York: Its churches, organists and composers Matthew Collins
Event details
Join organist Matthew Collins for a recital celebrating the rich and fascinating connections between organ music and the city of York - its composers, churches and musical life.
The programme ranges from a ceremonial Fanfare written for the dedication of York Minster’s Astronomical Clock, to a dramatic Rhapsody composed during a Zeppelin raid over the city in 1918.
It also includes Three Pieces for Three Stops by Andrew Carter, written for the unique organ of St Martin-le-Grand, an instrument donated by the West German government, and a sparkling Concert Overture by Alfred Hollins, who studied at the Wilberforce Institute for the Blind in York.
The recital concludes with the famous Toccata from Widor’s Fifth Symphony, a piece whose popularity in the UK surged after it was played by Francis Jackson as the recessional at the wedding of Katherine Worsley and HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in York Minster in 1961 and broadcast live on BBC television.
About the performer
Matthew Collins graduated from the University of York with a master’s degree in Vocal Studies, specialising in accompaniment, and is an Associate of the Royal College of Organists (ARCO). He has participated in masterclasses with international concert pianists Leslie Howard, Pascal Rogé and Piers Lane. Matthew has studied the piano with Paul Comeau and Joan Dixon, and the organ with Christopher Gray, Roger Tebbet and Keith Wright. Matthew was appointed Director of Music at Howden Minster in 2009 and has many oratorio credits as musical director or at the organ. He is accompanist for Horsforth Choral Society, and co-owner of York Singing Academy where he has been the principal accompanist since 2006, alongside teaching music theory, assisting with the vocal tuition and playing for students’ exams and performances. Matthew is a frequent piano and organ recitalist, however it is as a collaborative musician and freelance accompanist for choirs, solo singers and instrumentalists which brings him the most joy. Forthcoming solo organ recitals in 2026 include Howden Minster (July/August), Truro Cathedral (6 August), St Hilda's Whitby (26 September).