York Minster launches 2013 Organ Promenade Performances

Fridays at 1.15pm

17 May, 24 May, 31 May and 7 June 2013

It has been said that the pipe organ within York Minster uses the entire Gothic cathedral as its sound box, and for the next four Friday lunchtimes, visitors will be able to enjoy hearing the wonderful instrument being played by the local team of organists and their guests, in a series of organ promenade concerts, running from 17 May to 7 June 2013.

The Promenade Performances have been created to enable visitors to enjoy the sound of the organ from many different parts of York Minster.  During the informal sessions, which last around 45 minutes, visitors can choose to either sit down to enjoy the performances, or wander around the cathedral, using the music as an accompaniment to their visit.

“We’ve got a fantastic programme across the four weeks which really showcase not only the organ and the incredible variety of sounds and tones that it can create, but also the skills of the players,” comments Robert Sharpe, York Minster’s Director of Music, who will be opening the season alongside Assistant Director, David Pipe.  “There is a mix of music that will be familiar, as well as some less well-known pieces, and a few surprises thrown in along the way.”

Taking to York Minster’s four keyboard organ in subsequent weeks will be Charlie Hubbard, Organ Scholar for Trinity Hall, Cambridge on 24 May, and Antony Norcliffe of Mill Hill Chapel in Leeds on 31 May.  York Minster’s own Organ Scholar, Nicolas Haigh, completes the line-up on Friday 7 June.  All of the performances are included within normal admission to York Minster, so anyone who has bought a ticket to visit the cathedral in the last 12 months will be able to enjoy all four concerts free of charge.

The Organ Promenade Concerts are part of a wide range of concerts and performances taking place in 2013 in York Minster.  This includes a performance by the Minster Choir as part of the York Early Music Festival on 12 July, and a summer season of organ concerts running every Saturday evening in August.

York Minster has also launched a new Twitter account dedicated to music taking place within the Minster, @yminstermusic.  As well as the latest news on concerts and performances, the feed includes details of music being performed during services, guest performers and exclusive musical content provided by musicians from York Minster.

For more information on any of the concerts or performances, please visit www.yorkminster.org or call 0844 939 0011.

ENDS

Notes to editors

York Minster has a strong tradition of supporting up-and-coming musicians, including an Organ Scholarship.  The Organ Scholar is appointed for one year, which may be renewed for a subsequent year.  He or she supports the Director of Music and Assistant Director of Music in aspects of the management and operations of the York Minster Music Department, develops organ repertory and skills in playing choral and non-choral services to the highest professional standards, and benefits from a year absorbing the daily musical life of a major cathedral church and learning as much as possible from it.  This is an excellent opportunity for an immediate post-graduate student with proven skills as a player.

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