Our first physical face-to-face conference since the pandemic lockdown was built around the theme of music. We explored the idea of our need for music to help shape and enrich our lives and how religions are built on not only stories and poetry (our last Conference) but music also.
How and why does music transport so many of us into a sense of transcendence?
Why is music so intrinsically bound up with religious expression and belief?
Can we explain the ‘religious’ power of music, or can we only experience it?
Our speakers and performers will stimulate and challenge you with their ideas on “faith in music; and music in faith”!
In the Beginning was Music? Music and Religion
St John’s Church, Waterloo Road, London SE1 8TY
Speakers/Performers:
Patti Whaley, BA, MA Musicology
A chartered accountant, IT specialist and Charity manager (formerly Chair, ActionAid UK; Treasurer, Food Ethics Council; Deputy Secretary General, Amnesty International), Patti is a local church organist. She has a B.A. & M.A. in Musicology and an ABRSM Diploma in organ performance (distinction).
She is a former Chair of the Sea of Faith Network.
The Revd Stephen Mitchell
Published author (including “God in the Bath” and “Past Perfect”) and former Rural Dean & Canon, Stephen has always been a musical vicar. He has a degree in Music and taught music in a secondary school before reading Theology at Cambridge.
Stephen is also a former Chair of the Sea of Faith Network.
Elaine Henson
Elaine is a music graduate of the Universities of Exeter and Durham and a singing licentiate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Katie Hainbach, Head of Music and Arts, Alyth Synagogue
A mezzo-soprano, Katie is an experienced opera singer, teacher and choral conductor.
She has a BA (hons) in Music Studies (including a distinction in Music Pedagogy) and a MMus in Vocal Performance.
Katie has performed on radio and television in the UK and Ireland.
She has travelled around the country doing music for people with dementia and other community music.
At the Alyth Synagogue, Katie is responsible for the choirs, musical and acting groups.
Alyth Synagogue website: https://www.alyth.org.uk/
(For more Conference details and a booking form, download this PDF brochure)