You don't have to be an organist to join Birmingham Organists' Association! We welcome all with an interest in the organ & its music, whether listeners or performers
What do we do?
"Organ crawls" to hear & play organs in the locality and sometimes beyond
Educational events and illustrated talks, often with guest speakers, sometimes supported by the IAO
Recitals, sometimes given by one of our own members or by students from Birmingham Conservatoire, sometimes with invited guest artists
Raise money to support young, local organists (including from Birmingham Conservatoire - a student is sponsored annually as a result of a competition, the final of which is held in public)
An annual choral service in the church of one of our members
Social events, including beer & skittles, cheese & wine, and formal dinners with guest speakers
Are there other benefits?
BOA is affiliated to the Incorporated Association of Organists, which through its network of affiliated associations throughout the British Isles & beyond numbers more than 6000 associate members. IAO organises regional and national events to which BOA members are invited at concessionary rates.
The quarterly magazine Organists' Review - widely regarded as the leading journal in its field - is available to BOA members at a concessionary rate.
A copy of the BOA Members' Handbook, which lists contact details for local organists including their availability to play for Sunday services, weddings, funerals, etc.
When do we meet?
Meetings are normally held monthly (apart from Christmas and summer holiday periods)
Most are evening meetings, usually starting at 7.30pm, often on Mondays
Some events are held during daytime on Saturdays, including visits and our AGM
Where do we meet?
Events are most often held at churches or other venues (including cathedrals, concert halls, schools, etc) throughout Birmingham and the surrounding area
Venues are chosen with regard to easy access by public transport and, wherever possible, with good car parking facilities
Occasional visits are organised to venues further afield; in recent years, these have included Leamington, Lincoln, Rugby, Warwick, and even a weekend in Paris