York Minster submits plans to create internationally renowned Centre of Excellence
Plans to establish the York Minster Precinct as a world class campus facility for research, education and training in ancient craft skills have taken a major step forward today.
The Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management will bring benefits including continuing the craft of stonemasonry and encouraging global learning and knowledge sharing, as well as being a shining example of best practice in managing complex heritage estates.
The plans, designed by acclaimed architectural practice Tonkin Liu, have been submitted to City of York Council for the development of two sites – The Heritage Quad and The Works and Technology Hub.
The £5m fully funded project is being co-ordinated by the York Minster Fund.
The scheme will provide new facilities for craftspeople, including York Minster’s stonemasons, and house and deliver training in modern techniques and processes to apprentices and students in York and further afield, working with cutting edge digital facilities alongside the ancient craft skills for which the Stoneyard is renowned.
Existing buildings within the Precinct will be sustainably reordered, repurposed and renewed to provide new workspace and associated facilities, enable greater engagement and interaction with the public around key crafts and trades and allow improved links with education.
The vision for the Centre of Excellence is a key element of the York Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Plan which sets out a policy-led approach to creating a sustainable future for the Minster and its seven hectare estate.
Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster, said: “It takes a multidisciplinary team of skilled heritage craftspeople and experts in their field to maintain and care for the ongoing cycle of repair, restoration, conservation and development of York Minster, its ancient buildings and monuments. Our existing Stoneyard houses the complete range of craft and trade skills that are vital to achieve this.
“Yet despite this, the facilities available to our skilled workforce are constrained and inadequate, set against a backdrop of declining craft skills. We also recognise the need to keep pace with innovations and modern processes such as digital technology, data scanning and Computer Aided Design (CAD).
“The creation of a Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management will therefore not only enable the preservation and development of the ancient craft skills that have sustained the Minster over the centuries but will also secure the long-term environmental, financial and heritage sustainability of it for future generations to enjoy as we do today.
“It will position York Minster as leading the charge for the preservation of ancient craft skills on the international stage, facilitating knowledge sharing and exchange programmes with partner cathedrals worldwide, including Washington, Milan and Trondheim and will also have immediate economic and tourism benefits for York and the wider region.”
The Revd Canon Michael Smith, Acting Dean of York, added: “Delivery of the York Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Plan, of which the Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management is a major part, will signal the biggest programme of planned works at York Minster and within the Minster Precinct Neighbourhood in 150 years.
“It is the first time an approach of this type has been used to map the future care of a cathedral and we believe it will positively inspire others to follow as we become an exemplar for how heritage estates address climate change. It is a plan for the city of York and something we should all be proud of.
“We are incredibly excited about seeing our Centre of Excellence plans, alongside other ongoing projects including the refectory restaurant and College Green improvement works, become a reality over the coming months.”
Richard Shaw, Chairman of York Minster Fund (YMF), said: “The Centre of Excellence is the culmination of a YMF funded, three year research and development project, which benchmarked the Minster against other heritage sites around the world. It aims to bring together the best of the best in a single location, both now and into the future. We see our investment in the project as the best way of securing skills, jobs and heritage restoration at the Minster for decades to come.”
A key element of the project will be the resurfacing of the existing 1970s cobbled road leading to the new Heritage Quad, which is currently uneven and hazardous.
A planning decision is expected in late summer and, if approved, York Minster aims to successfully deliver the project in early 2024.
Duke Ellington: Music from the Sacred Concerts
A spectacular Jazz Eucharist featuring music from Duke Ellington’s ‘Sacred Concerts’ will take place at York Minster on Wednesday 29th June at 5.30pm. Hosted jointly by York Minster and St Peter’s School, York, the service will mark St Peter’s Day, the Patronal festival of both the cathedral and the school. The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell will preach at the service.
Described by Ellington himself as ‘the most important thing I have ever done’, the ‘Sacred Concerts’ are a unique blend of jazz and choral classical music, with elements of gospel and the blues. Debuted in 1965 and rarely performed since, the Sacred Concerts feature big band, mixed choir and soloists who combine to produce powerful and evocative melodies celebrating spirituality and the Christian faith. St Peter’s School staged a performance of the Sacred Concerts in 2012.
