Special evening of music, history and conversation at Halifax Minster

The event, on Saturday, October 3, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, is to celebrate the publication of Professor David Baker's major new study of John Varley Roberts, one of Yorkshire’s most celebrated and forgotten composers.

Roberts (1841–1920) was a working-class Yorkshireman, organist and choirmaster of Halifax Parish Church, then organist of Magdalen College, Oxford and a popular composer.

At the launch, which is free of charge, author Prof Baker, of Mytholmroyd, will be in conversation with international recitalist, David Pipe and reveal why he has always had a fascination with the composer and what inspired him to begin his research and write the biography.

The evening will also feature a performance by David Pipe, who will give a recital on the historic Halifax Minster organ, featuring music associated with the Victorian church music tradition in which John Varley Roberts played such an important part.

There will be a slide deck running in the background and a pop-up exhibition of material from Roberts’ life.

Prof Baker said: “I hope the book and its launch will appeal to a variety of people and I am looking forward to welcoming those who helped me with my research, as well as musicians, antiquarians, organists and many others, who like me, share a passion for church music of this era.

"All are welcome.”

He added that the book aimed to restore Roberts to his rightful place in British musical history while exploring the rich world of Victorian church music, education and society.

“For over fifty years John Varley Roberts transformed Anglican church music through his work in Halifax and later at Magdalen College, Oxford,” said Prof Baker.

“I set out to write more than a biography, for it is as much a study that explores how music shaped Victorian religion, education, community life and social mobility, revealing a forgotten world in which choirs stood at the heart of British cultural life.

“When I began my research into Roberts, I was surprised by how little remembered he was despite his legacy.

"His influence in the field of music was considerable and enduring at a time when church music was undergoing a significant transformation in Britain.”

For more information visit halifaxminster.org.uk/upcoming-events