SHORTLY before his departure to Westminster Abbey, Peter Holder, Organ Scholar at St Albans Cathedral, is giving a recital next Sunday, July 22.

Peter, a student at the Royal Academy of Music, has been Organ Scholar at the Cathedral since 2010 and takes up the prestigious position of Organ Scholar at Westminster Abbey in September.

He will be giving the recital on the Cathedral’s renowned Harrison & Harrison organ.

His programme includes the Suite du deuxi�me ton by Cl�rambaut, the Concerto in G major by J.S. Bach (after Ernst), works by the famous French organist-composers Louis Vierne and Jehan Alain, and the Carmen Suite by Edwin Lemare, based on themes from Bizet’s famous opera.

The recital is part of an occasional series of Sunday afternoon organ concerts at the Cathedral and Andrew Lucas, Master of the Music, said: “These Sunday recitals give an opportunity to hear a full-length organ concert on the recently-restored organ – which celebrates its 50th birthday this year – played by the Cathedral’s resident organists and other organists from around the UK.

“Peter Holder has given tremendous service to the Cathedral during his time here as Organ Scholar and we wish him the very best for his future career.”

Subsequent recitals in the series will be given by Andrew Lucas on August 19 and Colin Walsh, Organist Laureate, Lincoln Cathedral, on October 28.

The recital will last around 60 minutes and admission is free with a retiring collection towards the work of the Cathedral Music Department. The recital is not suitable for small children.