Press Releases22 Sep 09

New book of insights into life of distinguished Irish church musician to be launched

A wide-ranging new memoir by the notable Irish church musician Dr Harry Grindle is to be launched in Belfast on 17 October 2009. In a career lasting over half a century, Harry Grindle has filled with distinction the roles of organist, conductor, composer, teacher and scholar. Reprise – An Irish Church Musician Looks Back, traces his path from a choirboy in Bangor Abbey, through his period as Organist and Choirmaster of Belfast Cathedral during the worst of the ‘Troubles’, to his many years as Director of the celebrated choral group, the Priory Singers.

In a life filled with music-making, Dr Grindle recounts his time school-teaching in Belfast and London, his years as Organist of Bangor Parish Church, and as Head of Music in Stranmillis University College. Of particular interest is his account of how he came to conduct the choir of the nuns of the St Louis Order.

Generous in his acknowledgement of the influence on him of such outstanding musicians as Sir Adrian Boult, Herbert Howells and Flor Peeters, Harry Grindle has done more than any other to guide and encourage young singers and players in Northern Ireland, achievements which have brought him honours from HM the Queen and the Archbishop of Canterbury.

In his foreword to the book, former Church of Ireland Primate, Lord Eames says, ‘He has become a household name for perfection in preparation and production of choral work which has brought great beauty to congregations and audiences.  This book allows us to share much of a very special life.’

Billy Adair, writing in the USOC Newsletter, comments, ‘I thought that I knew Harry well but I had no idea of the number of things in which he was involved and the massive amount of work he got through until I read Reprise.’

This illustrated memoir focuses not only on the career of one man but gives an insight into church music at a time of rapid change. It will be launched by the Revd Canon J C Bell at St Mark’s Parish Church, Dundela, Belfast on Saturday 17 October, 2009 at 10.30am when it will be on sale at the special price of £9.99.

After the launch, the book will be available at the Good Book Shop, 61-67 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2QH (Phone: 90244825) and through the Resource Centre Bookshop, Holy Trinity Church, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6 (Phone/Fax : 4972821). Price: £11.99.