Press Releases
Cathedral Recital Series in Armagh
Second Performance in the 2026–2027
The next organ recital in the series will be held on Sunday 25 October 2026 at 4.15pm in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh. The recitalist will be the Ven Dr Peter Thompson who will play works by Dietrick Buxtehude, JS Bach, William Walton and Louis Vierne.
Peter is the Assistant Organist at the Cathedral and familiar with playing the Cathedral’s organ. Speaking ahead of his recital, Peter said, “I am really looking forward to the next recital in Armagh. Choosing repertoire for a recital is always a fun process, balancing varieties of styles and sounds, creating something which will captivate and excite the audience.”
Peter continued, “For this recital I’ve chosen to start with what is arguably Buxtehude’s most recognisable work, the great ‘Praeludium inC‘, which showcases both a master improviser at work, and also his skill in strict and free counterpoint. I’m going to follow that with a set of chorale variations written by Bach in his student days, as he explores the possibilities of turning a simple hymn tune into a musical tour de force.
An arrangement of three pieces from William Walton’s music written for the film ‘Richard III’ in 1955 will lead into two pieces by the French master, Louis Vierne: an ‘Arabesque‘ and his iconic ‘Final’ from the first organ symphony, which reveals the glory and majesty of the wonderful Cathedral instrument.”
The Director of Music, Dr Stephen Timpany added, “As a regular player of the Cathedral’s organ, Peter knows all its colours and sounds intimately and his imaginative and varied programme will be a treat for the listener.”
The recital will last forty minutes and all are welcome to attend. Admission is free, with donations to the Armagh Diocesan Singers, which will be matched by the Cathedral Board in appreciation of Archdeacon Peter Thompson’s work and the valuable contribution that the Armagh Diocesan Singers make to the choral tradition on the Hill of Armagh.
The next recital will be given by Canon Martin White on Sunday 22 November 2026 at 4.15pm.