The organist librarian

18/9 10.15 mass celebrated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan who seemed in a hurry. Lots of screens, organ and choir loud, cantor not good. Met Michael assistant organist and will be in touch. Baguette and coffee at Cafe Bouchon. Lego shop. Paley centre for media Startrek gallery and cartoon films. Joey Falco playing at St Patrick's Demessiux, Howells, Franck. very large acoustic and huge sounds. Met him and he has not been to London. To Museum of modern art Matisse, Picasso, Kai Althoff, collection of junk! Bruce Connery It 's all true disturbing films, maybe was well named. Ate at Xian Famous foods tasty and cheaper. To St Thomas 5th avenue met Prof Marcia in the queue inter cultural studies at New York university. superb concert St Thomas choir, orchestra of St Luke's cond by Sir Simon Rattle with Daniel Hyde. lark ascending, Elgar serenade, Faure requiem Daniel Moore exc soloist. Daniel played Bach on new Dobson organ. What a treat and thought of Lyn -funeral today and Lpuise ...

Up at 6.15 and on train at 7.30. Got Oxford tube with Ian and had time for a coffee in Oxford. St John's Aubertin - the scholar Francis Goodburn is from Leeds RC cathedral and is studying maths and computer science. He says in future all organ scholars must do BMus - a stupid idea! Organ seemed to have mellowed and bought a CD. To Hertford where the chaplain was very friendly and chatted about RSCM and liturgy. He took us onto the Bridge of Sighs and there was lots of white fur about as it was MA graduation day.. Managed to get lunch at St Mary's then to Keble where there is a magnificent new Tickell. I played Henry G Ley piece - he was organ scholar. The chapel is very decorated and there is the original of Holman Hunt "Light of the world" in a side chapel. The organ is above this chapel. Simon Whalley is director of music and very friendly and Richard Dawson ARCO played Durufle and Buxtehude very well. He has a skin condition on face and hands. The long echo means c...