In the magnificent setting of York Minster’s medieval Nave, the service will feature, the Clark Tracey Orchestra, the Choir of York Minster, St Peter’s School Choir & Choral Society, soloists Teuta Koco and Mark Williams, and tap dancer Junior Laniyan.
Commenting on the service, The Revd Canon Victoria Johnson, Precentor at York Minster said: “This is an amazing opportunity to hear the sacred music of Duke Ellington in the context of Christian worship in one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world. Ellington’s music is powerful and uplifting and is an incredibly fitting way to celebrate the new and vibrant partnership between York Minster and St Peter’s School, York, bringing together hundreds of musicians to lead our prayers and praises.
“This service, is for worshippers, jazz lovers, choral music fans, and anyone who enjoys great music and its potential to lift our spirits heavenward.”
Jeremy Walker, Head Teacher, St Peter’s School, York, said: “I am very excited about the prospect of the Ellington Mass in York Minster. It promises to be a wonderful service, full of joy and a perfect way to mark St Peter’s Day and the bond between School and Minster.”
#WePrayForUkraine
This Sunday, 3rd April, York Minster will join churches and faith organisations in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland, in an act of witness, to pray, and to light candles for an end to the conflict in Ukraine and to remember all those affected by the terrible impacts of the war. The service will be led by the Revd’ Canon Maggie McLean, Missioner. Everyone is welcome to attend.
As well as individual churches incorporating special prayers into services, there will be public acts of witness at 2pm in towns and cities, organised by Christian Aid and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI). The organisations have released an official prayer for #WePrayForUkraine for church congregations and communities:
God of all peoples and nations,
Who created all things alive and breathing,
United and whole,
Show us the way of peace that is your overwhelming presence.
We hold before you the peoples of Ukraine and Russia,
Every child and every adult.
We long for the time
When weapons of war are beaten into ploughshares
When nations no longer lift up sword against nation.
We cry out to you for peace;
Protect those who only desire and deserve to live in security and safety
Comfort those who fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones
Be with those who are bereaved.
Change the hearts of those set on violence and aggression
And fill leaders with the wisdom that leads to peace.
Kindle again in us a love of our neighbour,
And a passion for justice to prevail
and a renewed recognition that we all play a part in peace.
Creator of all hear our prayer
And bring us peace. Make us whole.
Amen.
Urgently seeking a new girl chorister for York Minster!
York Minster and St Peter’s School York, are searching for a school girl, currently in Year 3, to audition for the world famous Choir of York Minster and the chance to receive an outstanding education at St Peter’s School, York starting in September. Formal singing experience is not required for the auditions: a love of singing is all that is needed.
The Choir of York Minster is made up of 16 boys, 16 girls and 12 adult singers. The new girl chorister will be part of an internationally renowned team of singers whose voices are an essential part of worship at the cathedral.
Choristers perform at services, high profile occasions, events and concerts. They also take part in broadcasts for national media organisations such as BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM, recordings for classical music labels and to tour abroad. The choristers are trained by Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster.
The auditions held earlier this year resulted in a full complement of boy choristers but one role remains unfilled for the girls. Robert Sharpe said that he is keen to make sure that the girls remain at full strength.
He said: “There will be many families in York and the wider region with a daughter who absolutely loves singing and who might just be the girl that we are looking for. Previous experience of singing in a choir or group situation is absolutely not necessary.
“Parent and carers need not be daunted by the audition process. At this stage we are looking to identify girls with musicality and potential rather than recruiting a fully formed singer. Energy, enthusiasm and a great sense of humour are just as important as musical talent.”
“In addition to developing their musical skills, training as a chorister helps children to develop lifelong skills such as self-discipline, being organised, concentration, poise and attention to detail. This is a unique opportunity for a girl to have a superb education and to play a part in the life of one of the most important and beautiful cathedrals in the world.”
