Organist to retire after 46 years with centenary recital

An organist will retire after 46 years with a special centenary recital to mark the 100th anniversary of his cathedral's grand organ.

Prof Ian Tracey said it was a "privilege" to mark the end of his tenure as Liverpool Anglican Cathedral's organist with the landmark performance on the UK's largest pipe organ.

The recital is part of a month of celebrations for the grand organ's milestone along with an exhibition, Organ 100, which explores the history and legacy of the instrument and its connection with the city as well as its three organists.

Tracey, who was described as Britain's youngest cathedral organist when he started in 1980, said: "You can't go on forever."

The 71-year-old has enjoyed an illustrious career.

Alongside his role at Liverpool Cathedral, he has served as Liverpool city organist, guest director of music for the BBC's Daily Service, and professor, fellow and organist at Liverpool John Moores University.

In 2006, The University of Liverpool conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Music.

He told BBC North West Tonight his love of music was inspired by his grandfather, who was an organist.

"He was determined I wasn't going to be another third-rate pianist.

"When I was almost pre-school he started me on the piano and on a Saturday he would go and do his practice and I loved the organ immediately.

"It was the power that drew me to it in the beginning," he said.

"It was Mozart that said the organ is the king of instruments."

Tracey said the grand organ - which was described as the world's largest cathedral organ when it was built in 1926 - was very special and it was a privilege to play it.

"We've got 222 stops controlling 11,000 pipes, and each one of these stops is a different tonal colour."

The Very Reverend Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, said she was sad about Tracey's departure.

She said his last service, followed by the centenary organ recital on 17 October, will bring to a close an "extraordinary career spanning more than four decades".

"Ian became the youngest cathedral organist in the UK when he was appointed to Liverpool Cathedral in 1980, a role in which he has inspired generations through his musicianship and his profound influence on those who have listened to and worked with him," she said.

"Ian's dedication, talent and generosity as a musician and mentor have left a lasting legacy – he is as much an institution at the cathedral as the organ over which he has presided for the past 46 years."

Tracey will continue to play at St. George's Hall and with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and although he is stepping down as the cathedral's full-time player he has said he will deputise when needed.

"You can't go on forever and I'd hate to be a pale imitation of what I once was," he said.

"I took over as this bright young thing on 18 October 1980 from my predecessor which was the anniversary recital."

He added: "It just seemed like a good marker... there's a nice cyclic feel to it and I won't lose the organ because... I'll carry on as a [deputy], so I can still play my old friend."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.