Landmark Sermons for Holy Week by Rhidian Brook

‘Notes on an Execution’ (Reports from the last days of Jesus)

Landmark Sermons for Holy Week by Rhidian Brook

In a special sermon series for Holy Week at York Minster, award-winning writer and broadcaster, Rhidian Brook, will lead us through the last days of Jesus.

Beginning on Palm Sunday (24 March), Rhidian will be giving a sermon on each day of Holy Week. He will cover the events from Jesus’s entry to Jerusalem through to The Last Supper, via Jesus’s brilliant and confrontational teaching in The Temple. On Good Friday (29 March), Rhidian will give two meditations and a main sermon on the crucifixion. He will complete the series with a final sermon on Easter Eve (30 March).

Rhidian said: “I want us to follow Jesus from his arrival in Jerusalem to his execution, to be contemporary to the moment as reported, by trying to imagine the events unfolding as though for the first time, in real time, without relying on the after-the-event wisdom that we carry.

“I want to help us imagine being a follower, not always knowing what comes next, or how it ends, and without possessing the weight or comfort of the theological or cultural understanding that has gathered the far side of history – and the far side of His Story. I am putting my trust in the gospel accounts – Mark in particular – and any inspiration that the Holy Spirit may give.”

The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of York said: “I am enormously excited to welcome Rhidian to York Minster. For a quarter of a century, he has inspired many people around the country with his Thoughts for the Day on Radio 4, and we are uniquely privileged that he will be helping to bring the events of Holy Week to life in this sermon series.”

All are welcome to attend Rhidian’s sermons, which will be given at the following services:

Sunday 24 March – Palm Sunday – ‘Coronation’
10.30am: Procession with donkeys followed by Eucharist for Palm Sunday

Monday 25 March – ‘Confrontation’
12:30pm: Holy Communion
7.30pm: Compline

Tuesday 26 March – ‘Interrogation’
7.30pm: Compline

Wednesday 27 March – ‘Anointing’
12:30pm: Holy Communion
7.30pm: Compline

Thursday 28 March – Maundy Thursday – ‘Parting’
7pm: Eucharist of the Last Supper for Maundy Thursday

Friday 29 March – Good Friday – Three Meditations: ‘Noise’, ‘Silence’, ‘Execution’
12noon: The Three Hours’ Devotion
1.30pm: The Liturgy of Good Friday

Saturday 30 March – Easter Eve – ‘Encounter’
8pm: The Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter.

Biographical details – Rhidian Brook
Rhidian Brook is an award-winning writer of fiction, television drama and film. His first novel, The Testimony of Taliesin Jones (1996) won several prizes, including the Somerset Maugham Award and was adapted for a film starring Jonathan Pryce. His third novel, The Aftermath (2013) was an international bestseller and translated into 25 languages; he co-wrote the film adaptation that starred Keira Knightley. He wrote an original screenplay for the BBC drama, Mr Harvey Lights A Candle, starring Timothy Spall, was a writer on two seasons of Silent Witness and wrote the original screenplay of the Pathe film, Africa United.  He is currently adapting his most recent novel – The Killing of Butterfly Joe – for film. He has been a regular contributor to the BBC Radio 4’s Thought For The Day for 20 years. A collection of his Thoughts, entitled Godbothering, was published in March 2020.

New Festival of Faith and Music to launch at York Minster

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell will give a keynote speech at the Church Times Festival of Faith and Music, a new venture created in partnership with the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM), that will be staged for the first time at York Minster from Friday 26 until Sunday 28 April.

The event is for clergy, music leaders, people involved in church music and anyone with a general interest in sacred music. The festival aims to be a source of celebration inspiration, encouragement, support, learning and resource.

Sarah Meyrick, Assistant Editor of the Church Times and co-director of the festival, said: “This is a brand-new venture, created in partnership with our RSCM colleagues. Our aim has been to create a stimulating programme of music and worship, talks and workshops, that celebrates church music in all its glories. We’re so delighted to be coming to York and are grateful to the Minster for their warm welcome.”

