A collection of one box of programmes from Westminster Cathedral, from 1903 to 2007. The Cathedral is situated on Ambrosden Avenue, Victoria Street, and is of Roman Catholic denomination. The collection includes programmes from the Cathedral Hall, also situated on Ambrosden Avenue.

The earliest programme in the collection is from 1903: this is a word book – with analytical programme notes, words and musical examples – from the first London performance of the Dream of Gerontius, conducted by Edward Elgar. Other early twentieth-century programmes include a concert of madrigals given by the Oriana Madrigal Society (1912 – the concert was given in the Cathedral Hall), a “Recital of English Organ Music” (1923) and a “Recital of sacred compositions” (1923). The programmes do not give any evidence of the music being part of a service or any prayers preceding the music.

The remainder of the collections dates from 1945 onwards, with the majority of programmes dating from 1965 onwards. The programmes are from concerts of scared vocal music, orchestral concerts and solo recitals – in particular, from organ recitals. Organ recital programmes include a series of recitals of the music of Messiaen in the late 1960s; the concerts were jointly organised by the ICA Music Section, Organ Music Society, and featured various organists. Various instrumental groups are represented in the collection. These include ensembles connected to the cathedral, such as Westminster Cathedral String Orchestra, Westminster Cathedral Chamber Orchestra and Westminster Cathedral Baroque Orchestra. There are also programmes from concerts featuring London-based symphony orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. There are numerous choral groups represented in the collection, and these include the New Westminster Chorus and the Westminster Cathedral Choir.

There are a few programmes from services, including a memorial service for John Barbirolli (1970) and a requiem mass for Lennox Berkeley (mass held in 1990; Berkeley died in 1989).

Arrangement:
The programmes are arranged chronologically.

1903 - 2007

-

Not Specific

• BBC Symphony Orchestra -
• Elgar, Edward -
• ICA Music Section -
• New Westminster Chorus -
• Organ Music Society -
• Oriana Madrigal Society -
• Royal Philharmonic Orchestra -
• Westminster Cathedral Baroque Orchestra -
• Westminster Cathedral Chamber Orchestra -
• Westminster Cathedral Choir -
• Westminster Cathedral String Orchestra -

• London [England]
• Westminster Cathedral
• Westminster Cathedral: Hall

• 20th century - early 1900-1930
• 20th century - mid 1931-1970
• 21st century

Centre for Performance History Prince Consort Road London London SW7 2BS United Kingdom

Open Map

cph@rcm.ac.uk

020 7 589 4340

020 7 589 7740 

Mon-Fri by appointment

During the course of 2008 a new facility providing collection storage space, reader facilities and office space will created for the Centre for Performance History at College Hall, the site of the RCM's Hall of Residence in London W12. This will eventually offer improved access to researchers, and provide the collection with a secure and stable environment, all in one place. In order that the relevant parts of the collection can be packed and prepared for the move, and then re-shelved at the new facility as expeditiously as possible, all facilities and services (including photographic services and access to the programmes collection) of the Centre for Performance History are suspended until 12 January 2009. The Museum of Instruments will continue to operate a full service (including public opening during the summer vacation) throughout this period. We apologize for the inevitable inconvenience that this closure will cause to colleagues, students, researchers and members of the public, but believe that the improvements that will result will benefit the long-term preservation of the collections and will provide enhanced access to them for all users.