Early in January 2017 I received a request for help with a Sheffield based programme aimed at engaging with youngsters in the poorer areas of the City by way of establishing youth choirs. This initiative is being led by Chris Bishop, the Youth Ministry Co-ordinator and will be based in up to 4 churches in the Sheffield Diocese.
Chris owns a Cantorum VI which is a very good small accompaniment instrument but as it is attached to a pedal board and in his attic it is not overly easy for him to use in other venues. He obviously enjoys the Cantorum as you can see in his video of the instrument below.
Chris needed a Cantorum V which being lighter is much more portable and asked if we would loan one out for the project. As luck would have it we had just taken back in part exchange a Cantorum II, its predecessor instrument, so we were delighted to give this instrument to Chris as a small contribution to the programme he will establish in Sheffield.
One of those occasions when we are only to pleased to be able to make a small contribution to the wellbeing of music and in this particular case also to a deserving cause run by a young man of vision and purpose.
More about the project:
The Centenary Project seeks to equip the local church to effectively engage, grow and disciple a new generation of young people, children and families. In March 2014, Bishop’s Council agreed to commit £1,000,000 from its historical reserves to fund and support an increase in the work with children, families and young people in order to serve the common good, nurture faith and grow disciples. The funding will be primarily aimed at the most deprived parishes within the diocese.
Find out more about the programme here.
I have had a passion for church organs since the tender age of 12. I own and run Viscount Organs with a close attention to the detail that musicians appreciate; and a clear understanding of the benefits of digital technology and keeping to the traditional and emotional elements of organ playing.
