Birmingham Trip March 2025 - A further update, amended dates and Itinerary.
We can now confirm a visit to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and both Cathedrals between the 10th and 13th March (N.B. amended dates) with an invitation to visit Coventry Cathedral on the return journey. Here is the provisional plan for our trip.
Monday 10th March A.M. Travel to Birmingham
Birmingham Town Hall - Organ recital by Thomas Trotter at 1.00p.m. Thomas has agreed to meet with us afterwards to discuss his long tenure as the City Organist.
https://bmusic.co.uk/events/lunchtime-organ-concert-celebrating-interna…
Free time
Evening Meal TBA - An opportunity to meet and confirm timings for remaining programme
Tuesday 11th March
St Phillip’s Cathedral - A.M. Demonstration of the Organ followed by an opportunity for our members to play.
Lunch
St Chad’s Cathedral - P.M. Demonstration of the Organ by the Director of Music Prof David Saint followed by an opportunity for members to play.
17.45 Shorter Choral Evensong at St Phillips Cathedral for those interested.
Evening Meal to be arranged on an individual basis
Wednesday 12th March
Free time for sightseeing/shopping including an optional visit to the Jewellery Quarter and St Paul’s Square with its historic church.
St Chad’s Cathedral - Lunchtime Recital given by Charles Francis Time TBC followed by free time
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire - 5.00 - 7.00 p.m. Masterclass given by Nathan Laube
Evening Meal TBA
Thursday 13th March
Depart Birmingham for Coventry A.M. (20 mins by train)
11.00 - Visit to St Mary’s Historic Guildhall followed by Lunch in situ.
https://www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk/tales-of-tea/
15.00 - 16.00 Coventry Cathedral - Organ booked with an opportunity for members to play.
Tea
17.15 - Evensong (Optional) followed by a demonstration of the organ to complete our visit
The dates have been chosen to coincide with a visit by Nathan Laube from the Eastman School in New York who will be giving the Master Class. Members may remember Nathan gave the inaugural recital on the new Canterbury Cathedral Organ and is now tutoring Charles Francis who will also have an input and give a recital at St Chad's during our visit.
My thanks to those who have already indicated interest. However as a result of recent replies I am not pursuing group travel or accommodation. Additionally I feel there should be an obligation to attend all the scheduled events organised to show courtesy to our hosts but there may be some flexibility depending on circumstances. As you can see our visit allows for free time.
Regarding travel there is a good regular rail service from Euston with a journey time of approximately an hour and a quarter and there are many accommodation options in the city and its environs at various rates. I myself have booked at the following hotel in the St Paul's district mentioned in the itinerary. I tram stop away from the two cathedrals!
Ihttps://www.saintpaulshouse.com
I would advise you to book early but ensure you have insurance which covers cancellation. For those considering rail travel. It would appear it’s too early to book at present and typically advance tickets usually go on sale only 12 weeks ahead. That said please remember you will need a flexible ticket to allow for our ‘stop over’ in Coventry on the return journey and a choice of travel time. The best type is the Off-Peak Return but please check the regulations. More info at https://www.thetrainline.com/trains/great-britain/ticket-types/off-peak-train-tickets
Here are some links giving information about the Conservatoire, St Chad's and Coventry Cathedral:
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire/music/departments/keyboard/organ
https://www.stchadscathedral.org.uk/cathedral/music/
https://npor.org.uk/survey/N07508 (Coventry)
I HAVE AREADY HAD A NUMBER OF MEMBERS COMMITTING THEMSELVES TO ATTENDING AND PLACES ARE GOING FAST SO DON'T DELAY IF YOU HOPE TO JOIN US. ONLY 15 PLACES AVAILABLE! AT THIS STAGE MEMBERS FROM OTHER ASSOCIATIONS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US PROVIDING PLACES REMAIN AVAILABLE.
