Royal visitor inspires Minster to conduct summer concert series

The decision to host the concerts comes after York Minster’s music was praised by academics and enthusiasts around the country during this year’s Royal Maundy Thursday service attended by the Queen.

The Summer Royal Recitals – which take place over eight consecutive Saturdays between July 28 and September 15 – highlight much of the talent that has been nurtured and developed within York Minster.

The recitals include three Organist Emeriti – Francis Jackson, John Scott Whiteley and Philip Moore.

York Minster’s director of music, Robert Sharpe, and assistant director of music, David Pipe, the two organists currently responsible for the vast majority of music at services and celebrations, will also be performing.

Guest performer Josef Miltshitzsky opens the concert series, and the young American virtuoso Nathan Laube will also be performing as part of a European tour.

Robert Sharpe, who has put the programme together, said: “York Minster has a remarkable organ in a remarkable acoustical environment.

“This concert series makes a special feature of our local players who know the instrument well and how to get the best out of it, as well as three distinguished visitors.”

The Queen visited York for the annual Maundy Thursday service in April this year, because she wanted to celebrate the city’s 800th anniversary since being given a Royal Charter during the year of her own Diamond Jubilee.

An estimated 15,000 people thronged the city’s streets as the Queen was joined by her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Princess Beatrice.