York Minster’s choristers receive an excellent education at St Peter’s School, which, like York Minster, was founded in 627AD. It is the fourth oldest school in the world. The Chapter of York provides a bursary for each chorister with means-tested funding potentially increasing the level of funding to 100%.
Commenting on the search for a new girl chorister, Jeremy Walker, Head Master of St Peter’s School York said:
“The experience of being a chorister at York Minster, combined with an education at St Peter’s, offers wonderful opportunities for both girls and boys with musical talents and interests. I have first-hand appreciation of the incredible experience this provides, as a former chorister parent myself and Head Master of two cathedral choir schools, and encourage you and your families to find out more and consider an application.”
The new girl chorister will join the Choir of York Minster from September 2022. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 19 April at 9am.
More information and how to apply
For more information about the chorister audition process and to apply online go to:
www.stpetersyork.org.uk/admissions/chorister-admissions. For an application pack and more details, contact Sara Bath, Master’s PA, on 01904 527391 or email s.bath@stpetersyork.org.uk
Conserved stained glass goes on display at York Minster for St Cuthbert’s Day
Four newly conserved stained glass panels from the medieval St Cuthbert Window, one of the largest surviving narrative windows in Europe, will go on display at York Minster this week ahead of the saint’s day on Sunday (20 March).
The four panels, which show scenes from St Cuthbert’s life, will be displayed as part of the cathedral’s exhibition Light, Glass & Stone: Conserving the St Cuthbert Window, which opened at the Minster last summer.
The panels were among 152 removed from the 15th century window in spring last year as part of a five-year, £5m project to conserve the window and the stonework of its surrounding Transept.
Experts at York Glaziers Trust have been carrying out painstaking cleaning and repair work to the stained glass, with a selection of newly conserved panels going on display to give visitors the rare opportunity to see at close range the nearly 600 year old glass.
Dr Helen Rawson, Head of Heritage at York Minster, said: “The four panels show some of the key scenes from St Cuthbert’s life including his birth and death.
“Three are exquisite examples of the craftsmanship employed by the medieval glaziers, while the fourth highlights the accomplished work of 19th century stained glass maker J.W. Knowles of York, who worked on a previous restoration of the window.
“It’s fantastic to be able to complete the exhibition by adding these final panels to the eight already installed, and to give visitors the chance to explore both the life and work of this important northern saint, alongside the conservation work being undertaken to protect this medieval masterpiece.”
St Cuthbert was an Anglo-Saxon monk and bishop of Lindisfarne who lived between c.634 and 687 and was renowned for his good works and miracles.
York Minster’s St Cuthbert Window, which is located in the cathedral’s East End, was created in around 1440 and shows scenes from the saint’s life.
Work to restore the window and the stonework of the South East Transept in which it sits started in 2021 and will take around five years to complete.
The project includes installing state-of-the-art protective glazing to the window, to replace external quarry glazing installed in the 1930s. This will provide a barrier between the medieval glass and the elements.
The work is part of a 20-year partnership project between York Minster and York Glaziers Trust to ensure all 128 of the Minster’s mostly medieval windows have protective glazing to shield the delicate glass from decay and buy time for much needed conservation work.
Lent, Holy Week and Easter at York Minster
York Minster today announced its services and events for Lent, Holy Week and Easter 2022.
Starting on Ash Wednesday (2 March), Christians across the world will keep a period of penitence culminating, in the solemnity of Holy Week, with the passion and crucifixion of Jesus, his burial and on Easter Day, the joyful celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead.
The Revd Canon Michael Smith, Acting Dean of York said: “This will be the first full schedule of Lent and Easter services at York Minster since 2019. Everyone at the Minster is looking forward to welcoming people back to the cathedral for worship, prayer and reflection during Lent, Holy Week and Easter.
“For those unable to join us in person, many of the services will also be livestreamed so people will be able watch from the comfort of their own homes. Over the next few weeks, our worship will help us to follow the journey of Jesus towards the cross and beyond, and that helps us to understand that Jesus walks with us through the joys and sorrows of our lives every day.”
