Beverley Minster is set to be transformed into the Tower Ballroom, Beverley as The Beverley Arts Trust presents celebrity BBC Radio 2 Organist Nigel Ogden in a special concert on Saturday 16 April.
Playing the organ in the spectacular surroundings of Beverley Minster has been a long cherished ambition of Nigel’s. Celebrating 45 years of broadcasting this year, Nigel has been the Presenter of BBC Radio 2’s longest running specialist music programme, ‘The Organist Entertains’, since 1980.
He was inspired to play the organ when, as a boy, he spent many hours watching and listening to the incomparable Reginald Dixon at the Wurlitzer organ in the world-famous Tower Ballroom, Blackpool.
For his Minster concert, he has put together a special programme of light classical and popular music designed to appeal to the general public, as well as to fans of organ music.
Nigel Ogden is acknowledged to be one of the most versatile organists in the country today, equally at home with Bach and Broadway! His playing sizzles with spontaneity and is enlivened by a formidable technique.
As a concert organist Nigel has played in churches, chapels, cathedrals, town halls, theatres and cinemas the length and breadth of the country as well as appearing in the USA, Australia, Finland and the Netherlands. His particular brand of popular and light classical music delights audiences wherever he goes.
Nigel also enjoys accompanying choirs, soloists and also silent films where his creative spontaneity and ability to paint pictures with music are second to none. Nigel is a member of the American Theatre Organ Society Hall of Fame and is one of only a few British organists to have been accorded this honour.
He has also appeared on other radio and TV programmes on numerous occasions, providing background music for plays, films and documentaries. In October 2012, Nigel was awarded a Gold Badge of Merit by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) in recognition of his support for such people through his radio and concert work.
Carol Hancock, Chair of The Beverley Arts Trust said;
“We’re thrilled to be bringing such a prestigious musician to Beverley. We’re sure people are really going to enjoy hearing the Minster’s magnificent organ doing something a bit different in a non-Sunday mode, so to speak! And afterwards, there’ll be a chance to meet Nigel at our post-concert drinks reception in the Minster. Everyone is welcome.”
Tickets £10 (Under 18s free) from: The Beverley Arts Trust (01482 870751) or in person from the Beverley Tourist Information, Toll Gavel (01482 391672) and the Minster Parish Office (01482 868540). Also on the door, subject to availability.
