‘We heard the organ and we had to come in’

So said two visitors to the volunteers Welcoming on the door at the Priory.

And that was just the amazing Callum Algar running through the registrations ahead of the Priory Organ Recital at noon today, not even the real thing!

Everyone volunteering on Welcome and Warm Space enjoyed snippets of ‘Crown Imperial’, Faure’s ‘Pavanne’ and much more. It made the morning go with a real swing - and the welcomers sang along, merrily, and sometimes rather self-consciously, when the music stopped suddenly.

The massive audience at noon couldn’t sing out loud, but the rapt hush and appreciative applause after each piece was surely testament to them singing in their hearts.

A varied programme of classical and popular, old and new, took all present on a wonderful musical journey through Faure’s delicate intertwined melodies to Widor’s grandiose ‘Allegro Vivace’ from Symphony No.5 (no, not the better-known ‘Toccata’, but equally splendiferous.) Even the radiators at the Priory west end applauded, as they vibrated in harmony with the final chords.

Today’s a day of music at the Priory - tonight the Choristers will entertain with their concert (see ‘What’s on).

And if you missed today’s gem of an recital, why not come to the next one on Saturday 11 March, at noon, when Samuel Hudson, Organist of Worcester Cathedral, will put the fine Priory organ through its paces?