Lichfield & District Organists' AssociationWelcome to Lichfield & District Organists' Association website

Lichfield & District Organists' Association (LDOA) was founded in 1926, and we are honoured to have as our President Martyn Rawles, Organist & Assistant Director of Music at Lichfield Cathedral. Our region covers Lichfield and surrounding districts of South Staffordshire, South Derbyshire,and parts of the West Midlands and East Midlands adjacent to Lichfield.

The aims of the Association, as set out in our Constitution, are to:

  • Provide a forum for the public to pursue their interest in organ playing, organ and liturgical music
  • Welcome and encourage the general public in organ playing and organ music,including demonstrations of instruments and organ music
  • Foster an interest in the organ and organ playing amongst young people
  • Arrange public meetings to facilitate the exchange of information and views with other organisations and persons concerned with the composition, interpretation, presentation, teaching or publication of organ music.

The Association welcomes all those with an interest in the organ, its construction and its music, whether or not they play the instrument themselves. Our activities include regular visits to hear and play local organs, from small instruments in rural churches to large instruments in local cathedrals and town halls, visits to organ builders, organ recitals by members, our AGM, and an annual dinner.

Members also receive a bi-monthly newsletter, which covers details of recent visits and local recitals, LDOA forthcoming events, other forthcoming organ recitals/events in the local area, features on organs in the local area, IAO news/events, members' news, as well as interesting articles on organs and organ music submitted by our members. The Association is also a good forum for contacts for members willing to deputise from time to time in local churches for Sunday services, weddings/funerals, and for members seeking organ tuition or those able to provide organ tuition. (See 'Links' page of our website)

Our Association is affiliated to the Incorporated Association of Organists. This enables our members to participate in all IAO activities, and entitles them to all the benefits and services provided by the IAO, as well as a reduced subscription rate for the IAO quarterly magazine 'Organists' Review'.

A quote from our President amply sums up our Association: Lichfield & District Organists' Association is a sociable, supportive and thriving group for lovers of the organ of all ages and abilities. Amongst its greatest strengths are the frequency and variety of its visits, regular and informative newsletters, and its work to educate and inform children and adults about this most intimidating but rewarding of musical instruments. Please join us and come and be a part of our events soon. Martyn Rawles, F.R.C.O., Organist & Assistant Director of Music Lichfield Cathedral.

Download our publicity flyer for more details about our Association.