MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 29 jULY 2026
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- Jul 29
- 9 min read
previews, articles, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 29 JULY 2026
Previews: Portrait of Black Britain, Summer Cinema at Broadfield Park Slopes - The Wild Robot and Peterloo plus A magical musical treat for the whole family.
Review: Classic organ works by Vierne, Walker, Jongen, JS Bach … and All that Jazz!
Classic organ works by Vierne, Walker, Jongen, JS Bach … and All that Jazz!
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
The Rochdale’s JJ Binns instrument in the beautifully restored Great Hall is regarded as one of the finest civic pipe organs in the UK; it also represents a noble tradition of making music accessible to all.
A worthy new addition to the impressive ORTOA celebrity organist list is organist, composer and conductor William Campbell, currently Assistant Director of Music at Peterborough Cathedral. He relished his time with the instrument and took on board the tradition … and us.
Born in Croydon to parents of Caribbean descent, William started the violin aged 3 and later the piano and trumpet before organ lessons aged 14 as a music scholar at Wellington College. He was soon appointed Organ Scholar and subsequently Acting Organist at St. Laurence Church, Catford in 2018; upon leaving school, he became the Organ Scholar at Guildford Cathedral.
He graduated first class from York in 2023, during which time, he held several posts including deputising at all of Yorkshire’s Cathedrals. Then came two terms as Organ Scholar at Canterbury Cathedral before returning to Leeds and Bradford Cathedrals.
Always looking for wider experiences, William played the organ with the Chineke! Orchestra at St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Royal Festival Hall and appeared on BBC radio and television as an Organist, Violinist, Pianist and Harpsichordist; he is an FRCO, LTCL (and DipABRSM violin) and an ABRSM examiner.
He confidently introduced his imaginative programme that embraced a variety of styles.
Prelude and Fugue from Organ Symphony No. 1 in D Minor by Louis Vierne (1870-1937) the visually impaired French organist and composer of Notre Dame was a wise opener, the rich sonority of the Prelude and the lively fugue suited the characteristics of the Rochdale instrument superbly, as did William’s own arrangement of Lyric for Strings by George Walker (1922-2018) the outstanding, ground breaking African-American musician. This originated as the second movement of his String Quartet No. 1, of 1946, bearing a passing resemblance to contemporary Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings. Again the organ sound was terrific with its long sweeping melodies and plangent modern harmonies. Further enchantment in Prière and Choral from ‘4 Pièces pour Orgue’ by Joseph Jongen (1873-1953). Second only to César Franck as a Belgian composer, Jongen provided another harmonic feast, building to a massive climax after moments of calm.
Then a seismic shift back to Baroque harmony and counterpoint with the majestic Ricercare a 6 from ‘The Musical Offering’ BWV 1079 by JS Bach in an excellent transcription by the German expert Herbert Collum. This was from the mind-boggling collection of pieces and puzzles based on a tortuous theme given by King Frederick II ‘The Great’ of Prussia himself to challenge the creativity of JSB, who would have been delighted with the Binns’ sound, and William’s skilful playing. A memorable offering.
Time to let the hair down with Lay my Burden Down by Iain Farrington. This composer, known for his contributions to Charles III’s coronation and film music, used five African-American spirituals or traditional Plantation songs reasserting their roots of blues and jazz through facets of twentieth century styles such as Oscar Peterson-like, blistering keyboard technique and Count Basie-like big band scoring, delivered in a fluent improvisatory manner.
This recital had everything, including a solid footing with JS Bach, making full use of our civic instrument; played by a refreshing, multi-talented addition to the organ virtuoso fraternity.
Next Celebrity Concert: Tuesday 15 September 26 at 1 pm Adam Wilson (York Minster)
Admission £10 (concessions £8) concerts last one hour. Card or cash at the door or visit www.rochdaletownhall.co.uk/events or iao.org.uk/ortoa.
Portrait of Black Britain
Preview by Steve Cooke
Coming in October Cephas Williams presents a powerful exhibition exploring what it means to be a Black person living in the UK with Portrait of Black Britain at Aviva Studios.
