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Royal College Of Organists




The College maintains the British Organ Library and provides internationally-recognised examinations, diplomas and fellowships in organ-playing, choral directing and organ-teaching.


HISTORY

The RCO was founded as the ''College of Organists'' in 1864 by Richard Limpus , the organist of St Michael's Cornhill in the City Of London , and received its Royal Charter in 1893 . From 1904 until 1991 it was based in Kensington Gore in West London in a remarkable building designed by architect H H Cole . When the lease on this building expired the RCO moved to Holborn in London , then in 2002 they moved to Millennium Point in Digbeth , Birmingham .

Plans were made for more permanent purpose-built premises around the Grade I Listed former Curzon Street Railway Station in Birmingham, the world's oldest surviving piece of monumental railway architecture. New facilities designed by Associated Architects included a new library and 270 seat concert hall. The college has recently announced that this move will not be taking place, and it is now researching a more affordable option.


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