The annual Convocation of the Institute of Arts and Letters, London, took place on the afternoon of Saturday 2 June at St Jude’s Free Church of England by kind permission of the Rector. Fr. Sergius Scott of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate was admitted as a Fellow.

Fellows and guests heard a presentation by Michael Karn, an authority on Mozart and Freemasonry, who spoke about the contrasts between Mozart’s music and his life and character. In addition, Professor Maurice Merrell, a skilled improviser, demonstrated that art at the organ. The Convocation concluded with tea and refreshments.

Convocation of the Institute of Arts and Letters, London, took place on 30 April at St Jude’s Free Church of England, London SW12, by kind permission of the Rector, who is a Fellow of the Institute.

Mr John Balsdon was admitted to the Fellowship in person, and Fr. Anthony Clavier in absentia. The Secretary-General gave an illustrated talk entitled “The Sainted Musician: St. John Churchill Sibley” and this was followed by a song recital of English music.

Some photographs of the tea which followed are given below:

The Prince-Abbot, President of the Institute of Arts and Letters, London, presided at the Institute’s Annual Dinner at the National Liberal Club on October 23, at which several Fellows and invited guests were present. The assembled company, attired in evening dress and academic gowns, enjoyed a fine dinner followed by a most entertaining speech from Mr Jonathan Marten FIAL(Lond) who spoke of his extensive travels as a music examiner.

The Institute was particularly pleased to welcome Dr William Clark, FIAL(Lond), who had travelled from his home in Australia to be present.

The annual Convocation of the Institute of Arts and Letters, London, took place on the afternoon of Saturday 18 April at St Jude’s Church, Balham, by kind permission of the Rector.

After an introduction by the President, the Secretary-General presented the Annual Report, apologies for absence and commemorated deceased Fellows. Four new Fellows were presented in person, while a further five received Fellowships in absentia. The President then gave a talk entitled “An Introduction to the Abbey-Principality of San Luigi”. This was followed by an organ recital by Dr Maurice Merrell, who is a Fellow of the Institute of many years’ standing. Dr Merrell performed music by Purcell, Bach, Campra, Thalben-Ball and Stanley. This was then followed by an excellent tea kindly provided by the Rector, who is also one of our Fellows.

The Convocation was well received and comments from those present included, “the whole ceremony was carried out in a splendidly solemn and dignified manner that gave it meaning and purpose.”

A dinner will be held for Fellows in the autumn, with details to be circulated shortly.

The photograph above shows the Institute’s Council.