Some of the UK’s finest Cathedral organists will play at Salisbury Cathedral this year, as part of the 2024 Organ Series, that will also include the popular summer Organ Prom and a big screen showing of the silent movie of The Phantom of the Opera with live organ accompaniment.
Kerry Beaumont has been Director of Music at three British cathedrals – St David’s, Ripon and Coventry. On September 7 he will give a concert of organ music ranging from Purcell’s Rondeau & Air from Abdelzar and JS Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in C to recent works by Jonathan Dove and Cecilia McDowell.
Kerry said: “I am thrilled to be playing some of my favourite organ works on the majestic and sparkling Salisbury Cathedral organ!”
The summer Organ Prom has become a highlight of the musical year in Salisbury – and this year members of the public can vote for their favourite pieces to be played.
Taking place on Saturday, August 10, the Organ Prom is a feel-good evening where audience members can enjoy a drink while wandering around the stunning architecture of the Cathedral, listening to an entertaining mix of music played on the famous ‘Father’ Willis organ by David Halls and John Challenger.
The 1925 silent film version of The Phantom of the Opera starring Lon Chaney has become a classic among horror movie fans.
On October 5 there is a rare opportunity to watch the film on a big screen in the perfect gothic setting of Salisbury Cathedral, while Jonathan Hope provides an improvised organ soundtrack.
Jonathan is Assistant Director of Music at Gloucester Cathedral and in between his cathedral work and international solo career, he has built a reputation for creating these improvised movie accompaniments.
John Challenger, Organist and Assistant Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral, said: “I am very much looking forward to welcoming people to this year’s Summer Organ Series.
"We are indeed fortunate to have such a splendid and historic pipe organ here at Salisbury Cathedral, and I hope that, through the series, people may enjoy hearing some of our very finest organists putting it through its paces.
"There is something for everyone in this series, and our gigantic screen is the ideal opportunity not just for us to show the organist at work but, this year, to host a silent film with organ improvisation. I cannot wait for the series to get underway!”
Tickets for the 2024 Organ Series are available now at www.salisburycathedral.org.uk
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