Celebrate 10!
The 10th anniversary of the completion of the Nicholson and Co. organ
2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the organ at Llandaff Cathedral. To celebrate we have planned events that explore the diverse repertoire of the organ, from delicate accompanying instrument to virtuosic solo showstopper.
There’s something for everyone; from a Cymanfa Ganu celebrating the welsh hymn, to silent film improvisation and a 24 hour playathon. See below for a full list!
January
Philip Moore’s ‘Nativitas’
Sunday 29 January | 4.00pm | Free
The 10th Anniversary Festival begins with a new work by composer Philip Moore, Nativitas, a series of meditations on the birth of Christ, inspired by and interspersed with poetry by David Broadbridge.
February
Advent to Candlemas
Sunday 5th February | 4.00pm | Free
Hear the organ accompany the Cathedral choir in a fantastic service celebrating the end of the Christmas season
March
5.30pm Friday 3th - 5.30pm Saturday 4th March
24 Hour Playathon
24 hours of continuous music, 15 organists, one professional choir and a lot of stamina will be required over the course of this unique event. The organists of Llandaff Cathedral will be joined by organists from around Cardiff for this marathon of music. Pop in during the day, or embrace the full experience by ‘glamping’ in the nave during our after-hours lock-in. Are you an amateur keyboard player? Then ‘Pay-to-Play’ during this event!
The event will be streamed on YouTube for the full 24 hours.
March
Beauty in Sound | Richard McVeigh
Richard McVeigh operates Beauty in Sound, a YouTube channel focusing on the organ. While the bulk of BiS’s output focuses mainly on recitals recorded the impressive Hauptwerk Organ situated in his living room, a regular fixture of the channel has become features recorded live on cathedral instruments. These sessions involve two days of recording and include a live demonstration of the instrument and a recital given by the resident organists, and an episode of ‘Virtual Church’, a programme of hymns, organ music and prayers that airs live every Sunday.
May
Our Summer recital series begins on 3rd May. The recitals are every Wednesday at 7.30pm and run until the 5th July. All recitals are free to attend with a retiring collection. And feature recitalists such as Charles Francis, Richard McVeigh and Gordon Stewart.
July
Thursday 6 July | 7.30pm | £8
Cymanfa Ganu
Showcasing the organ as a hymn playing instrument. A uniquely Welsh cultural tradition and a celebration of song, community and faith. Join us for a fantastic evening of congregational singing. Hymns will be sung in both Welsh and English.
July
Wednesday 12 July | 7.00pm | £15
The Cathedral Choir in Concert. We display the organ in its role as accompanist alongside the Cathedral Choir, who give their first summer concert since 2019.
August
Saturday 19 August | all day | free (evening recital £15)
Organ Experience Day
Come and experience the organ up close and personal! Sign up for an organ demonstration or go a guided tour inside the organ. Stay with us to observe up-and-coming organists in a masterclass given by internationally renowned organist Nathan Laube, who will also finish the day with a thrilling evening recital.
September
Saturday 16 September | 7.30pm | Free
The Grand Organ Spectacular
The organists of Llandaff Cathedral join together to present an evening of light entertainment.
October
Friday 20th October | 7.30pm | £10
The Phantom of the Opera (1925 film) with live organ improvisation
Improvised accompaniment by Jonathan Hope Assistant Director of Music, Gloucester Cathedral
In the style of 1920’s cinema, audiences will be invited for the screening of a silent film, with live improvised accompaniment provided on the organ by Jonathan Hope.
December
Monday 4th December | 7.30pm | £15
Gala Concert
The Gala Concert pits the organ against choir and orchestra as we show it in its full capacity as a solo, orchestral, and accompanimental instrument, joined by Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama's String soloists.
Featuring Poulenc's Organ Concerto in G minor, Op. 36 performed by Stephen Moore, Director of Music.
December
Saturday 23 December | 4.00pm | Free
Olivier Messiaen’s ‘La Nativité’
played by Stephen Moore, Director of Music
The 10th Anniversary Festival concludes as it started - with another Christmas themed work, Olivier Messiaen’s influential organ cycle, La Nativité du Seigneur.
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Celebrate 10!