The festival programme includes workshops and discussions on subjects as diverse as how to take a church choir into the community, using music to support church engagement with dementia, caring for a pipe organ, choosing hymns, and growing the church younger through music. An exciting and engaging range of speakers will share their perspectives on the world of church and choral music. Festival goers will also be able to experience York Minster’s choral music tradition at special services and at Evensong during the weekend.

York Minster’s outgoing Precentor, Canon Victoria Johnson, who is soon to take up a new role as Dean of St John’s College Cambridge, will return for the festival to give a talk based on her new book, “On Voice:  Speech, Song, Silence: Human and Divine” an exploration of the power, sound and sonics of the human voice in sacred and divine music.  Commenting on the Festival of Faith and Music, Canon Victoria said:

“Music is central to the life of the church; we are a people who are called to sing!  It’s wonderful to be part of the very first Church Times Festival of Faith and Music at York Minster, a cathedral with a rich history of music making.  Clergy and musicians from all over the country will come together in York to celebrate music and song within the life of faith and discipleship and encourage one another in making music to the glory of God.”

Tickets are available for booking.  Discounts will be available to RSCM members and Church Times subscribers. For the full festival programme and to book go to: https://faithandmusic.hymnsam.co.uk

Top soloists join Choir of York Minster for Handel’s Messiah

Four internationally renowned singers will join the Choir of York Minster for a performance of Handel’s Messiah in the cathedral’s stunning Nave on Saturday 16 March at 7pm.

Acclaimed soloists Elin Pritchard (Soprano), Victoria Simmonds (Alto), Daniel Norman (Tenor), and Morgan Pearse (Baritone), will perform the oratorio alongside the choir and an orchestra.

Composed by George Frideric Handel and first performed in Dublin in 1742, Messiah has since become one of the most famous and popular English oratorios of all time.  From the sorrowful tones of He Was Despised to the jubilant culmination of God’s triumph in the Hallelujah chorus, Handel’s Messiah explores the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ through spectacular choral and orchestral music.

Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster, said: “It is an honour and a joy to perform this moving, poignant and timeless piece of music during the season of Lent and Easter which is when it was first performed almost 300 years ago.

“Once again, we are thrilled to have an outstanding line-up of world-class soloists for this year’s performance, including baritone Morgan Pearse who will be singing his fourth York Minster Messiah, Elin Pritchard (Soprano), Daniel Norman (Tenor) and Victoria Simmonds (Alto). The staging of this exceptional piece of music in York’s most awe-inspiring setting is an event not to be missed.”

The concert takes place on Saturday 16 March at 7pm with tickets priced from £5 to £30. Tickets are available HERE or by calling 01904 557200.

A new Canon Precentor for York Minster

The Chapter of York today announced that the Archbishop of York has appointed The Reverend Canon James Milne, currently Canon Precentor at St Paul’s Cathedral, as the new Canon Precentor at York Minster. James succeeds The Reverend Canon Dr Victoria Johnson who is to become Dean of Chapel at St John’s College, Cambridge.

At York Minster, James will lead and oversee the cathedral’s Music and Liturgy Team. He will enable the planning and delivery of worship and music day-to-day, supporting the work of the Director of Music, the 40 choristers (20 boys and 20 girls) and 12 adult singers of the world-renowned Choir of York Minster. As a Residentiary Canon of the cathedral, James will also share in its governance and in the overall responsibility for its mission and ministry.

Commenting on his appointment, James said:

“I am deeply honoured to have been appointed Canon Precentor of York Minster and I am greatly looking forward to joining a dynamic community of faith and worship in such a beautiful setting, and to being part of the next chapter in the life of the Cathedral. Having grown up in Edinburgh I am excited to be moving to another historic city within the United Kingdom, which I have greatly enjoyed visiting over the years.”

Welcoming James to York Minster, The Very Reverend Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, said:

“We are very fortunate to be able to welcome James to York Minster as our new Canon Precentor. James has already had a distinguished ministry in cathedral worship in one of the country’s busiest cathedrals, and we are excited that he will bring the fruits of this experience to the Mother Church of the Diocese of York and the Northern Province of the Church of England. I am much looking forward to working with James during this next phase of the Minster’s life.”

