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WELCOME
Installation of the Archbishop of Canterbury

As we plan for our Centenary in 2027, I have been reflecting on the RSCM’s international presence. I sincerely hope it will be a worldwide celebration (more details are coming soon). The new Archbishop of Canterbury was clearly thinking along similar lines in the content for her wonderful installation service. For me, one of the musical highlights was the beautiful Urdu Kyrie, Khudaya, rahem kar. If you enjoyed it too, copies are available from the RSCM Music Shop here. It is a great way to add variety to your worship.

The service itself was so very joyful, and there are many reasons for optimism - scrolling down will give you a few more.  

Thank you for reading and for sharing the content of this newsletter.

 
 
 
 
Hugh Morris
RSCM Director
 
CHURCH MUSIC
CONFERENCE 2026 

RSCM conference graphic

We look forward to welcoming delegates to our conference this coming Friday and Saturday; it promises to be a rich and rewarding day, with a wide variety of content.

Safe travels to you all.

A small number of last-minute tickets are still available, so please see the website for details if you are able to join us.

Click for information and booking
 
MUSIC SUNDAY
14 JUNE 2026
Music Sunday logo

There’s still plenty of time to take part in Music Sunday this year, a chance for churches everywhere to celebrate the power of music in worship.

Why not host a Come & Sing Evensong? These events are growing in popularity and offer a wonderful opportunity to welcome new singers into your church community. One such event will take place at St Mary’s Church, Fordingbridge (Hampshire), where Hugh Morris will lead a Come & Sing Evensong using the newly available 2026 music pack.

Music Sunday is intentionally flexible, so you can shape it to suit your own context. You might:

  • reflect on themes of the day in your regular service
  • plan a bespoke act of worship
  • organise a social gathering, such as coffee and cake
  • combine your celebration with fundraising for your church and the RSCM

Whatever you choose, you’ll find a wealth of ideas and resources on our website to help you plan.

If you have any questions, do get in touch: [email protected]

Find out more
 
SCOTTISH VOICES APPOINTS
NEW DIRECTOR 
Photo of Iain McLarty

The RSCM is delighted to announce the appointment of Iain McLarty as the new director of RSCM Scottish Voices, its national choir in Scotland.

Iain brings a wealth of experience as a choral and orchestral conductor, educator, and church musician, with a strong track record of inspiring singers of all ages and abilities. In his new role, he will lead RSCM Scottish Voices in its ongoing mission to promote excellence in choral singing and to support the rich tradition of church music across Scotland.

He succeeds Frikki Walker, director of music at St Mary’s Cathedral, Glasgow, who has led the choir since its founding in 2008.

Iain will take up his directing duties for the first time on Saturday 16 May, when the choir sings choral evensong at St Ninian’s Scottish Episcopal Church, Troon.

RSCM Scottish Voices always welcome new members.

Find out more
 
YOUNG CHURCH
MUSICIAN AWARD
Photograph of young musicians

We are delighted to launch a new category in the Honorary Awards presented annually at the RSCM’s Celebration Day: the Young Church Musician Award.

This award recognises young church musicians (aged 18–30 inclusive, as of 30 June 2026) who are making a significant contribution to the flourishing of church music in their own context.

To find out more, and to access the nomination form, please click the button below. 

We very much look forward to welcoming successful recipients to Salisbury Cathedral on 26 September.

Find out more
 
INSTITUTE OF SACRED MUSIC
ISMO logo

The Institute of Sacred Music at St Stephen’s House, Oxford, offers musicians, music ministers and liturgists a unique place in which to study, worship, and perform. Whether part-time or full-time, students can obtain post-graduate qualifications up to master’s level.

The Institute is currently advertising its Diploma and MA programmes. These courses can be studied on a full- or part-time basis, and teaching is delivered in a hybrid format.

The RSCM has been pleased to work with St Stephen’s House in supporting this programme, including delivering several seminar sessions.

Find out more
 
AND FINALLY...
Cheltenham choir

Easter is, of course, a time of celebration. Readers of our magazine CMQ will know that Loyal Service Awards are presented across the country, and indeed around the world, recognising remarkable dedication to church music.

This Easter Sunday, Anthony White of Cheltenham marked an extraordinary milestone: 75 years of service to the same choir, as a chorister, choir administrator, music librarian and (until recently) crucifer. A truly outstanding achievement, and one worthy of our warmest congratulations.

Do you know someone in your church who deserves recognition? If so, find out more about RSCM Loyal Service Awards on our website. 

Click to learn more
 

Forward Notes from the Director!

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