News from Sheffield

[DracoM]

"However it seems to me that on this forum it is not considered acceptable to question the necessity for cathedrals to have choirs singing every day at great expense. Is it the best way for the church to fulfil its role of spreading the Gospel of Christ? It may be. However forumites, on the whole, seem to believe that the question shouldn't be asked and that the existence of such wonderful music is its own justification."

Sorry, but that is simply not true.

The anger here is mixed with ANGUISH, and a deep knowledge by many forumites of the intricacies, the politics and above all the finances and logistics of such operations.
BUT
many are also aware that from such hard-working, treasure-house-like working laboratories, future excellence emerges to keep areas of music alive. THAT'S where the anguish comes - watching a future rendered bleaker by the strictures or even maybe the limited vision of the present.

It's a tough row to hoe.

[PeterboroughDiapason]

"However it seems to me that on this forum it is not considered acceptable to question the necessity for cathedrals to have choirs singing every day at great expense. Is it the best way for the church to fulfil its role of spreading the Gospel of Christ? It may be. However forumites, on the whole, seem to believe that the question shouldn't be asked and that the existence of such wonderful music is its own justification."

Sorry, but that is simply not true.

The anger here is mixed with ANGUISH, and a deep knowledge by many forumites of the intricacies, the politics and above all the finances and logistics of such operations.
BUT
many are also aware that from such hard-working, treasure-house-like working laboratories, future excellence emerges to keep areas of music alive. THAT'S where the anguish comes - watching a future rendered bleaker by the strictures or even maybe the limited vision of the present.

It's a tough row to hoe.

Yes, I understand, and I'm being a bit of a Devil's Advocate here. But, which bit of what I said isn't true?

[Keraulophone]

I'm being a bit of a Devil's Advocate here.

That’s your prerogative.

On the other hand, my job may be on the line, especially after Easter. Redundancies have already been announced here

Maybe you especially enjoy said Evening Prayer and Continental-style Mass with cantor and murmuring congregation?

[Dave2002]

I agree, but that wasn't what was significant. The point is that, half a century ago, this individual was a personal friend. Since we were teenagers society has made significant progress towards mutual tolerance of those who are different. I had hoped he might have evolved accordingly and am saddened that he has not, but I feel no guilt at refusing to tolerate prejudice. There are plenty of others like him out there. I used to come across them all the time in the day job.

Sorry to hear about that. I guess a lot depends on which trajectories one takes through life. I have had many people of different colours and religions and countries of origin as friends, but my guess is that many others in the UK would not have had so many experiences. I have also worked with many people of diverse cultures, and even if they are not bosom friends, I do not generally dislike them, or disadvantage them. I have also come across significant prejudice on occasions, but mostly it doesn’t affect me. I would be upset if it affected me or my friends.

[mw963]

The petition has now passed the 7500 signatures mark. Well done!

[Keraulophone]

The petition has now passed the 7500 signatures mark. Well done!

[Finzi4ever]

The petition has now passed the 7500 signatures mark. Well done!

[DracoM]

[oddoneout]

Interesting move

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/sep/16/sacked-sheffield-cathedral-choristers-start-choir-in-exile

[DracoM]

[jonfan]

Interesting move
https://www.theguardian.com/music/20...choir-in-exile

There’s a precedent for this. When Keith Rhodes was dismissed as DOM by Bradford Cathedral in the 1970’s the whole choir resigned in protest and formed the Bradford Choristers, which had a similar remit to the proposal in Sheffield.

[weston752]

There’s a precedent for this. When Keith Rhodes was dismissed as DOM by Bradford Cathedral in the 1970’s the whole choir resigned in protest and formed the Bradford Choristers, which had a similar remit to the proposal in Sheffield.

But now the Dean is resigning from the end of this year:

https://www.sheffieldcathedral.org/news/2020/10/4/announcement-from-the-dean-of-sheffield-cathedral

so where will that leave matters?

[Ein Heldenleben]

But now the Dean is resigning from the end of this year:

https://www.sheffieldcathedral.org/news/2020/10/4/announcement-from-the-dean-of-sheffield-cathedral

so where will that leave matters?

If memory serves he was the principal driver of Musical change at the Cathedral so his departure might well lead to a reverse ferret to use Kelvin Mackenzie’s felicitous phrase..

[Roger Judd]

That's just brilliant ... so he wrecks the music department, then buggers off into the sunset ... well done!
RJ

[Vox Humana]

That's just brilliant ... so he wrecks the music department, then buggers off into the sunset ... well done!
RJ

Quite—though I suspect that wasn't his original plan. Anyway, could something now be salvaged from the wreckage?