Orlando Jopling talks to ruth paton about the pilgrimage

Where did the idea come from?

2008-02-18T14:12:00.000-08:00

Well, it was three things coming together really. I've always loved the peace and tranquillity of churches, and their sense of history. So I wanted to play some music there to fill the space and to breathe some life into the stones.

Secondly, I’m lucky enough to play the cello, for which Bach wrote the wonderful suites. They seem to match the spirit of the churches perfectly.

And lastly I know that it is an ongoing challenge to keep each one of those churches in good repair for the next generation, and I’d like to do my bit to help.

Why the Bach in particular?

2008-02-18T14:10:00.000-08:00

The Bach suites are some of the most fulfilling pieces of music to play. Bach manages to create such expressiveness and also such towering architecture from simple means – one line of music with an occasional double stop. And there’s the same simplicity about the concerts; a chair and a cello is all I need.

I’ve found that the music appeals equally to regular concert-goers and also those who might not normally go to see classical music. I usually play a romantic or dramatic piece by a different composer, for contrast in the middle of the recital.

Are the concerts made up of just the music?

2008-02-18T07:56:00.000-08:00

I love introducing the suites, giving some background and context. Bach led a very uneventful life on the outside, but his inner journey and struggle for appreciation is fascinating. I also love talking about the history and workings of the cello, and answering as best I can any questions which people have.

Have you undertaken this pilgrimage for spiritual or religious reasons or purely artistic ones?

2008-02-18T07:55:00.000-08:00

I don't expect anything other than the pleasure of playing the music and aiming to raise £100,000 by doing so. But it has been inspiring to meet the wonderful people who have organised the concerts, to play in such beautiful buildings, and to see some breathtaking parts of the country which I would otherwise never have seen.

Why the cello pilgrimage?

2006-12-15T01:46:00.000-08:00

Our churches are a wonderful national treasure.

Most are magnificent achievements of architecture and engineering; many are full of breathtaking art and craftsmanship; and they are living links with over 1,000 years of history; each with a fascinating story to tell.

But many are also in desperate need of repair and restoration. Why not raise money for parish churches' restoration funds by filling them with the sound of Bach's Cello Suites, which have a special affinity with our charismatic and atmospheric church buildings?

Letter inviting people to the concert

2005-05-09T06:03:00.000-07:00

Your letter inviting people to come to the concert could say something along these lines:

St Saint’s Name Church, Village/Town

We are delighted to announce that renowned cellist Orlando Jopling is coming to our village/town to give a concert on DATE as part of his journey round England playing Bach’s virtuoso and expressive Suites for solo cello.

This is a rare opportunity to hear a top-class musician on our doorstep, and to hear these beautiful works in the perfect acoustic, which allows the music to achieve its fullest expression.

With our atmospheric church candlelit and the music soaring among the arches, it will be an unforgettable evening in its own right – but the concert will also raise much-needed money to restore our ancient church building.

Wine and nibbles are included in the ticket price, so come early and enjoy the social occasion. Orlando is playing for a nominal sum to cover his expenses, so the tickets cost much less than they would normally. So why not take advantage of the opportunity to entertain a group of your friends? We’d like as many parties as possible, so to encourage you we will give you two further tickets for free if you order six, saving you £30.

Here are some of the audience comments from Orlando’s previous Bach concerts.

Please tear off the booking form at the bottom of this letter and return it to Name Surname, Address. Orlando’s concerts usually sell out so we advise early booking.

Thank you so much for your support and we look forward to seeing you on the Date.

Name, Church

………………………………………………………………………………………….

BOOKING FORM

q This sounds like a lovely evening and I’d love to join you. Please send me …. tickets @ £15 each, which includes delicious wine and home-made nibbles (remember 8 tickets will only cost £90)

q I’d also like to add an extra donation towards the restoration fund. I am a UK taxpayer so please reclaim the income tax I have paid on this amount using the gift-aid scheme.

I enclose a cheque for £……………

q I’m really sorry to say that I am busy that evening, but I appreciate our beautiful church building and would like to do my bit to help the restoration fund, so I enclose a cheque for £……… I am a UK taxpayer so please reclaim the income tax I have paid using the gift-aid scheme.

Please return to: Name Surname Address Postcode