James will be collated and installed in his new role during Evensong on Saturday 18 May by the Archbishop of York and the Dean of York.

Half-term fun at York Minster

Families can enjoy a range of fun events and activities at York Minster this half-term, all designed to help young explorers discover the medieval Minster.

Highlights of the holiday programme will include ‘Peter and the Wolf’, a family-friendly organ concert with exciting narration, and ‘P is for Pilgrim’, a special trail inspired by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell’s new book.

Archbishop Stephen said, “I am delighted that York Minster is offering this half-term trail activity for children, parents and carers, linked to my book P is for Pilgrim. Our church buildings have so much to teach us about aspects of the Christian faith, symbols often hidden in plain sight. I hope that many will enjoy exploring this fantastic place of worship and leave not only with more knowledge but having encountered something of the person of Jesus Christ.”

Visitors to the York Minster Precinct will also be able to experience welcoming, outdoor spaces with wonderful views of the Minster: the revamped and replanted College Green and Minster Gardens, a peaceful garden oasis next door to the York Minster Refectory. The ever-popular Dean’s Park is also open throughout the year, perfect for winter walks and escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

York Minster’s full February half-term programme is as follows:

P is for Pilgrim
Saturday 10 – Sunday 18 February
Free with General Admission

Follow a special trail inspired by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell’s new book P is for Pilgrim. Suitable for children of all faiths and none, the trail is designed to help young adventurers spot Christian symbols and concepts as they explore the Minster and learn more about faith.

Peter and the Wolf
Tuesday 13 February, 7pm
Tickets now available

Join brave young Peter as he overcomes his fear of a big bad wolf in Sergei Prokofiev’s classic Peter and the Wolf played on York Minster’s recently-refurbished Grand Organ.

Hear captivating instrumental characterisations of Peter’s animal friends as a live feed of the cathedral’s marvellous organ being played by Ben Morris, Assistant Director of Music at York Minster, is shown on screens to the audience. Using special stops on the organ, Ben will guide young listeners through the sounds of this magnificent instrument. The performance will be narrated by Stuart Perry, the Silly History Boys’ silliest boy.

Tickets cost £8 for an adult and £6 for a child. A family ticket of £22 for two adults and two children is also available.

STEM Trails
Free with General Admission
Have you ever wondered how many panes of glass make up the Five Sisters Window? Look for shapes, patterns and colours as you journey around York Minster with specially designed STEM trails: Maths Quest, Light Quest and Nature Quest. Perfect to keep little brains busy!

Little Explorer Backpacks
Free with General Admission
Grab one of our ever-popular Little Explorer Backpacks filled with gadgets including maps, binoculars, and a magnifying glass to help your young adventurer explore the medieval Minster.

Undercroft Museum
Free with General Admission
Follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers as you discover 2000 years of history in our state-of-the-art Undercroft Museum. Delve beneath the cathedral’s floor and see archaeological finds from across the centuries through digital displays and interactive chambers.

Enjoy our green spaces
Relax in Dean’s Park, College Green or Minster Gardens and take in these peaceful outdoor spaces nestled in the heart of York.

Following in the footsteps of women of faith: York Minster hosts annual Hilda’s Heirs festival

York Minster is marking International Women’s Day by hosting the annual Hilda’s Heirs festival on Saturday 9 March, in partnership with the Diocese of York and the Yorkshire North and East Methodist District.

The festival will begin at 10am with a service giving thanks for the role that women of faith, past and present, have on our lives. After the service, women in positions of leadership, including Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, will host a market place, offering conversations and activities to visitors.

Two specially designed trails will also be available throughout the day. ‘Women in the Minster’ will journey through the cathedral, following in the steps of women of faith who have played a part in creating the magnificent building and supporting the life of the Minster. An outdoor trail will explore the City of York to discover and celebrate diverse women who have transformed their communities over the centuries.

The Revd Catriona Cumming, Succentor at York Minster, said: “We are delighted to be part of this amazing festival, celebrating and encouraging the leadership of women and girls in our communities. This will be a brilliant day of creativity, conversation and celebration.”

The festival, which will take place inside York Minster on Saturday 9 March, is free to attend. Free tickets can be booked in advance here.