Portrait of Black Britain profiles a range of Black people living in the UK, highlighting the different roles people play in our community. Its focus is not only on high-profile people and success stories, but as many people from as wide a range of society as possible, aiming to make more Black people visible and to offer the next generation and wider society a holistic picture of Black existence in the UK and the 21st century.
From the creator of 56 Black Men, Letter to Zion and the Black Network, the exhibition is part of a project that will ultimately lead to Williams building one of the largest photographic archives of portraits of Black British people ever created.
Portrait of Black Britain was originally commissioned for Manchester International Festival 2021, with 116 portraits, spotlighting people from Greater Manchester, shown in a major public exhibition in Manchester’s Arndale Centre. It was created at a time when candid conversations and dialogue about the Black community were taking a long-overdue centre stage following the murder of George Floyd. In response, Portrait of Black Britain centralised Black-led representation on what it meant to be Black in the UK at that moment. Now Portrait of Black Britain returns to the city, a significant large-scale photographic archive bringing together Black people living in the UK, from Manchester and beyond. The exhibition will be shown at Aviva Studios in the Social for all visitors to the landmark cultural venue.
Portrait of Black Britain. Commissioned by Factory International. Co-Produced by Factory International and Cephas Williams.
Free to attend – no booking required
Thursday 1 – Saturday 31 October 2026
The Social, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ
Summer Cinema at Broadfield Park Slopes - The Wild Robot and Peterloo
Preview by Steve Cooke
The next in the series of Summer Cinema at Broadfield Park Slopes features the free showing of two films The Wild Robot and Peterloo on Thursday 27 August.
13:00 - 16:00 The Wild Robot a 2024 animated adventure film directed by Chris Sanders. It is based on the bestselling novel by Peter Brown. The film features voice performances from Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal and Catherine O’Hara.
The film follows a robot who finds herself alone in the wilderness and must learn how to survive in an unfamiliar natural world. As she adapts to her surroundings, she begins to form unexpected connections with the animals around her and discovers ideas of friendship, family and belonging.
Everyone is welcome. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Booking required: book your free tickets on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slopes-summer-cinema-peterloo-tickets-1989829247845?aff=erellivmlt
Film length: 1 hour 42 minutes
Film rating: The Wild Robot is rated U for Universal, meaning it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy this heart‑warming animated adventure.
17:00 - 20:30 screening of Peterloo.
Peterloo is a 2018 British historical drama film directed by Mike Leigh. The film stars Rory Kinnear, Maxine Peake and David Moorst.
The film follows a group of working‑class men and women as they organise and attend a peaceful protest in Manchester calling for democratic rights. Their hopes for change are met with violence, highlighting the risks they faced and the importance of protest, representation and the fight for fairness.
For adults, teenagers, families with children over 12. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Booking required: book your tickets on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slopes-summer-cinema-peterloo-tickets-1989829247845?aff=erellivmlt
Film length: 1 hour 42 minutes
Film rating: Peterloo is rated 12.
Bring a blanket or chair and watch this powerful drama.
Broadfield Park Slopes can be found just behind Rochdale Town Hall. How to get to Rochdale Town Hall
Contact: hello@rochdaletownhall.co.uk
Refreshments
Refreshments including snacks and soft drinks will be available before the film begins. These will be served by the Rochdale Town Hall.
Parking
Rochdale Town Hall carpark will be closed for the event as it is being used for the cinema screen. Find parking near Rochdale Town Hall
Broadfield Park Slopes, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AQ
A magical musical treat for the whole family
Preview by Steve Cooke
We are promised a magical musical treat for the whole family when the world premiere of magical new family musical The Sorcerer's apprentice comes to HOME this Christmas.
Against the backdrop of the Northern Lights, a small town has been pushed to the brink of collapse in a bid for progress and prosperity. To rescue Midgard from certain destruction, the sorcerer and his apprentice must work out how to make magic together, and fast! This gripping family-friendly story sees brooms coming to life and love blossoming anew, as apprentice Eva discovers the explosive possibilities of her newfound magical powers, leaving havoc, catastrophe and joy in her wake.
