On Wednesday 16th April we welcome Lee Ward from Fulneck School for our twelfth organ recital of 2025. In this edition of ‘Notes from an Organist’ we discover more about them, and what to expect from their recital, including being an organist in São Paulo; performing in the presence of the Pope; and the fun of playing somewhere local!
Could you introduce yourself, how you got into music / become an organist and your musical journey to where you are today?
My name is Lee Ward and I was born in Liverpool. I was lucky enough to go to a primary school which encouraged music, and I learned the violin and piano until I went to the excellent Bluecoat School. The school had two organs: a Father Willis in the Hall and a neo-Classical Rushworth and Draper in the chapel. To have such contrasting instruments was a real luxury and I fell in love with the organ. Further lessons at Liverpool Cathedral with Ian Tracey on the largest instrument in the country was a thrill and set me on a career pattern which has included the organ at every stage. I was lucky to have access to both cathedral organs in Liverpool and enjoyed attending services to hear the choirs and organs. I studied at the Royal College of Music and held Organ Scholarships at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Temple Church and St Albans abbey. Working with John Scott and Barry Rose was a real privilege, and I learned so much about choir training and organ playing from them both. I held posts also at Chester Cathedral, London Oratory and Hampstead Parish Church before moving to Brazil. There I taught at the British School in Sao Paulo and was Organist at the Mosteiro de Sao Bento with the best organ in Brazil. Most recently I have been Director of Music at Liverpool Cathedral for four years with my old teacher, Ian Tracey, as my organist. I now enjoy playing somewhere different most Sundays, including a significant stint at Bradford Cathedral.
What can people expect from your recital at Bradford Cathedral?
I have tried to follow the theme closely and include a mixture of well-known pieces and one or two lesser known. So, something to appeal to most people. I have enjoyed getting to know the organ over the last 18 months, and so hope I can bring some of that enjoyment across in my playing today.
Why do you enjoy playing the organ?
It is a remarkable instrument, and each one is so different. There is opportunity for small chamber- like music making, demanding real clarity of articulation and consistency, and then then hugely colourful symphonic repertoire in which you can explore the whole range of dynamics and colours. I enjoy accompanying too, especially large-scale Oratorios with organ only.
Do you have a particular favourite piece out of those you are playing?
I think the Imperial March of Elgar is my favourite piece in this recital. Elgar is quintessentially British and the noble melodic quality of his writing is timeless, evoking British spirit and landscapes.
This season’s theme is ‘Music in Times of War’. How are you reflecting this in your programme?
Each of the pieces has something to do with the theme. They range from military marches to pieces evoking prayer and peace.
What are your hopes or plans musically for 2025?
Well, things are about to change as the school I have been Director of Music at has just announced its closure. I’d like to pursue a more free-lance career, continuing to play organ and harpsichord and taking on private music pupils.
You were the organist at the Basilica of São Bento in São Paulo, Brazil. What was it like to play there?
This was a tremendous honour as a British Organist. The organ drew huge crowds and recitals were played to 600 or more people on a regular basis. Accompanying the monastic services in chant was a very spiritual experience as was accompanying psalms in Portuguese and Latin. The community were incredibly appreciative and great Benedictine hosts.
You lectured at the University of Liverpool – what was that experience like?
It was really good to work with young people who really want to succeed in music. It was a great pleasure to see very shy and retiring first years become assured and fine performers in later years. Working on performance practice, anxiety management and historically informed performances was a learning curve for me too and involved a lot of research.
You performed at the service of Beatification of Cardinal Newman in the presence of the then Pope. Was that a memorable day?
Yes it was. I was playing an electronic organ in a marquis very far from the actual action sat next to a brass octet. The only link was TV and headphones. These kept failing during the live broadcast, so it was a nerve wracking gig. It was wonderful to hear so many Oratorion choirs singing and the new mass setting by Jame McMillan.
Are you looking forward to playing somewhere more local when you come to Bradford Cathedral in April?
Yes. The welcome at Bradford is always very warm and I know that the splendid lunches encourage people to attend.
Finally, how would you sum up your upcoming recital at Bradford Cathedral?
An eclectic mix of styles and moods, all to fit in with this year’s theme.
You can join us on Wednesday 16th April at 1pm to hear Lee’s organ recital, with an optional £4 buffet lunch beforehand at 12:30pm.
You can discover more about our organ recital season on our dedicated page.