and went on to study music at the University of Huddersfield, where he developed his skills and experience in performance and conducting. He holds a Bachelor's degree in music and a Master's degree in Performance Mitchell has worked with a wide variety of ensembles, ranging from chamber choirs to large community and school groups. As a solo singer, he has performed repertoire across the classical canon, an experience that continues to inform his work with choirs. Alongside his organ playing and conducting, he teaches privately and in schools, helping young people to build confidence and to discover the joy of music. |
Music is central to Christian worship and praise: it enhances worship and lifts our spirits to God. A small mixed choir at All Hallows' offers music in a variety of styles. It leads the singing at the Sunday Eucharist and at the monthly Evensong which alternates between Almondbury and St Lucius', Farnley Tyas.
The three-manual Abbott and Smith organ at Almondbury was rebuilt and enlarged by Wood of Huddersfield in 1970, with further modifications by the same firm in 1999. Malcolm Cruise, below, retired as organist in 2020. He had directed the music at Almondbury for 54 years and holds the title of Organist Emeritus.
At St Lucius', Farnley Tyas, a small choir is on hand for special services and Evensong. The Farnley Singers, a semi-professional chamber choir, has led our Christmas Carol services since 2017. The two-manual Conacher organ, built in 1911, was renovated in 2018 by JM Spink, with some new pipework by Skrabl www.skrabl.uk
Music at St Michael's is led from the piano or electronic organ by a member of the congregation.
The three-manual Abbott and Smith organ at Almondbury was rebuilt and enlarged by Wood of Huddersfield in 1970, with further modifications by the same firm in 1999. Malcolm Cruise, below, retired as organist in 2020. He had directed the music at Almondbury for 54 years and holds the title of Organist Emeritus.
At St Lucius', Farnley Tyas, a small choir is on hand for special services and Evensong. The Farnley Singers, a semi-professional chamber choir, has led our Christmas Carol services since 2017. The two-manual Conacher organ, built in 1911, was renovated in 2018 by JM Spink, with some new pipework by Skrabl www.skrabl.uk
Music at St Michael's is led from the piano or electronic organ by a member of the congregation.
|
|
John Foster and Robert Harwood with the Almondbury bells.
|
The appeal of ringingAlmondbury Parish Church has a glorious ring of eight 1919 Taylor bells, with the tenor weighing 19cwt. And we are grateful to have an enthusiastic team to ring them.
Ringers meet for practice on Mondays from 7.30pm. to 9pm. Sunday service ringing is usually 9.15am for the 9.45am service. New members are welcome to visit the tower to learn and continue the ancient art of bell ringing on these vintage bells. For more details please contact the Tower Captain, Ruth Elliott, on 07810 537579 |
