Minster organist to leave

John Scott Whiteley, whose musical talents have taken him on regular tours of the USA, Europe and Australia, will depart from the Minster in September to pursue a freelance career.

A farewell concert is being organised to mark Mr Whiteley's departure during which the Dean of York, Keith Jones, will present him with the title, Organist Emeritus, in recognition of his years of service. The Dean said: "John Scott Whiteley is a marvellous artist on the organ, and his many performances and recordings at the Minster have over the years won him innumerable admirers."

Mr Whiteley joined the Minster in 1975 as an assistant organist to Dr Francis Jackson, ad has held the title of organist for nine years. He worked with the former Master of the Music, Philip Moore, and more recently with the Director of Music, Robert Sharpe.