At the 10.00am service on Mothering Sunday and to mark Woman Composer Sunday, John Bodiley will play a prelude before the service and a fugue after the service. These will be by Dame Ethel Smyth and are based on the Lenten chorale O Traurigkeit, o Herzeleid.
Context
Launched by the Royal College of Organists & Society of Women Organists in 2021, this annual celebration of women composers takes place on the Sunday nearest to International Women’s Day.
“We already include music by women composers in the repertoire for our Diploma examinations, but it’s been exciting to work with colleagues in SWO in unearthing much more.” RCO Chief Executive Sir Andrew Parmley
“Throughout history, women have composed music, despite many suffering restricted access to education and opportunities. Now we live in a more welcoming culture, enriched by diverse voices and experiences, and eager to uncover the counter-narratives of the past.” Ghislaine Reece-Trapp, Co-Chair of the Society of Women Organists