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, will be in residence at York Minster, preaching and leading services throughout Holy Week. Archbishop Stephen said: “In order to understand the cross, you need to stand under it. That’s what we’ll be doing in Holy Week this year: standing under the cross and listening carefully to Jesus.
“In particular we will focus on Jesus’ words from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me.” I am very much looking forward to being with you, and it’s good to know that others from across the Diocese of York can join in online.”
Full details of our events and services can be found HERE.
The key events and services are:
Tuesday 1 March – The arrival of the Lent Cross
Six metres tall, three metres wide and hewn from rough scaffolding wood in the Minster’s workshop, the Lent Cross, the central symbol of the Christian Faith, will be suspended from the Central Tower.
Wednesday 2 March – Ash Wednesday: Imposition of the Ashes
The Minster will be given to prayer and worship throughout the day. Ash is a sign of mortality – a reminder that we shall all die. The sign of the cross reminds us of Jesus’ death followed by his resurrection and new life. Visitors will be able to receive the sign of the cross marked in ash on their foreheads.
Service times and Imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday are as follows:
7.30am – Matins
7.50am – Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes
12noon – Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes
5.30pm – Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes.
Performance of T.S. Eliot’s Ash Wednesday
Actor and director Charles Sharman-Cox will give a live performance of T.S. Eliot’s moving poem Ash Wednesday in York Minster’s magnificent Chapter House. The free performances will take place at 1pm and at 3pm. No booking required. A captioned recording of the performance will also be shown continuously throughout the day on a screen in the Chapter House.
Stations of the Cross in Dean’s Park
2 March until 24 April, daily 7am until 7pm
Stations of the Cross originated with the early Christians visiting Jerusalem, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, tracing the path from Pilate’s house to Calvary. They would pause for prayer and devotion at various points. Eventually those pilgrims brought the practice back to their home countries and ever since, Christians of different traditions have used this form of devotion.
This year, pilgrims will be able to journey around seven stations in Dean’s Park, featuring artwork by local school children and material to encourage reflection and prayer. A final station will be placed inside the Minster on Easter Day, Sunday 17 April.
Lent Webinars 2022 – Ways into Prayer
Thursdays from 10 March until 7 April at 7.30pm
Lent is the most important festival for Christians around the world. Prayer is integral to the life of any Christian and is the bedrock of everything that York Minster offers. To help us think about prayer in its widest context, a series of weekly webinars on Zoom throughout Lent will explore different ways to enter into prayer. Recordings of the webinars will also be available on our YouTube channel a week after broadcast date.
Each webinar will be led by a guest speaker with expert knowledge in their field:
Thursday 10 March – Art and Prayer
Led by Dr Deborah Lewer
This first talk considers how works of visual art, old and new, might stimulate and challenge our images of prayer.
Thursday 17 March – Prayer as Lament and Hope
Led by Wendy Lloyd
This talk will reflect on the rage and hope expressed in and through the practice of lament, a form of prayer that is being retrieved in these challenging times. Wendy will share reflections and insights from the ‘Rage and Hope’ book published by SPCK in 2021 to mark the 75th Anniversary of Christian Aid.
Thursday 24 March – Habits of Prayer
Led by Canon Jessica Martin
This talk will consider the repeated actions of daily and seasonal prayer and their relationship to time and eternity.
Thursday 31 March – Praying as part of a Global Christian Family
Led by the Revd Canon Dr Anderson H M Jeremiah
This talk will explore the spiritual, social and political meaning of ‘prayer’ in the context of Global Christianity.
Thursday 7 April – TBC.
Holy Week and Easter Day at York Minster
Palm Sunday – Sunday 10 April
The first day of Holy Week and the Sunday before Easter Day, Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
10.30am – Procession and Eucharist for Palm Sunday (Livestream from inside the Minster)
Starting outside in the Minster’s South Piazza, two donkeys will lead the procession to the West End of the cathedral. The Eucharist will include the Passion Gospel, sung by The Choir of York Minster and the blessing of palm crosses, a reminder of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. This service turns from triumph to sorrow, marking the beginning of Jesus’ journey towards the cross. Part of the service will be livestreamed from inside the Minster.
