Special summer organ recitals at York Minster
Saturdays in August
A series of special organ recitals will take place at York Minster every Saturday in August, continuing a tradition of musicianship which spans a millennium.
Music connoisseurs can enjoy performances by some of England’s most talented organists at the atmospheric evening recitals, with programmes including pieces by Bach, Handel and Elgar.
Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster, explained: “The Minster Organ is best heard at the evening recitals each year when the building is quiet and listeners can really appreciate the magnificent sound of the instrument and the building’s acoustic.
“We’re very privileged to welcome some of the country’s most respected organists to the Minster for the recitals and with each musician performing a varied programme of music, there will be plenty for audiences to enjoy every week in August.”
The programme begins on 3 August with Andrew Millington, Director of Music at Exeter Cathedral. Andrew is one of England’s most senior and experienced Cathedral musicians and is well known as a solo organist, playing many recitals for BBC Radio 3. His programme will include Elgar’s rarely-heard Sonata No 2 in B flat, Franck’s Pastorale and Britten’s Prelude and Fugue on a theme of Vittoria.
He will be followed on 10 August by York Minster’s David Pipe, who has been Assistant Director of Music at the Minster since 2010. David has appeared as both organist and conductor on national television and radio, with his first CD of original organ works and transcriptions released last year. His programme will include several works by contemporary composers as well as Handel’s famous Overture from An Occasional Oratorio.
On 17 August Gordon Stewart, one of Britain’s best-known concert organists, will perform at the Minster. Gordon has played concerts throughout the UK including at St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, as well as broadcasting regularly as soloist and conductor on BBC radio and television for over 20 years. His programme includes arrangements of Bach’s Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor and Stanley’s Toccata for the flutes as well as the brilliant Lemare transcription of Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries.
John Scott Whiteley, Organist Emeritus at York Minster, will follow on 24 August with pieces including Britten’s complete organ works and Bach’s Toccata [Adagio & Fugue] in C, BWV 564. John spent 35 years at York Minster before retiring in 2010 and has become well-known over the last ten years for his performances on BBC2 and BBC4 and his recital is always a highlight of the series.
To conclude the series, York Minster’s Director of Music, Robert Sharpe, will perform the final recital on 31 August. Robert joined the Minster in 2008 and as well as being responsible for organising all aspects of the Minster’s music, he frequently performs as an organ recitalist in major venues across the UK and abroad. Works will include Bach’s stunning Prelude and Fugue in B minor and Edward Bairstow’s Evening Song and end with Marcel Dupré’s virtuosic Evocation.
The recitals are part of a busy year of music at York Minster which includes two York Minster Choir Christmas Carol Concerts in December, followed by a performance of Handel’s Messiah later the same month.
For more information about the summer organ recitals and to book tickets, visit www.yorkminster.org.
For further media information or images, please contact:
Leanne Woodhurst / Pamela Anthony
Tel: 0844 939 0014 ext 2480
Email: leannew@yorkminster.org or pamelas@yorkminster.org
Jay Commins
Tel: 01904 500698
Mob: 07810 546567
Email: jay@pyperyork.co.uk
