Christopher Reid sat down with Ellen Cheshire from the Chichester Cathedral Restoration and Development Trust to talk about growing up with the sound of the organ, discovering its extraordinary range and what he hopes to explore as Chichester Cathedral’s new Organ Scholar.
With two organists for parents, Christopher was surrounded by music from an early age. He sang in church choirs and became a chorister at Peterborough and Newcastle Cathedrals, with the piano as his first instrument before he made the move to the organ at 13. “I was inspired by how the organ and its music is integrated into church worship,” he says. He is particularly interested in how the organ can support and invigorate the congregation through hymn singing.
The organ is often referred to as the ‘king of instruments’ because it’s so vast, with so many different colours and characters.
Christopher
But there is another reason he loves it: its sheer variety.
“It is often referred to as the ‘king of instruments’ because it’s so vast, with so many different colours and characters,” he says. “It’s almost like having a symphony orchestra at your fingertips.”
Every organ is different and no instrument is perfect for every repertoire. For Christopher, getting to know an organ’s particular character is part of the creative process, finding sounds from its palette of colours.
His first experience of playing one was on the T.C. Lewis organ at St George’s, Cullercoats, on the Northumberland coast. The Victorian instrument remains largely unaltered and, he says, has a particularly colourful sound.
He has developed a particular interest in French classical organ music, especially the work of Nicolas de Grigny and Louis-Nicolas Clérambault, and could see himself specialising in this repertoire in the future. He already holds the Associate qualification from the Royal College of Organists and hopes to work towards the Fellowship while at Chichester.
The opportunity to come to the Cathedral caught his eye in the Church Times.
“When I read the job specification I realised it was suitable for someone like me in their gap year,” he says. “I’m looking for a career as an organist, liturgical player and choir accompanist.”
At Chichester, he is keen to spend more time playing the Cathedral organ and accompanying the choir, while developing his own repertoire and learning from Organists Charles Harrison and Tim Ravalde.
He is already looking forward to the Cathedral’s pre-Christmas services, particularly the opportunity to be creative with music choices for the carol service and explore different styles and repertoire to help create the right atmosphere.
He is also looking forward to working with the choristers.
“There’s a lot of interaction and fulfilment, both ways,” Christopher says. “I hope I’ll improve my teaching skills and communicating with children, but I also hope to inspire them further with their musical interests.”
Christopher is also interested in composition, having already had pieces recognised in competitions. 'some have grown out of music explored in church, while others have started from a more general musical notion.
What also comes across strongly when talking to Christopher is how much he values what cathedral music offers beyond the music itself.
Christopher also reflects on the work that goes into sustaining cathedral choirs.
“The amount of work the choir and those who support it put in for the sole purpose of worship is quite remarkable,” he says. “And then anyone can turn up for Evensong and hear it.”
Evensong offers a rare glimpse of stillness in a hectic world,
Christopher
For Christopher, that accessibility is important. You do not necessarily have to be there for religious reasons to appreciate the experience.
“Evensong offers a rare glimpse of stillness in a hectic world,” he says. “To have that daily on your doorstep is quite a luxury.”
There is a meditative quality to it, he adds, that is “very healing for the soul”.
“For me as an organist, being able to provide that experience for people means a lot,” he says. “And I appreciate it all the more when I go and listen to a service I'm not actively a part of, and experience that for myself.”
He hopes his time at the Cathedral will help him develop “as a person and performer”.
And as for his final repertoire next July? He has ideas, but he isn’t giving anything away just yet.
We are very grateful to The Headley Trust for their support towards Christopher’s Organ Scholar position, helping to provide an opportunity for an early career organist to develop their skills and experience at Chichester Cathedral.
Help support the future of music at Chichester Cathedral
Opportunities like Christopher’s Organ Scholarship help ensure that the next generation of cathedral musicians can develop their skills and experience. If you would like to help support music at Chichester Cathedral, please consider making a donation today.