On Wednesday 8th January we welcome Michael Haynes from Hexham Abbey to the Cathedral for the first recital of 2025. In this edition of ‘Notes from an Organist’ we discover more about them, and what to expect from their recital, including mixing the familiar and unfamiliar in a recital; filming plans for 2025; and how you could recreate the Hexham Abbey organ at home!
Could you introduce yourself, how you got into music / become an organist and your musical journey to where you are today?
I learned piano from about 6, but always wanted to learn the organ! My background was as ordinary as can be though singing was in the family and I listened to my parents records over and over again. Their tastes were in a mixture of classical and popular styles, and my listening has been pretty eclectic!
What can people expect from your recital at Bradford Cathedral?
In a recital I always try and mix in familiar and unfamiliar: and even with well known pieces I quite like doing something off the wall; in a different or unusual manner. Music can paint pictures and reveal emotions, and it has something unique in a live performance.
Today’s Rheinberger movements I think are awesome, the Passacaglia is beautiful and also massive, and I have my own version of the end! Bach Trios are hard to play but so satisfying, and can show some lighter colours on the organ. Cocker’s Tuba Tune is so uplifting and so majestic! Peeters’ Chorale Prelude is suitable for Epiphany and is beautifully crafted and inspired. Both of Mulet’s Organ Toccatas are my absolute favourites bucket, and I play them both quite a lot! (The “Tu es Petra” one is so serious, this one “Carillon Sortie” is beyond joyful!)
Why do you enjoy playing the organ?
It’s fun playing the organ, as it so dramatic, and so varied. The challenge is to make music on an organ, which takes some doing, and can be done, and if you sense your audience are listening then that’s a great thrill. Giving a recital at St Paul’s Cathedral in 2023 was a life highlight for me!
What are your hopes or plans musically for 2025?
I hope in 2025 to make some good quality you tube videos from Hexham Abbey. I’ve made a few just with an iPhone in the organ loft, but that doesn’t really show the organ off to it’s full extent. It’s nice to have targets to work towards. And I don’t really have much on-line presence at all, so far!
You are the Director of Music at Hexham Abbey – how do you find that role?
Being Director of Music at Hexham Abbey is an all encompassing and totally enveloping role. One massive part of which is running the choir of about 36 trebles and 30 adults, usually split into two teams, for the two midweek choral evensongs and the two Sunday services. The administration and social side of that, plus organising special events and tours is truly epic. It’s fully volunteers singing and fully inclusive, and on a good day the choir sounds great; at its very best it feels like a giant family!
I aim to practice piano and / or organ every day, sometimes for a short time sometimes for a long time. Often early or late. The Phelps Organ of Hexham Abbey is a special instrument. A large two manual, tracker action organ, which is versatile and responsive, though not a traditional cathedral style organ. Obviously I’ve given many recitals there and made a CD, and we have just celebrated the organ’s 50th birthday! it’s endlessly rewarding to play and gets better with time. (It is possible to download a sample set of the Phelps and play it at home!)
Finally, how would you sum up your upcoming recital at Bradford Cathedral?
I always look forward to giving Organ recitals, and Bradford Cathedral in particular has a special feel. Last time I came I played Widor’s 6th Symphony, and remember loving the organ, and being touched by the warmth of welcome and appreciation for the recitals. I know I will enjoy myself and just hope the audience will too!
You can join us on Wednesday 8th January at 1pm to hear Michael’s organ recital, with an optional £4 buffet lunch beforehand at 12:30pm.