Organ Recital
The 2025 Truro Cathedral Organ Recital Series welcomes first-rate organists to play Truro’s acclaimed Father Willis Organ. This recital will be live-streamed on this page at 13:10 and our YouTube channel
This week, we welcome John Keys as our recitalist.
Bio
John Keys, an Honorary Fellow of the Guild of Church Musicians, has been Director of Music at St Mary's Church, Nottingham since 1984, and has fostered a flourishing musical life in the Church, as well as following an independent career as solo organist, continuo player, accompanist and conductor. He is also Nottingham City Organist, Nottingham University Organist and Vice Chairman of the Nottingham Albert Hall Binns Organ Trustee Committee.
Born and educated in Chester, John obtained the Diplomas of the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music in organ playing while still at school. After A-levels he was assistant organist at Chester Cathedral for nearly three years before going up to New College, Oxford, as Organ Scholar.
After graduating in 1981 he went to Geneva to complete his organ studies at the Conservatoire with Lionel Rogg, where he won several prizes. In 1984 he won First Prize at the Fourth Manchester International Organ Competition.
John has produced many recordings of pieces, and also one of the world’s largest collection of organ hymn accompaniments.
He has played in France, Germany, Italy, Holland, Norway, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, Gibraltar, the Ukraine, Switzerland, Malta, the USA and Australia, as well as widely in the British Isles. He has appeared as organist, accompanist, continuo player and conductor on Radio Suisse Romande, Télévision de La Suisse Romande, Netherlands Radio, Radio France and for the BBC.
Programme
Marcia Eroica by Charles Villiers Stanford (1852 – 1924)
Dolcezza (Reflections) by Percy Whitlock (1943 - 1946)
Menuetto by Eugène Gigout (1844 – 1925)
Symphonie V by Charles-Marie Widor (1844 – 1937)
Allegro
Vivace
Adagio
Toccata
Live-stream
The series runs from March to October and each recital lasts 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.
Truro Cathedral is a registered charity number 1207821 and relies on public donations to meet costs. Truro Cathedral welcomes regular or single donations from its supporters.
To give regularly by Direct Debit, please use the Parish Giving Scheme
Single donations can be made through the cathedral website
Popular donations are £5/person