International Organ Day at Hexham Abbey 2026

Would you like have a go on our famous and much-loved 1974 organ, built by Lawrence Phelps? As part of this year’s International Organ Day, promoted by the Royal College of Organists, Hexham Abbey is inviting both those new to the organ and seasoned players to visit and play.

The afternoon will be led by prize-winning Fellow of the Royal College of Organists Drew Cantrill-Fenwick. He has recently developed a brand new tutor book, Fingers and Feet: A Journey to the Organ Bench, which is designed for those who wish to learn the organ and have no prior experience with keyboard instruments.

Drew is an organist, conductor, academic, author, and examiner based in the North Pennines. He has been Director of Music at Grimsby Parish Church, Wellington Cathedral, NZ, St Paul’s Cathedral, Buffalo, NY, USA, and Croydon Minster, and is currently organist of St George’s, Jesmond.

Drew’s recital career has taken him all over the world, and notable concerts have included Westminster Abbey, London, St Michaelis, Hamburg, and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Drew is also a graduate of Durham and Newcastle Universities. The Phelps organ of Hexham Abbey is one of his favourite instruments in the UK, and he always looks forward to hearing it and playing it!

PARTICIPANTS

At 2pm, we are inviting two beginners (including those who may not even have previous keyboard experience) to have a go on the Abbey organ with Drew, trying a section of Fingers and Feet: A Journey to the Organ. The Phelps organ features within the Fingers and Feet tutor films, so a session on this particular organ may be a perfect way to familiarise yourself within the content of this book. Copies of Fingers and Feet will be available to purchase throughout the afternoon.

• If you, or someone you know, would like to take part, then please use our Sign Up Form to secure your place.

More experienced players can also have a one-on-one masterclass with Drew on the Abbey organ, from 3pm:

• Four players will get a 20-minute session each
• The cost of a masterclass slot is £20 (further details on this will be sent to each confirmed participant)
• We advise that participants choose a piece no longer than five minutes, in order to leave enough time for advice from Drew. Alternatively, you may wish to perform an extract from a larger work instead.
• The Phelps organ is a versatile 2-manual instrument with 34 speaking stops. To help in choosing what to play, full details and specification can be found through the National Pipe Organ Register.
• If you, or someone you know, would like to take part, then please use our Sign Up Form to secure your place.

At the end of the afternoon, an informal concert will take place at 5pm, featuring any of the participants from the afternoon who are willing to perform, alongside the Abbey’s Assistant Director of Music, Matthew Kelley.

SPECTATORS

Observers and spectators are welcome to drop in throughout the event; TV screens and a PA system will be available for those who wish to follow sessions from the Nave. There is a suggested donation of £5 requested for anyone observing any part of the event, including the informal concert at 5pm. Proceeds will go towards supporting the Abbey and its music, including the ongoing maintenance of the Phelps organ.

FULL SCHEDULE

Part 1: Demonstration of Fingers and Feet: A Journey to the Organ Bench (novice players)

14:00               Player 1 Session with Drew

14:20               Player 2 Session with Drew

14:40               Coffee break

Part 2: One-on-one masterclass sessions with Drew Cantrill-Fenwick (more experienced players)

15:00               Player 1 Masterclass

15:20               Player 2 Masterclass

15:40               Player 3 Masterclass

16:00               Player 4 Masterclass

16:20               Coffee break

Concert

17:00                Informal Concert, with pieces/extracts from willing players from across the afternoon, alongside Matthew Kelley (Assistant Director of Music)

c.17:35             End

ENQUIRIES

Questions about the event can be directed to Matthew Kelley (Assistant Director of Music): assistantdm@hexhamabbey.org.uk