4pm – Choral Evensong (This service will also be livestreamed)
This service will prepare us for our walk with Christ through Holy Week.
7.30pm – Stainer’s Crucifixion
As a prelude to Holy Week, the Ebor Singers, an associate choir of York Minster, will perform John Stainer’s Crucifixion. The work incorporates congregational hymns with a recounting of the passion of Christ.
Choral Evensong – Monday 11 to Saturday 16 April
The Choir of York Minster will sing at Evensong daily during Holy Week.
Holy Week Address by the Archbishop of York followed by Compline
This year, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, will be at York Minster to journey with us through Holy Week.
Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 April (These services will also be livestreamed)
7.30pm – Archbishop’s Address followed by Compline sung by the Ebor Singers
Compline is a beautiful, candlelit form of prayer said at the end of day and traditionally followed by a period of silent contemplation.
7.30pm – Wednesday 13 April (This service will also be livestreamed)
Archbishop’s Address followed by Tenebrae
The service of Tenebrae will be sung by the Ebor Singers. The service will recount the betrayal of Jesus and the events of the passion through music, silence and the gradual extinguishing of candles.
Maundy Thursday, 14 April
11am – Chrism Eucharist (This service will also be livestreamed)
This service takes its name from the Chrismation (anointing). The Archbishop of York will bless oils for anointing candidates for baptism and confirmation and for healing. The Archbishop will gather members of the clergy from around the Diocese of York to renew the vows made at their ordinations.
7pm – Liturgy of Maundy Thursday – Eucharist of the Last Supper
The Eucharist of the Last Supper recalls the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his arrest and trial. We remember that Jesus called us to love and serve one another through the washing of feet. As we bless bread and wine, we follow his command to proclaim his death until he comes in glory. The preacher will be the Archbishop of York.
8.30pm until Midnight – Watch
The Watch – a type of vigil – recalls the time Jesus spent in the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest, trial and crucifixion.
Good Friday, 15 April
On Good Friday, Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus.
10am: The Liturgy of Good Friday (This service will also be livestreamed)
A simple service in which we gather at the foot of the cross to pray. With readings and music.
12noon until 3pm: The Three Hours’ Devotion (Livestreamed at 12 noon, 1pm and 2pm)
Three Hours Devotion is a service of meditation, music and prayers with periods of silence for reflection. The Archbishop of York will preach at this service alongside a performance of Via Crucis, a devotion for Passiontide, with prayers by Eric Milner-White and music for organ by Philip Moore, played by Benjamin Morris.
Easter Eve, Saturday 16 April
8pm – The Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter and Confirmations
This Eucharist moves from darkness to light. We recall God’s saving actions through time, culminating in the resurrection in the light of the first Easter Day. The Easter Vigil marks the end of the emptiness of Holy Saturday, and leads into the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. During this service a number of candidates will reaffirm their faith through confirmation. The Archbishop of York will preach and preside at this service.
Easter Day, Sunday 17 April
On Easter Day, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.
8am – Holy Communion from the Book of Common Prayer
A simple said service in the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer and King James Bible.
10.00am – Choral Matins on Easter Day
This service will follow the pattern of Matins from the Book of Common Prayer, with sung psalms, canticles and an anthem.
11.00am – Festal Eucharist on Easter Day (This service will also be livestreamed)
We greet the risen Lord with joy, proclaiming Alleluia, Christ is risen, he is risen indeed! The Archbishop of York will preach and preside.
4.00pm – Festal Evensong – (This service will also be livestreamed)
A great day of rejoicing culminates in an uplifting service of Choral Evensong.
York Minster’s Easter Garden – Sunday 10 April until Sunday 5 June
A much-loved tradition at York Minster, the Easter Garden depicts key scenes from the Passion. Starting on Palm Sunday with just the tomb and three crosses, new elements will be added as the Easter story unfolds including palm branches, 30 pieces of silver (Judas Iscariot’s reward for his betrayal of Jesus), a crown of thorns and three nails and a length of material representing Jesus’ burial cloth. The Easter Garden will be in the South Transept from Palm Sunday until the Feast of Pentecost.
