On Wednesday 2nd October we welcome Kris Thomsett from Newcastle Cathedral for the fifth recital of our 2024 autumn season. In this edition of ‘Notes from an Organist’ we discover more about them, and what to expect from their recital including playing on Songs of Praise, meeting Alexander Armstrong, and playing one of their compositions in front of royalty.
Could you introduce yourself, how you got into music / become an organist and your musical journey to where you are today? As a child in primary school, a keen eyed teacher noticed how enthralled I was with the organ at Rochester Cathedral, and so arranged for me to have a play on the instrument in her church. I then took organ lessons with the organist of that church before going to the King’s School in Rochester and learning the organ with Roger Sayer. Upon leaving school, I was organ scholar at Chelmsford, Norwich (where I studied music at UEA) and Salisbury cathedrals, before moving to Newcastle in September 2015. Since being organ scholar at Chelmsford, I’ve studied the organ with William Whitehead.
What can people expect from your recital at Bradford Cathedral?
Hopefully something that will appeal to everybody, with some light hearted moments as well as some more reflective passages.
Why do you enjoy playing the organ?
Compared with most instruments, the colours are almost limitless, and the musical world is so rich. From playing tiny chamber organs supporting other musicians, or mimicking a whole orchestra, there’s never a dull moment.
Do you have a particular favourite piece out of those you are playing?
Probably the Langlais Triptyque. I learned this work with Roger Sayer, and it was one of the first complete works I had learned.
This season’s theme is ‘The Town Hall Organ (Secular and Concert Repertoire)’. How are you reflecting this in your programme?
I’ve tried to reflect this by including as much music as possible not composed for the church or religious events. For example, the Hollins Triumphal March is clearly written for a town hall organ, calling for bells and percussion if available. Langlais Triptyque was commissioned for the Royal Festival Hall, and if one listens closely, there are some not so subtle references to Westminster Chimes in the final movement.
What are your hopes or plans musically for the rest of 2024 and into 2025?
Over the next few months I have a few recitals coming up, including Leeds Minster and some more locally in the North East. I’m also enjoying singing with various groups and am looking forward to singing in Beverly Minster with the Tallis Consort for their Messiah Performance in November.
You last played a recital here back in October 2022; what have you been up to musically since then?
I’ve enjoyed regular recitals here in the North East, as well as accompanying various choirs in cathedrals such as Salisbury, Bristol and Norwich. Last summer, I was delighted to be asked to play for my first ever Songs of Praise in Jesmond, Newcastle.
Back in February you held an Evensong alongside the Cathedral Music Trust and their ambassador Alexander Armstrong. What was that like to be part of?
It was slightly surreal but a great experience meeting not only Alexander, but his team from the Cathedral Music Trust. It was also lovely to have such a large congregation in our stalls for a midweek Eucharist!
You also recently welcomed their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester to Newcastle Cathedral where the choir performed one of your compositions. Was that an honour for you?
It really was. When I wrote the piece (a commission from a chorister parent to mark her daughter’s 18th) I never imagined that it would have been performed so widely. As well as the recent performance with the Duke and Duchess, Ian kindly put it on our latest Choir CD, and also performed the piece on the radio.
Finally, how would you sum up your upcoming recital at Bradford Cathedral?
Hopefully, rather fun and relaxed!
You can join us on Wednesday 2nd October at 1pm to hear Kris’ organ recital, with an optional £4 buffet lunch beforehand at 12:30pm.
You can discover more about our organ recital season on our dedicated page.