Bradford Cathedral

In this edition of 'Notes from an Organist' we discover more about them, and what to expect from their recital, including keeping it local with some Bairstow, recording a solo CD, and hopes for future runs! Could you introduce yourself, how you got into music / become an organist and your musical journey to where you are today?

Apparently, I learned the piano for a year or so when I was 4 or 5. I don’t remember it, but apparently I came home one day and said ‘I don’t like music, I’m giving it up’. So I did. Latterly, a ‘cellist taught me as a potential interest I may have, and that largely continued for a while. However, it wasn’t until university that I heard a countertenor singing, which drew me into cathedral music and started on the organ. What can people expect from your recital at Bradford Cathedral?

A programme from across the scope of possibility. Something for everyone. New and well known, thought-provoking, and hopefully a good way to spend an afternoon in sunny Bradford. You can try to make it a jolly sing song with the Irish Air, but Stanford does make it rather difficult at points to guess what’ll happen next! Why do you enjoy playing the organ?

The music we do, solo organ and choral is such a beautiful thing, and the variety we can get out of it reminds me that a musicians job is never complete. There’s always great organ music out there, and whether I want to learn it or not, it’s good to be reminded that when we play the organ, we’re part of an ever evolving art. I like introducing people to things, and whether they like it or not, is irrelevant. I do always hope they do though…! Do you have a particular favourite piece out of those you are playing?

I do have a soft spot for the Guridi. It’s the closest thing I’ve found to a musical story, and tells it in the most remarkable way. I have found that people find great interest in it, whether they are organ fanatics with great knowledge, or stumbled into the cathedral looking to get out the rain who know nothing of organ music. This season’s theme is ‘The Town Hall Organ (Secular and Concert Repertoire)’. How are you reflecting this in your programme?

I don’t tend to play a lot of ’town hall’ repertoire, as vague as a definition as it is. I have however chosen four pieces that might be of interest to those attending a ’town hall’ recital. Bairstow was organist down the road in Leeds Parish Church (now Minster), and may well have played his own Evening Song in the town halls around these parts. The Stanford houses a lovely melody, that winds its way through a minefield of guises. Of course the Ayres, is based on a rather upbeat pop tune. However, I’m not sure the Beatles ever played alongside organ music such as this genre…! What are your hopes or plans musically for the rest of 2024 and into 2025?

Get out alive. It’s been a busy year with the new career taking off, as well as maintaining many of the musical edges my life has. Quite a remarkable balance I’ve got now between finance and music, but one that I’m really enjoying. You last played here this time in 2023. What have you been up to musically in the past year?

I’ve just finished recording a solo organ CD with Regent Records. I actually received the first edit yesterday, so hoping to get through and have a listen. Coming to all good record stores near you…! Since going freelance musician on the side, I’ve now found that the variety of groups that want me to work with them is really exciting, and keeps me fully entertained! Choral Societies, Chamber Choirs, Choirs of Trebles, chamber music. I’ve also just had a bit of Christmas music recorded with the Black Dyke Band, so waiting eagerly to hear the final product! You are a keen runner – have you done any races recently?

Not at all sadly. I’ve taken a step back (metaphorically, not literally). I haven’t found a great deal or time lately, but having just moved to the lovely area of Yeadon, I’m going to try get back into it and explore the surrounding areas! I did apply for the London Marathon, but didn’t win the ballot. Maybe I’ll try for the Leeds Marathon (Rob Burrow Marathon) and see what comes out of that one! Finally, how would you sum up your upcoming recital at Bradford Cathedral?

One you should come to. One that might give you something new to your listening ears. One that gives you clever things to say about the town hall repertoire. One that I hope fits in well with the rest of the series of Town Hall recitals, whatever they are... You can join us on Wednesday 11th December at 1pm to hear Ed's organ recital, with an optional £4 buffet lunch beforehand at 12:30pm.

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