Bradford Cathedral

In this edition of 'Notes from an Organist' we discover more about them, and what to expect from their recital including being inspired by a Tim Curry performance; accompanying the Freiburger Münster choirs; and which Doctor Who actor is his favourite...

Could you introduce yourself, how you got into music / become an organist and your musical journey to where you are today? I’ve always loved music, although it was exacerbated by Tim Curry’s performance as Forte the evil pipe organ in one of the Beauty and the Beast films…

Since then, I was lucky to have incredible organ/music teachers at school in Germany and in Ely. After 4 years at the University of York, I became the organ scholar at St Edmundsbury Cathedral for 2 years and after Covid was the organ scholar/acting assistant director of music at St David's Cathedral in Wales.

I was then lucky enough to spend a year studying with Matthias Maierhofer and David Franke in Freiburg, where I was also given the fantastic opportunity to be one of the accompanists for the Freiburger Münster choirs.

I’m now working as the organist and choirmaster at Cirencester Parish Church and am really enjoying everything that I do there and am lucky to have such incredible colleagues who support the music as much as they can.

What can people expect from your recital at Bradford Cathedral? It’s a varied programme with music by some of the giants of organ writing. The Walton is also there as it is a demonstration of a key part of British organ playing: the transcription. I would say that there is something for everyone; whether you like the intricate music of JS Bach, the dazzling Romantic music of Louis Vierne or the excitement of a British coronation!

Why do you enjoy playing the organ? Gosh, that’s a big question with a big answer. I think it’s the colours that one can get on the instrument and the many different sounds of the thing too. When I sit at the organ, it just feels right – rather like putting on that favourite jumper in winter. The power of the beast doesn’t hurt either…

Do you have a particular favourite piece out of those you are playing? Definitely the Passacaglia. The way Bach takes this one little melody and creates this gargantuan piece which never gets dull is nothing short of genius. He also manages to create this huge range of emotions which I find just stunning.

This season’s theme is ‘The Town Hall Organ (Secular and Concert Repertoire)’. How are you reflecting this in your programme? I am playing a transcription of Walton’s Orb and Sceptre. Town Hall organs were often designed to be able to play orchestral transcriptions as one organist was cheaper than a full orchestra! These instruments also meant that the public could go to an afternoon of classical music for incredibly cheap prices.

What are your hopes or plans musically for the rest of 2024 and into 2025? As a church musician, my life is now pretty much dominated by Advent and Christmas! However, I will be spending the New Year singing for my choirmaster at Freiburg Cathedral, Boris Böhmann.

You were born in Germany, as well as studying there – do the two countries differ when it comes to organ music? I’d say the approach is definitely different. In Germany there’s a strong sense that improvisation is the main element to work on whereas in the UK, the main emphasis is on repertoire. Even the styles of hymn playing are different. In England the harmonies are all written out on the page for the organist, whereas in Germany the organist is only given the melody and has to improvise the whole accompaniment! This does lead to a really remarkable creativity amongst the German organists. Short answer: yes.

You have worked with various ensembles – do you enjoy that side of music? I love that side of music, as there is something wonderful about working with different musicians, ensembles and repertoire. There’s also the non-musical element which I enjoy. Those little moments where you’re with friends between rehearsals just making memories and having fun.

You’re also a fan of Doctor Who – who is your favourite Doctor, and why? It’s a close tie between Peter Capaldi and Sylvester McCoy for me. Both managed to bring a gravitas and air of mystery to the Doctor, and are just brilliant actors.

Finally, how would you sum up your upcoming recital at Bradford Cathedral? Varied, full of emotional twists and turns, and using the full range of the organ.

You can join us on Wednesday 20th November at 1pm to hear Thomas' organ recital, with an optional £4 buffet lunch beforehand at 12:30pm. You can find out more about them on Twitter or Instagram .

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