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 Nigel Spooner as our recitalist.
Programme
Sonata in D, Kp. 288 by Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
Introduction and Variations on a Ground Bass by Alec Rowley (1892-1958)
Ave Maria by Karg-Elert (1877-1933)
Variations for Pedals on Regent Square by John Bertalot (1931-)
Prélude et Fugue sur le nom d’Alain, Op. 7 by Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986)
Bio
Nigel began learning the organ at Truro Cathedral with John Winter in 1970 and was a pupil at Truro School for 5 years, until his father was promoted by the Midland Bank to a post in Somerset. He is immensely grateful to John and to Henry Doughty, director of music at the school, for the enormous amount of opportunities and encouragement they gave him (a “thank you” slate is on the cathedral roof!). After sixth form at Sexey’s School in Bruton, during which time he gained his ARCO, he studied Chemistry at Bath University, singing in the Abbey Choir and gaining his FRCO halfway through his degree course. Soon after graduating, he was a finalist in the St Albans International Organ Competition.
Deciding upon a school teaching career, he taught chemistry in Rye and Bishop’s Stortford before heading to Lancashire, where he was deputy headteacher at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School and head of its sixth form of 600 students. A freelance period followed, where Nigel continued music development work with schools, individual teaching and concert work, and became an ABRSM examiner, including many examining tours to Indonesia, Malaysia and Hong Kong. He was also organist at Longridge Parish Church, and played for The Daily Service on Radio 4 with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
He returned to teaching at Bolton School as a chemistry teacher and organist of the 2 divisions of the school (girls and boys), each having its own pipe organ. He continues his singing with the Hallé Choir (recently at the Proms), being privileged for many years to sing under the direction of Sir Mark Elder, and Sine Nomine, who are singing the services here this week. He has sung many times in the chorus at the St Endellion Festival.
Retired life does not disappoint, and Nigel is now associate organist at Blackburn Cathedral, where he enjoys its amazing instrument as well as spending much more time on his at home (thanks to the Hauptwerk system). Often to be seen out and about on his bike, he recently cycled over 1400 miles from Rotterdam to Venice.
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