Celebrity Organ Recital at Rochdale Town Hall
A rich programme of classic organ works by Vierne, Walker, Jongen, JS Bach, and a jazz-infused piece was performed by William Campbell at Rochdale Town Hall, as reviewed by Dr Joe Dawson. The JJ Binns instrument in the Great Hall is one of the finest civic pipe organs in the UK, and Campbell, currently assistant director of music at Peterborough Cathedral, made full use of its sonority.
Born to Caribbean-descent parents in Croydon, Campbell started violin aged three, later piano and trumpet before organ lessons at 14 as a music scholar at Wellington College. He became organ scholar at St. Laurence Church, Catford in 2018, then at Guildford Cathedral, graduated first class from York in 2023, held posts at all Yorkshire cathedrals, and two terms at Canterbury Cathedral. He has played with the Chineke! Orchestra at St. Paul's Cathedral and Royal Festival Hall, appeared on BBC radio and television as organist, violinist, pianist and harpsichordist, and holds FRCO, LTCL (and DipABRSM violin) and is an ABRSM examiner.
His programme opened with Prelude and Fugue from Organ Symphony No. 1 in D Minor by Louis Vierne, the visually impaired French organist of Notre Dame. The rich sonority and lively fugue suited the Rochdale instrument. Campbell's own arrangement of Lyric for Strings by George Walker (the groundbreaking African-American composer) followed, originally the second movement of his 1946 String Quartet No. 1, reminiscent of Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. Prière and Choral from '4 Pièces pour Orgue' by Joseph Jongen, second only to César Franck as a Belgian composer, provided a harmonic feast building to a massive climax. A shift to Baroque harmony came with the majestic Ricercare a 6 from Bach's 'The Musical Offering' BWV 1079, in a transcription by Herbert Collum, based on a tortuous theme by King Frederick II. The recital concluded with Lay my Burden Down by Iain Farrington, using five African-American spirituals reasserting blues and jazz roots with Oscar Peterson-like technique and Count Basie-like big band scoring, delivered in an improvisatory manner.
Portrait of Black Britain Exhibition at Aviva Studios
In October, Cephas Williams presents Portrait of Black Britain at Aviva Studios, as previewed by Steve Cooke. The exhibition profiles a range of Black people living in the UK, highlighting diverse roles in society, not just high-profile individuals, to make Black people more visible and offer a holistic picture of Black existence in the UK. Originally commissioned for Manchester International Festival 2021 with 116 portraits from Greater Manchester shown at the Arndale Centre, it followed the murder of George Floyd when conversations about Black community took centre stage. Now returning to Manchester, the exhibition will be at Aviva Studios in the Social, free to attend from Thursday October 1 to Saturday October 31 2026, co-produced by Factory International and Cephas Williams.
Summer Cinema at Broadfield Park Slopes
Free summer cinema at Broadfield Park Slopes (behind Rochdale Town Hall) on Thursday August 27 features two films. From 1pm to 4pm, The Wild Robot (2024 animated adventure, rated U) directed by Chris Sanders, based on the bestselling novel, with voice performances from Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal and Catherine O'Hara. The film follows a robot surviving in the wilderness and forming connections with animals. Booking required via Eventbrite. From 5pm to 8.30pm, Peterloo (2018 British historical drama, rated 12) directed by Mike Leigh, starring Rory Kinnear, Maxine Peake and David Moorst, depicting a peaceful protest in Manchester calling for democratic rights met with violence. Also booking required. Bring blankets or chairs. Refreshments available. Rochdale Town Hall carpark will be closed for the event.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice at HOME
A new family musical, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, premieres at HOME this Christmas, promising a magical treat. Set against the Northern Lights, a small town is pushed to collapse; a sorcerer and his apprentice must make magic together to rescue it. The story features brooms coming to life and apprentice Eva discovering explosive powers, leaving havoc and joy. This gender-swapped twist on the classic Goethe poem (iconic Disney Fantasia version) is brought to life by a cast of ten, directed by Kirk Jameson (Madagascar The Musical) with music by Alexander S. Bermange (I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical). Running time approx 2hrs including interval, age guidance 6+. Performances from Friday November 27 to Saturday January 2 at HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester. Tickets via Box Office 0161 200 1500.
Other Community Events
Toad Lane Concerts continue at St Mary in the Baum on July 29 with Voci Voices: Elizabeth Ambrose (soprano), Eric Cymbir (tenor), Mackenzie Paget (baritone), Jonathan Ellis (piano). Doors 12 noon, concert 12.30-1.30pm, £6. Information: Dr Joe Dawson 01706 648872.
Heywood Scribblers meet at Heywood Library on August 5 (first Wednesday monthly) for free creative writing sessions, poetry and story-writing, 1.15pm-3.15pm, all abilities welcome, drop-in.
Themed Lego Club at Wardle Library on August 1 (first two Saturdays monthly) for families with children aged four and over, free, 10am-12pm, Duplo available.
