The magnificent organ of Winchester Cathedral was built by Henry ‘Father’ Willis for the great Exhibition of 1851. In the opening ceremony, the organ thundered forth with the National Anthem played by none other than Samuel Sebastian Wesley, Organist and Master of the Choristers of Winchester Cathedral. Remembered for his rich compositions and a penchant for angling when he really ought to have been playing the organ, it was Wesley who persuaded the Dean and Chapter to purchase the organ from the Great Exhibition, seeing it installed in the Cathedral in 1854. Queen Victoria herself contributed £150 towards the costs.
Choirs & Music
Organists
Meet our Musicians
Andrew Lucas, Interim Director of Music
Since September Andrew Lucas has been Interim Director of Music in Winchester, maintaining the strong legacy of choral excellence at the Cathedral and will remain in post until the recruitment process for a permanent Director of Music is completed. Until July 2024 he was the Master of the Music at St Albans Cathedral, holding that position for almost 27 years, where the Cathedral Choir had a very strong reputation built through recordings and regular radio and television broadcasts. Before that he was on the music staff at St Paul’s Cathedral for 17 years.
Joshua Stephens, Sub-Organist
Acknowledged as one of Britain’s “most brilliant and exciting musicians” (Leeds Inspired), Joshua has broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, performed on national television, and guest conducted the City of London Sinfonia and The Sixteen. Prior to his role at Winchester Cathedral, Joshua was founding Director of Music at Steel City Choristers, Assistant and Acting Director of Music at Sheffield Cathedral, and Second Assistant Organist at Wells Cathedral. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, graduating with a First-Class degree with Honours, studying the organ with Darius Battiwalla and Thomas Trotter.
Oliver Morrell, Sub-Organist
Oliver has been Sub-Organist since September 2024. Before moving to Winchester, he successively held organist positions at Durham Cathedral, Croydon Minster, and St Albans Cathedral. At St Albans, he played on two CD recordings and accompanied the cathedral choir on tours to Europe. Oliver graduated in 2021 with first-class honours from Durham University and has been awarded diplomas from the Royal College of Organists and the London College of Music. He is active as a recitalist and teacher and has had compositions premiered at the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music.
Photo above: Jim Pascoe ©