Events for Children and Families at York Minster
Experience Easter Trail – Monday 11 until Sunday 24 April
Collect an Experience Easter Trail and explore six interactive stops around the cathedral to learn more about the Easter story. The stops include the chance to decorate a paper spring flower to take home inspired by the Minster’s Easter Garden.
The trail is suitable for all ages, for both adults and children, and is free with general admission. Copies can be collected at the admission desks and will be included in our Little Explorer Backpacks, which help young explorers discover stories and fun facts about the cathedral.
NEW!! Saturday Mornings at York Minster starting on Saturday 16 April, 10am – 10.45am
Join our new sessions for families – Saturday Mornings at York Minster – and get hands on creating a spring paper flower inspired by the cathedral’s Easter Garden.
The new sessions will run throughout the year and explore the seasons in the Christian calendar, with different interactive opportunities each time including craft workshops, sensory activities, music and worship.
For this Easter themed event, families are invited to create a paper flower inspired by the Minster’s Easter Garden. The session will also include a short Stations of the Cross service for families in Dean’s Park.
First phase of College Green improvement works starts at York Minster
From next week, visitors to York Minster’s College Green, will see the start of the first phase of an improvement project that will see the area transformed from an uninspiring thoroughfare into a fully accessible, landscaped green space extensively planted with trees, shrubs and flower species to create a flourishing oasis in the heart of the city of York.
Supported by The York BID, Make it York, York Minster Fund and the Friends of York Minster, the project received planning permission from City of York Council at the end of last year. It will be delivered over two phases throughout 2022.
Phase 1 will see a new path laid, high quality accessible benches along the southerly wall of the green and the planting of trees and plants specifically selected for biodiversity and their resilience to the busy city location. Five trees assessed as diseased and dying will be removed and replaced with seven, healthy mature white cherry blossom trees. These will provide an excellent food source for pollinating insects emerging in early spring as well as spectacular blossom.
Two trees on Queen’s Path that have been assessed as unsafe – a dying crab apple and a diseased cherry blossom tree – will also be removed. The cherry blossom will be replaced immediately with a healthy new tree. The area around the crab apple tree will be incorporated into the landscaping designs for the public area planned for the new Welcome Centre. Phase 2 of the works will see the introduction of a sculptural stone feature, stepping stones and wildflower meadow. The stone feature will be carved by the Minster’s stone masons and provide additional informal seating to compliment Phase 1 improvements.
The Revd Canon Michael Smith, Acting Dean of York, said: “Our ambition is to transform College Green into a beautiful and peaceful space full of trees, flowers, shrubs and wildlife for the local community and for visitors to enjoy.”
Andrew Lowson, Executive Director at The BID said: “It’s exciting to see work start on this project which will greatly enhance York’s open spaces, creating a beautiful family-friendly park. With a wonderful view and surrounded by local independent businesses, it’s sure to become a valuable community asset.”
Worship at York Minster to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Worship at York Minster this Sunday (6 February), will honour the 70th Anniversary of the Accession to the throne of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Canon Victoria Johnson, Precentor, said: “On 6th February 1952, Elizabeth was proclaimed Queen Elizabeth II aged just 25. Our worship at York Minster this Sunday will give thanks for Elizabeth’s reign as Queen in this year of her Platinum Jubilee. Everyone is welcome.”
York Minster’s worship for Accession Day is as follows:
Choral Matins at 10am
The service of Choral Matins will include music by Richard Shephard, Benjamin Britten and Henry Loosemore. The service will conclude with State Prayers for the Queen and the Royal Family.
Choral Eucharist at 11am
The Choral Eucharist service will recall the Accession of Her Majesty the Queen and help us reflect on our own calling as Disciples of Christ. The sermon will be given by the Right Revd Richard Frith, former Bishop of Hereford.
