The organist librarian

Practised and timed recital pieces. First rehearsal of the Couperin chants. I played Willan on Aberyswyth and Ley on Down Ampney, Last hymn was "God be with you" to Randolph by Vaughan Williams - not played that before! After lunch to the hall with our blue folding back supports. Lots of teddies about for the Michael Rosen Bear Hunt prom - lovely to see so many Liverpool kids involved. Ciaran and Jonah really enjoyed it! The conga in the Prom was great and the illustrator Tony Ross was excellent - he signed Rosario's programme and she gave it to me! To talk on Britten. Second prom  Orchestre de Paris with Paavo Jarvi- Part, Britten violin concerto beautifully played by Janine Jansen, Berlioz Corsaire and Saint-Saens 3. Thierry Escaich was just too loud drowning the brass!.

Watched semifinal of Young musician last night -lovely cellist, recorder excellent and felt sorry for the percussionist. Nice to see Kevin Hathaway on screen. Played Henry G Ley on Down Ampney which I played at Keble college yesterday and Dubois Toccata. Choir sang well - Barry's introit and he was there to hear it, Rutter The Lord bless you and keep you, Locus iste. Tony sang bass. Janet gave me a lovely framed portraits of composers. Molly gave me a musical pen. Met the Bishop of Southwark and said would see him at St John's lunch. To Mass at Purley and asked David Palmer about torch relay bus. They sang a lovely piece by Christopher Walker I had not heard before. Chat to Dennis.

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...

The day began with a St George's Day broadcast from Windsor with lots of fine music by Sir William Harris. At Coulsdon we sang Darke in E and Ley's "Lo round the throne" which is an excellent anthem very well-crafted. Janice Cockcroft suggested going to Oaks Park on the way to Banstead for my picnic and I sat in the sun enjoying the blossom and flowers. Lovely wisteria and jasmine! The St George's Day parade went well and I played Jerusalem, land of hope and glory and Donald Cashmore's Processional march. On return home Martin from Woodside bereavement service came and we had a good chat about how busy I am and how I need to find a balance and enough rest and quality time with Liz! I spoke to Liz and Dennis on Skype and watched Diane Abbott learning to play the piano on TV. Also highlights of the London Marathon but could not spot Richard Nesbitt! He will be tired tonight - I have sponsored him!