On Wednesday 5th February we welcome David Cowen from John Hosking from Blackburn Cathedral for the fifth recital of 2025. In this edition of ‘Notes from an Organist’ we discover more about them, and what to expect from their recital, including playing pieces adapted for the organ; playing a composer with links to Harrogate; and reflecting on his time at Bradford Cathedral.
What can people expect from your recital at Bradford Cathedral?
They can expect a list of pieces both known and unknown, which have an overall thread of ‘Music in the Time of War’ woven through them. For I think the first time at Bradford Cathedral, I’m playing a recital of mostly transcriptions (i.e. pieces written for other instruments, arranged for the organ). These include music by Ravel, Finzi and Tchaikovsky as well as my own transcription of a beautiful piece by the contemporary composer, Thomas Adés.
Why do you enjoy playing the organ?
With this programme especially, I’m aiming to show the versatility of the instrument, and how it can breathe new life into a work which may be well-known (such as the 1812 Overture) but takes on a different flavour or character, not only by playing it on the organ, but with specific instruments, and indeed players!
Do you have a particular favourite piece out of those you are playing?
I’ve always been a huge fan of the music of Gerald Finzi, partly because of his connections to Harrogate, and indeed to my own workplace at St Wilfrid’s Church. His ‘Dies Natalis’ is one of those bucket-list pieces I would love to be able to perform one day (most likely conducting, as I don’t think my tenor is up to scratch).
This season’s theme is ‘Music in Times of War’. How are you reflecting this in your programme?
I’ve aimed to include some pieces written about war, as well as those with more abstract links, such as Ravel’s Pavane which many people think is about the death of a child, but was actually never intended as such. There is additionally a beautiful little Elegy by the composer Alan Gray (no relation) written during the Great War.
What are your hopes or plans musically for 2025?
I’ve got lots of exciting projects coming up in 2025. The highlight of the diary so far has to be conducting another of the bucket-list pieces, Bach’s St Matthew Passion in a performance with Halifax Choral Society, Ipswich Choral Society, the Chorister of Bradford Cathedral and Halifax Minster, the National Festival Orchestra and an absolutely top-class line-up of soloists. Other plans include Orff’s Carmina Burana, Verdi’s Requiem and various other engagements.
You finished your time with us in 2024 as the Cathedral’s Assistant Director of Music. What were your highlights of your time here?
I spent a wonderful 18 months filling in as the Assistant Director of Music at Bradford Cathedral. Having been Organ Scholar between 2012 and 2015, the Cathedral is a special place for me in terms of my musical development, and it was wonderful to be part of such a lively and thriving department, working alongside wonderful colleagues. I especially enjoyed the big concerts with the Black Dyke Band as well as recording with them, but also just the day-to-day work with the choristers and their families. I only live down the road, so I’ve already been telling everyone they’re not getting rid of me that easily, and this recital is a prime example.
Finally, how would you sum up your upcoming recital at Bradford Cathedral?
A journey through two different worlds, with transcriptions and original music sitting alongside one another, ending in a ‘bang’!
You can join us on Wednesday 12th February at 1pm to hear Anthony’s organ recital, with an optional £4 buffet lunch beforehand at 12:30pm. You can find out more about Anthony on his website, X, on Instagram, or YouTube.
You can discover more about our organ recital season on our dedicated page.