We've compiled some upcoming events to keep all the family busy in Herefordshire, including a concert at Hereford Cathedral. These are three of the events published in the what's on section of the Hereford Times this week (August 15). (Image: Ben Tomlin) Hereford Cathedral will welcome back former chorister John Challenger for a very special Gala Organ Concert this September.
John will be opening the Space and Other Worlds season at the cathedral with his transcription of Holst’s the Planets on Tuesday, September 17 at 7pm as part of this year’s summer organ recital programme. Mr Challenger said: "Holst was dedicated to improving musical education, so it seems fitting that the Planets has become one of the main ‘classical’ works used to introduce young people to music. It’s a great pleasure to be at Hereford Cathedral performing The Planets on the very beautiful Hereford Willis, the sounds of which were so thrilling to me, and which inspired me as a child myself, to become an organist.
"The Hereford Willis possesses a refined delicacy and beauty of tone which, set in Hereford’s generous acoustic, makes the playing of romantic or symphonic styles so enjoyable. It’s therefore a great pleasure to re-imagine Holst’s The Planets on this organ. In this building the music just comes alive, and so I cannot wait to share it with an audience this September.
" John received his early musical education as a chorister at Hereford Cathedral from 1996 to 2001 under Dr Roy Mas.