A rare treat

1:41pm Friday 4th July 2008

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MUSIC lovers in Herefordshire are in for a rare treat as one of the world’s great organists, Dame Gillian Weir, gives a recital on the mighty Willis organ at Hereford Cathedral on Tuesday at 7.30 pm.

Dame Gillian is well known to an international audience following several world concert tours, recordings and television broadcasts and has received many prizes, awards and honours for her playing and scholarship.

In an exciting new development, there will be the opportunity, before the concert begins, to hear her in conversation with Hereford Cathedral’s assistant organist, Peter Dyke.

“I’m very much looking forward to this occasion. I have the greatest admiration for Dame Gillian’s musicianship,” says Peter.

“I was lucky enough a few years ago to play for her in a masterclass at Westminster Abbey and she was a superb teacher; it will be fascinating to hear her views on the music she is playing in the concert and on the life of an international recitalist. We are incredibly fortunate to be able to hear her play in Hereford.”

The pre-concert event begins at 6.15pm. Tickets for this are free, but are available only to those purchasing tickets for the concert. As places are limited, early booking is advised.

Dame Gillian will be playing music by a wide range of composers, including Widor and Messiaen, sure to show off the cathedral organ’s power and colour at their best.

Concert-goers will be able to see her as she plays by means of a live video relay projected on to a screen at the front of the building. Tickets, priced £10, are available from the cathedral shop on 01432 374208.