A shared passion for music in worship brought together members, friends and supporters of the RSCM to our home in Salisbury last Saturday, together with renowned speaker and musicians from around the country.

In the Annual Lecture, speaker Dr Elizabeth Stratford, the first woman to hold a senior position in a cathedral music department and the youngest cathedral organist appointed in recent times, spoke about the key but often hidden roles that women had played in sacred music over the centuries.  She noted that Salisbury, with its first ever cathedral girls’ choir in 1991, held a significant place in that story.

Throughout the day in various talks and workshops, the conference highlighted the key role that music plays not only enhancing and enlivening worship, but also deepening spirituality, bringing communities together and improving individual well being.  There were also workshops with ‘tips and tricks’ to help choir leaders, organists, singers and those planning worship.

Hugh Morris, RSCM’s Director, said: “It was wonderful to welcome people from such a broad range of backgrounds to what was a really uplifting day. The wide range of sessions and topics covered reflected our active role in supporting church music and musicians everywhere – whatever their background, skill level or role in the church.”

Passion and enthusiasm among delegates and speakers characterised the day, with everyone sharing ideas and practice

“I really enjoyed Saturday’s conference – I was tired by the time I got home but it was great to meet so many people and I came away with lots of ideas!” (Delegate)

Hugh Morris concluded: “We titled the conference ‘Church Music Matters’. The buzz in the building was a real testament to that; and as we approach our 2027 Centenary, I am excited by the RSCM’s commitment to building a positive, flourishing future for church music, as we also cherish the past we inherit. It was so moving to spend time with people who give so much to enable that flourishing in their local contexts – inspiring in so many ways.”