This enchanting new British musical explores the extraordinary world of a powerful sorcerer and his budding apprentice. This updated story is inspired by the classic Goethe poem that became an icon of Disney animation in Fantasia, which also featured Dukas’ classic symphony.
A gender-swapped twist on the timeless story, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is brought to life by a cast of ten and was first seen in an earlier digital version that won worldwide acclaim upon its release in 2021. This brand new version features direction by the acclaimed Kirk Jameson (Madagascar The Musical, Song from Far Away) and stunning new music by the award-winning Alexander S. Bermange (I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical).
Running time: approximately 2hrs (inc. interval)
Age guidance: 6+
Call Box Office on 0161 200 1500 (10:00-20:00 daily)
Friday 27 November -Saturday 2 January at HOME 2 Tony Wilson Place Manchester M15 4FN.
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday, 5 August 2026
Heywood Scribblers - Heywood Library
First Wednesday of every month. Free, friendly creative writing sessions. Poetry and story-writing workshops. All abilities welcome, whether you're new to writing or a seasoned writer.
Free
For adults, families and teenagers.
No need to book, you can just drop in.
1.15pm - 3.15pm
Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
Wednesday, 29 July 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Voci Voices: Elizabeth Ambrose soprano, Eric Cymbir tenor, Mackenzie Paget baritone and Jonathan Ellis piano
Running every Wednesday, Music at Lunchtime is a weekly live classical music concert series that has been going since the 1960s. The sessions were initially run at the old Rochdale Art Gallery by the local authority, but since May 2001 have been run by volunteer-enthusiasts and artistic director, Dr Joe Dawson.
£6
Phone: Dr Joe Dawson 01706 648872
St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane/St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL16 1DZ
Doors open 12noon, concert starts 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Thursday, 30 July 2026
Bookstart Baby and Bear Club - Smallbridge Library
Free
Every other Thursday during term time. Join Amy and Bookstart Bear for a fun session, especially for babies and toddlers up to pre-school age and their parents or carers.
Booking required: please book a ticket for every baby and/or child who is to attend. Accompanying adults will not need a ticket. See available sessions and book tickets through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/rochdale-borough-libraries-10695506106
When you and your child come along to their first session of Bookstart Baby and Bear Club, they will receive their very own Bookstart passport for you to get stamped each time they come along to a session or visit the library. For every 6 stamps they get in their passport, they'll receive a certificate. If you or your child are not library members already, you can join when you come along to Bookstart Bear Club.
1.30pm - 2.15pm
Smallbridge Library, Stevenson Square, Rochdale OL12 9SA
Thursday, 30 July 2026
Visit Fireground Museum
Join us at Fireground this week to discover Greater Manchester's firefighting story.
Fire museum attractions are on show inside the museum including our collection of historic firefighting artefacts from the 18th century to present day, plus home-made refreshments in the new Fireground Café, and souvenirs from our fantastic new gift shop! We have a wide choice ranging from toddler to collector.
Under 4s Free, Children (aged 4-15) £6, Seniors £6, Students £6, Adults £8, Family (4 people) £24.
Phone: Fireground 01706 341219
Visit: https://www.fireground.org.uk/ Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Saturday, 1 August 2026
Themed Lego Club - Wardle Library
First 2 Saturdays of each month. Come and join our themed Lego club, with Duplo available for younger children. Can you create something amazing?
For families with children aged 4 and over.
No need to book, you can just come along.
10am - 12pm
Wardle Library, 448 Birch Road, Wardle, Rochdale OL12 9LH
Saturday, 1 August 2026
Bring Your Own Book Club - Rochdale Central Library
This is a book club with no assigned reading and no homework.
Free
Every other Saturday. Fancy a little quiet reading time surrounded by fellow book-lovers? Come along, settle in, have a chat, have a read, and have fun.
For adults and teenagers.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
12pm - 1pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
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