2024 Organ Recitals Programme

The Father Willis organ of Truro Cathedral has been long regarded as one of the finest examples of its kind. Delivered by boat and installed in 1887, the instrument has remained in an unaltered state and sounds almost exactly as it did 137 years ago.

The 2024 recital series is due to start on Thursday 14 March, with Andrew Wyatt giving a recital of Franck and Reubke, featuring the magnificent Sonata on the 94th Psalm. Andrew says:

“Playing this wonderful and inspiring instrument on a daily basis is both a privilege and a joy. I am delighted to be starting the 2024 recital series with a programme that suits the organ so very well. The two pieces I’ll be performing were both written and performed not far from the time the organ in Truro was built and installed.

Franck’s Cantabile was first performed in 1878, only nine years before the Willis was installed in Truro Cathedral, and Reubke’s Sonata on the 94th Psalm was first performed in 1857, 30 years before the installation.

Whilst the Willis might not share many likenesses with the instruments that Reubke and Franck knew in their respective countries, it is a true testament to the quality of the organ built in Truro that it can present itself so very convincingly in so many different styles – a true Chameleon of the organ world, capable of so much colour and variety with only a fraction of the stops that would have been available to Franck and Reubke.”

The recitals will run most Thursdays at 13:10 from March to October, each lasting around 45 minutes. There is no Charge to attend or listen to these concerts, and the cathedral only asks that if you are able, you consider making a donation - the income generated by the generosity of both the audience and artists (who play for free) directly supports music at the cathedral and the ability to continue to offer such community events.

Visit the What's On page for Organ Recitals

Please keep a look out on the cathedral website for more information on each weeks recital. We are delighted to have such an exciting line up of wonderful organists, so do please come and listen in! The recitals will also be live-streamed and can be watch via their event page or via the cathedral's YouTube channel.