PREVIEW
By Steve Cooke
Come and Sing Music For A Royal Coronation at Rochdale Parish Church of St Chad is a great opportunity to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles 111.
The day includes a workshop and public concert directed by Philip O’Connor with organist Philip Lowe.
Philip O’Connor explains, ‘The workshop on Saturday 20th May is our way to celebrate the Coronation of Charles III in the form of Music which was a vital part of the Coronation. During the day we will be working on Vivaldi’s Gloria and Handel’s Zadok the Priest, which was also performed at the Coronation, and many previous ones.’
Derbyshire born tenor; Philip O’Connor’s main musical education began at Wells Cathedral School in Somerset. Subsequently, Philip then worked at Hereford Cathedral, culminating in the Three Choirs Festival at Gloucester in 2013. In 2016, Philip graduated from Manchester University gaining a 1st in Solo Performance under Andrew Heggie.
In 2021 he concluded his studying at the Royal Northern College of Music with a Distinction in his Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Studies and his MMus while studying under Sarah Rhodes and Nicholas Powell. While studying, he was generously supported by The Mario Lanza Foundation, The Gardner Howard Award, South Square Trust, and Sophie’s Silver Lining Fund. Since leaving the RNCM Philip has performed around Europe with companies such as the Bergen National Opera and Opera Ballet Vlaanderen. Since May 2023, Philip has taken up the post of Organist and Director of Music at Bolton Parish Church. His Scottish debut will take place this Summer in one of the main roles in Jonathan Dove’s Mansfield Park.
The £10 attendance ticket includes the music, tea, and coffee as well as expert direction under one of Greater Manchester’s musicians, who has worked and coached students at Manchester Cathedral, Chethams School of Music, the RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music) and the RSCM (Royal School of Church Music)
Philip O’Connor says, ‘I am very excited to be running a Royal Come and Sing Day event at Rochdale Parish Church to Celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. It will be a wonderful day full of excellent music to learn and perform at the end of the event.’
Saturday 20th May at Rochdale Parish Church of St. Chad, Sparrow Hill, Rochdale OL16 1QT
Workshops 9.30am-3pm Public Concert at 3.30pm
To book your place and for further information please contact Jill Midgley j.midgley448@btinternet.com or by phone 01706 639162.
