5 WELCOME

6 IN ACTION

Highlights from the RSCM’s Christmas lecture and concert   

8 WHAT’S ON

Details of RSCM events in your Area from March to July 2023

10 WHY DO I USE MY PAPER, INK AND PEN? THE TIMES AND MUSIC OF WILLIAM BYRD

400 years after the composer’s death, Sandy Burnett looks at William Byrd’s enduring legacy.

16 FROM THE DIRECTOR

Hugh Morris on the impact of secular weddings

17 NEW RSCM MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS      

Details of the RSCM’s new membership benefits for 2023

18 A GAME OF CHANTS

Alan Tavener on setting up a plainsong choir  

22 RSCM NEWS

News and reports across the RSCM’s international network 

26 CONGRATULATIONS

Members’ successes and RSCM awards

28 A LETTER FROM CANADA

Daniel Webb on the differences between church music in the UK and Canada

32 COMPOSING A CORONATION ANTHEM: AN INTERVIEW WITH JOANNA FORBES L’ESTRANGE

Learn more about the RSCM’s coronation anthem, The mountains shall bring peace unto the people.

34 CLASSICAL AND CONTEMPORARY: ADVICE FROM A CHURCH MUSICIAN      

Simon Dixon offers advice for those struggling to balance contemporary and traditional worship styles.

38 HYMN MEDITATION

Gordon Giles writes about the rousing Easter favourite, Thine be the glory.

42 SUNDAY BY SUNDAYS PLUS: AN INTRODUCTION

Learn more about the RSCM’s new online companion to our print magazine.

44 BRIDGING CULTURAL DIVIDES: A CHORAL MUSIC GROUP IN SOUTH AFRICA

Simon Aiken on running a successful multi-denomination choir in Johannesburg   

46 INTRODUCING CHORALLY

Ian Clethero explains the RSCM’s new partnership with the online community platform CHORALLY

49 OBITUARIES

50 CLASSIFIED ADS

51 REVIEWS

CMQ evaluates the latest CDs, DVDs and music books.