This Summer 2014 update of the Cathedral Music website marks momentous changes in the history of the company.  After 37 years I have decided to retire from the active running of Cathedral Music Ltd and, as from the beginning of July, the RSCM is taking it over.  However, I will be continuing to act as a Consultant on their behalf, still offering advice and information about titles in our Catalogue, and also on church (and indeed all classical) music repertoire, editions etc. in general, as well as taking orders.  The Cathedral Music Catalogue will remain as a self-contained imprint of the RSCM, which they are anxious for me to continue expanding. It is very encouraging that they view our good name as worth building on.

The RSCM and I very much hope that the co-operation that has long existed between Cathedral Music and its customers, in respect both of Cathedral Music and other publishers' titles (including out of print items), can continue.  Enquiries and orders can continue to come to me - the only difference you will notice is that packages and invoices will now come from RSCM Music Direct’s distributors Norwich Books and Music (aka Hymns Ancient & Modern or Canterbury Press).

Online, in addition to information and publications that will now be flagged up on the RSCM website, our own website here will remain active.   It will continue to include our full Catalogue, together with our Ex Cathedra newsletters, sections on new and forthcoming titles, and facilities for feedback enquiries and orders.  The updated paper catalogue will also be available.

This new link with the RSCM is, I feel, a very positive step. In such a specialised area within the classical music world there are very few other firms or organisations covering such a similar niche, so I am very grateful to them for picking up the reins and at the same time making me feel so welcome. Their taking over of the day-to-day business of sales will free me up to develop our Catalogue while still allowing me to assist customers with their enquiries or orders.

The first additions to the Catalogue are already in hand – see the New Issues section.

Richard Barnes