The Planets – Gala Organ Concert

Hereford Cathedral is delighted to welcome back former chorister John Challenger for a special Gala Organ Concert. John will perform his transcription of Holst’s The Planets on Tuesday, 17 September at 7pm, as part of this year’s summer organ recital programme.

Currently the assistant director of music at Salisbury Cathedral, John was inspired to transcribe Holst’s famous orchestral work by the tonal possibilities of Salisbury’s Father Willis organ. His initial performance of The Planets at Salisbury Cathedral in 2023, which included poetry created by local schools, sold out and received rave reviews.

John’s early musical education took place at Hereford Cathedral from 1996 to 2001 under Dr Roy Massey, Geraint Bowen, and Peter Dyke. He began his organ studies with Geraint Bowen and obtained his Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists in 2008. Since 2012, John has served as the assistant director of music at Salisbury Cathedral and is also the assistant conductor of the Salisbury Musical Society and Salisbury Symphony Orchestra, as well as a freelance organ recitalist.