Evensong at 4pm
The service will include the ‘Accession Responses’ by Francis Jackson, Herbert Howells ‘Evening Service in G’ and ‘I was glad’ by Hubert Parry, the anthem sung at the Coronation Service in 1953. The Organ Voluntary will be William Walton’s ‘Orb and Sceptre’ and the service will include the singing of ‘Praise my Soul the King of Heaven’ – one of the Queen’s favourite hymns. York Minster’s Precentor, Canon Victoria Johnson will preach at the service.
Other events on Sunday include:
A tree planting for the Queen’s Green Canopy Platinum Celebration (approx. 12.30pm)
Immediately after the Choral Eucharist a young lime tree will be planted the Revd Canon Michael Smith, Acting Dean of York as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. The new lime tree – the first – to be planted in the public park being created next to the new Minster Refectory was selected for sustainability, resilience against climate change and its suitability to survive the high PH soil in the area. Minster stonemasons are carving a plaque to mark the occasion.
A special bell peal for Accession Day (approx. 2.40-3.45pm)
Ahead of the Evensong Service at 4pm, York Minster’s Volunteer bell ringers will gather in the Minster’s bell tower to ring a quarter peal to mark Accession Day.
Holocaust Memorial Commemoration
Six hundred candles in the shape of the Star of David will be lit at York Minster on Wednesday 26th January 2022, to remember more than 6 million Jewish people and millions of other groups murdered by the Nazi’s in the Second World War and the millions who have died in the genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
The Minster’s act of commemoration is part of a week-long programme of events taking place across the city of York to mark international Holocaust Memorial Day, which takes place on the 27 January each year. The date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp – the largest Nazi death camp – in 1945.
The event at York Minster will begin with a Choral Evensong service at 5.30pm attended by representatives from York’s Jewish community and other faith communities. This will be followed by a procession to the cathedral’s Chapter House for the act of commemoration, which will include readings, music, poetry, prayers and periods of silence for quiet reflection.
The Revd Canon Maggie McLean, Canon Missioner at York Minster, said: “The international theme for HMD 2022 is ‘One Day’, which encourages people to come together to remember, to learn about the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution and the genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur, in the hope that there may be One Day in the future with no genocide. We learn more about the past, we empathise with others today, and we take action for a better future”.
To help us safely manage numbers inside the Chapter House, free tickets must be booked in advance for the Holocaust Memorial Commemoration event. Tickets can be booked HERE or by ringing 01904 557200.
Dr Francis Jackson CBE, Organist Emeritus dies aged 104
Internationally renowned organ recitalist, composer and former Master of Music at York Minster, Dr Francis Jackson CBE, has died at the age of 104. He died peacefully in York surrounded by family, on 10th January 2022.
Born in 1917, Francis Jackson spent his childhood in the town of Malton. He first became involved in York Minster’s music as a schoolboy chorister in 1929. After active service as a soldier in the Second World War, he returned to York Minster in 1946 to become Master of the Music, succeeding his teacher and mentor, Sir Edward Bairstow. He served for a remarkable 36 years alongside his illustrious career as an internationally renowned organ recitalist and composer.
Paying tribute, The Dean of York, Jonathan Frost said;
“Today the community at York Minster mourns the loss of an inspirational Organist Emeritus. Until the very end of his life, Francis retained an active, humorous and intellectually razor-sharp interest in the musical life of York Minster. Francis has been an inspiration to generations of choristers and musicians alike; here in York and across the world. He leaves a living legacy in the vibrant life of the Choir of York Minster, through a body of work and musical compositions which are sung or played at the Minster on a regular basis. We will miss him very much and pray for Alice, Edward, William and his family at this time.”
