ELGAR'S masterpiece, Enigma Variations, which includes the famous ‘Nimrod’, is played by orchestras across the globe, but on Tuesday it will be performed in a new arrangement on Hereford Cathedral’s world-famous 4,000-pipe Willis organ.

Peter Dyke, the cathedral’s assistant director of music, transcribed the work for the organ and recently recorded it on the Priory label, to great critical acclaim. But this performance will have a unique twist, as he explains: ‘In this wonderful music, the composer depicted one of his friends in each of the 14 short movements. We’ve invited one of my predecessors, the distinguished organist and composer David Briggs, to write a new variation to celebrate the 80th birthday of Dr Roy Massey, who served as organist here for 27 years until 2001, and we’re delighted that David has come up with a virtuoso take on the Enigma theme, entitled ‘R.C.M.’ I think it reflects brilliantly Roy’s commanding and compelling playing that we know so well!’

The concert by Peter Dyke takes place on Tuesday at 7.15 pm. Tickets available from the Cathedral Shop, or on the door.