Two Tonbridge organists play at Westminster Abbey

The majestic 5-manual organ at Westminster Abbey is being played by not one, but two Tonbridge organists during November. The Abbey (which has been a part of the nation’s life for over 900 years – being the setting for Coronations and State Funerals – alongside daily church services) hosts a weekly organ recital series, at 5pm every Sunday throughout the year.

Last Sunday, 1 Nov, Julian Thomas (Choirmaster & Head of Academic Music) performed his recital to a packed audience of about 500 people, and included music by Hubert Parry, JS Bach and French composer Alexandre Guilmant.

Next Sunday, 15 Nov, Old Tonbridgian, Alex Trigg (CH 15-19) will be playing as part of a mini-series given by young, up-coming organists. Alex’s programme will include pieces by Stanford, Duruflé and Dupré.

Julian said “It was a great privilege to be invited back to perform again at Westminster Abbey and I was particularly delighted to discover that one of our former pupils would be sitting on the same organ bench just two weeks later! Having completed his studies at Cambridge, Alex is building an impressive freelance musical career as an organist, teacher and church musician. I do warmly encourage people to go along and hear him.”

Westminster Abbey organ recitals are free to attend; no tickets are required. Further details are available on their website:

https://www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-and-music/services-and-times/organ-recitals