York Minster’s Director of Music, Robert Sharpe said:
“The world of church music has lost one of the great legends of our time with the death, peacefully, of Dr Francis Jackson CBE, beloved Organist Emeritus of York Minster. His was a remarkably long and illustrious life and he remained active as a superb organ recitalist into his tenth decade and, as a composer, into his eleventh. His name will forever be associated with York Minster where he served for so many years and whose organ was made justly famous by his pioneering recordings. As a composer, he is best known for his choral and organ works which are widely performed at home and abroad; his prolific output remains a lasting legacy. His last visit to the Minster was to hear the recently-restored organ, a visit which brought him and us all great joy. Our love and prayers are with Alice, Edward, William and the family and with the very many who were privileged to count him as a friend. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
Acting Dean of York announced
On Tuesday 18th January 2022, the current Dean of York, The Right Reverend Dr Jonathan Frost, will receive his legal title as the 10th Bishop of Portsmouth at a service in London and he will subsequently be installed at Portsmouth Cathedral to begin public ministry in his new role. The process to select his successor as the new Dean of York is already underway.
Following consultation with the Dean and with the Chapter of York, The Archbishop of York, The Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell, has appointed The Revd Canon Michael Smith, Canon Pastor at York Minster, as Acting Dean of York for the duration of the vacancy. Canon Michael will start in his new role on Wednesday 19th January.
Winning young composers announced in competition celebrating the return of York Minster’s Grand Organ
Two budding young composers have scooped top prizes in a competition to celebrate the return of York Minster’s Grand Organ, following a once-in-a-century, £2m refurbishment of the instrument completed earlier this year.
Samuel Kemp, aged 16 from Bushey in Hertfordshire, took first place in the 18 and under category of the Grand Organ Composers’ Competition with his new composition Festival Toccata on ‘In dulci jubilo’. Gavin Phelps, aged 12 from Bath, has been announced as the runner-up for his piece Joyful exultation.
The competition, which was run in partnership with the Cathedral Music Trust and Banks Music Publications, attracted more than 60 entries from amateur and professional musicians across two categories – aged 19 and over and 18 and under.
Samuel’s winning piece will receive its premiere during the Minster’s Nine Lessons and Carol services on 22 and 24 December and the composition will be published by Banks Music Publications.
Both Samuel and Gavin will also receive financial prizes and a masterclass on organ composition with Philip Moore, composer and former York Minster Organist and Master of Music, and Ben Morris, Assistant Director of Music at York Minster.
“It has been fantastic to see the wealth of young talent entering the competition and we’d like to thank everyone for all the work they put into their pieces,” commented Ben Morris, who will play Samuel’s piece at the Nine Lessons and Carols services next week.
“The competition has been a celebration not only of the completion of the Grand Organ refurbishment project, but also of the talented young musicians around the country, who will help ensure a bright future for organ music throughout the 21st century.”
Peter Allwood, Chair of Cathedral Music Trust, said: “We were delighted to partner with York Minster and Banks Music on this exciting initiative to promote composition for organ. The prestigious panel of judges were impressed with the creativity displayed in the compositions. We send congratulations to all who submitted compositions and encourage them to continue writing enjoyable music for the organ.”
The winner of the 19 and over category of the competition was announced last month, with the winning entry, Toccata on ‘Wachet Auf’ by David Halls, Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral, receiving its world premiere at the Minster’s Advent Procession on Sunday 28 November.
The competition was judged by a panel of industry experts including New York-based composer Nico Muhly, composer and former York Minster Organist and Master of Music Philip Moore, British composer Roxanna Panufnik, Canadian-born organist, conductor and composer Sarah MacDonald and York Minster’s Assistant Director of Music Ben Morris.
Tickets are required to attend this year’s Nine Lessons and Carols services to help the cathedral safely manage visitor numbers inside. The services are now fully booked, but people can listen to the composition’s premiere by joining the livestream of the service on Christmas Eve via the cathedral’s website. Visit www.yorkminster.org/whats-on for further details and to access the livestream from 4pm on Friday 24 December.
The project to refurbish the Grand Organ started in 2018 and was the first refurbishment of the instrument on this scale since 1903. It involved the removal of the organ, including nearly all of its 5,000 plus pipes, to organ specialists in Durham for cleaning, repair and replacement.
The instrument was rebuilt and voiced over several months from summer 2020, before returning to use as part of services in March this year with a formal dedication by the Archbishop of York on Easter Day (Sunday 4 April).
A programme of events to celebrate the organ’s return will continue throughout 2022, including a series of inaugural recitals planned for the summer.