MUSIC-lovers have the chance to see a top organist perform at Worcester Cathedral – and even take to the keys themselves.
Former chorister Peter Holder will be returning to the cathedral to perform its annual Gala Organ Recital on Saturday (October 11) at 7.30pm.
The recital celebrates the 17th birthday of the cathedral’s Quire Organ, and will include Sir Edward Elgar’s Severn Suite.
Peter grew up in Bewdley and was a chorister in Worcester Cathedral Choir in the early 2000s. Upon leaving King’s School Worcester, where he was a music scholar, he studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, before holding organist posts at St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
As sub-organist at Westminster Abbey, Peter was organist for both the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. He has performed as a solo artist at the BBC Proms, and in many concert venues across the world. He presently holds the post of organist at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford.
Peter said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to Worcester Cathedral where I spent such formative years as a chorister and look forward to performing a programme reflective of the career that training has afforded me. The centrepiece is the Severn Suite by local composer, Edward Elgar, which sits alongside works by Coronation composers William Byrd, William Harris and Iain Farrington, and the Master of the King’s Music, Errollyn Wallen. I do hope you can join me.”
And to coincide with the recital, and to mark Play the Organ Year, Worcester Cathedral is offering the opportunity to try the cathedral organ on the afternoon of Saturday (October 11) ahead of the recital. The event is open to participants of any age who already play the piano or keyboard, although under 18s will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Visit www.worcestercathedral.org.uk/whats-on/gala-organ-recital-2025 for tickets to the concert.
Email Nicholas Freestone on [email protected] to sign up to play the organ.
