Contact:
Simon Haynes
Email:
senyahnomis@hotmail.co.uk
Address:
Munster Square
LONDON NW1 3PH
Locality:
Postcode/Zip:
NW1 3PH
Musical Requirements:
Duties consist of a weekly Sunday mass (11am), four services in Holy Week and Christmas (midnight mass and Christmas morning), additional services as they come in (for which the postholder has first refusal), and a service on or near Mary Magdalene's saint day. Services may be depped out by agreement with the vicar. There is no choir, and the minimum commitment on a normal Sunday morning is 90 minutes from c. 1045 to c. 1215.
A key draw for this post has been the central location and the availability of a practice/teaching room, and the church as well, by agreement. This location has formed the basis of a thriving teaching practice for the current postholder, who is moving away from London.
The instrument is a two-manual Viscount electronic instrument, with the fine J W Walker (1910) pipe organ currently defunct. This latter instrument is the subject of a restoration project, with a specification already drawn up with the assistance of a leading organ consultant, and a fundraiser on board ready to start raising money as soon as the costs are quantified. Longer term, the church aims to become a community hub and busy rehearsal space once improvements are made to the fabric, which are well in hand. Leading musical ensembles have used the space to rehearse, and the church has even seen an operatic world premiere. It is no more than 10 minutes walk from the Royal Academy of Music, and the Wigmore Hall and King's Place are also within easy reach.
The role would suit a wide variety of musicians in different ways, who will be met with flexibility and a collegiate approach from celebrant and congregation alike. The congregation is close-knit, but open to newcomers and very friendly. The church itself is of significant architectural interest and has a rich history, both musical and liturgical (one of the editors of the English Hymnal was Director of Music).