Future of Music: Dialogue 2: The Future of Music in Church

This is an invitation to the second in a series of dialogues on the future of music in 2017, organised by The Musicians’ Company

The Church of England is probably still the largest single commissioner of non-commercial music in the country. Other denominations also regularly commission new music, and some of the best-known composers of the day are practising church people. In the secular world, ‘spiritual’ music is very popular.
But what is the future of music-making in church? Who will do it? Where are the challenges and opportunities? Are churches and cathedrals becoming less important as centres of excellence? With the decline of traditional parish church choirs, what future is there for the great English choral tradition? Is the marked growth of churches using informal styles of liturgy putting this ancient tradition at risk? On the other hand, are developments in new technology creating previously unimagined possibilities for composers and performers of sacred music? What other new possibilities are there for music in church?
These and other key questions will be explored by keynote speaker Andrew Carwood (Director of Music, St Paul’s Cathedral), followed by a panel discussion comprising Rosemary Field (Deputy Director, RSCM); Huw Morgan (composer, choir director and co-founder of Automatronic); Matthew Rushton (precentor, Rochester Cathedral); Mark Underwood (organist, conductor, former Director of Music, Holy Trinity Brompton).
Please email assistant@wcom.org.uk if you would like to attend.  Places will be limited. For security purposes, all names must be submitted to the Company office for inclusion on the guest list.

4pm tea and introduction
4.30pm keynote and discussion
6pm drinks reception and networking