Sustainable redevelopment plans for York Minster’s Red House

Plans have been submitted to renovate a key building at York Minster Precinct as part of its pioneering Neighbourhood Plan.

If planning permission and listed building consent are approved by City of York Council, much needed improvement and repair work will be made to the Grade II* listed Red House building at 6 Minster Yard.

As part of the latest low carbon retrofit project by the Chapter of York, the governing body of York Minster, a ‘warm roof’ with solar slates will be incorporated on the building’s south side.

The same system has been successfully introduced on the Precinct’s Refectory building with permission also granted at 2 Deangate, where work is set to commence in 2025.

In addition to the solar slates at Red House, a platform will be created in the roof space for an air source heat pump to be installed in the future when funding allows.

Other planned improvements include a new balustrade to the side external staircase, repairs to roof timbers and the removal of an unstable chimney stack.

Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster, said: “These proposals will not only improve the existing roof at Red House but also prepare the building to remain in sustainable use for the lifespan of the new slate roof, in the face of growing climate change challenges.

“The redevelopment of Red House continues York Minster’s trailblazing approach to planning matters and creating a sustainable future for both the cathedral building and its surrounding Precinct through our pioneering Neighbourhood Plan.

“York Minster has already won two major awards for its Neighbourhood Plan which has created a planning policy framework to deliver significant changes within a heritage estate and is a shining example of best practice in managing complex heritage estates and how to secure their long-term environmental, financial and heritage sustainability for future generations to enjoy.”

Alongside plans for Red House, construction work is accelerating at the Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management, a world class campus facility for research, education and training in ancient craft skills.

The Centre of Excellence will bring benefits including continuing the craft of stonemasonry and encouraging global learning and knowledge sharing, as well as being a shining example of best practice in managing complex heritage estates.

The Neighbourhood Plan sets out a policy-led approach to creating a sustainable future for the Minster and its seven hectare estate.

For media enquiries please email Aberfield via yorkminster@aberfield.com or call 0113 880 0444.

The Star of David in 600 Candles for Holocaust Memorial Day

The Star of David in 600 candles will be set out on the floor of York Minster’s ancient Chapter House on Saturday 27 January, for the cathedral’s annual Holocaust Memorial Day event.  Holocaust Memorial Day remembers the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis in the Second World War and the millions of other people murdered in genocides which have occurred since.

This year’s theme, Fragility of Freedom, will reflect on how the erosion of freedom is the key precursor to persecution and genocide. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Hutu genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. More than a million people were murdered in just 100 days after the violence began in April 1994.

Commenting on the event, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of York said: “Despite recognising the signs and signals of authoritarian regimes stripping away fundamental human rights and freedoms, all too often we choose to look away, we choose not to hear.

“Contemplating such cruelty can be overwhelming but if we don’t, genocide can happen as it did in Nazi occupied Europe, in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. This Holocaust Memorial Day we will hear accounts of lives lost to genocide and of survivors able to rebuild their lives but whose minds will never truly be free.”

The event will include poetry, readings, reflections and prayers and music by The Ebor Singers, an associate choir of York Minster.  People will be invited to go to the candlestands to light a candle throughout the event.

York Minster’s Holocaust Memorial Day event is on Saturday 27 January from 6.30pm until 8.00pm. Free tickets are required for admission. To book, visit our event page here, or call 01904 557200.

York Minster’s new schools’ learning programme for 2024

York Minster has launched three brand new schools’ workshops starting in January 2024. ‘Creative Creation!’, ‘Pilgrimage in an Hour’, and ‘Magnificent Minster Marvels’ combine with an immersive tour of the cathedral that will give pupils an awe-inspiring experience and memories that will last a lifetime.

Designed for pupils at Key Stage 1 – 3, York Minster is launching a refreshed learning programme this year. Lisa Power, Head of Events and Participation said: “We are so excited to be able to welcome schools back for this fantastic learning offer. Our Learning Team have specialisms in history, archaeology, and Religious Education. Their combined backgrounds in heritage education and in secondary teaching have enabled them to develop a versatile and engaging programme.”

In addition to the new workshops, York Minster will join a network of cathedrals to participate in the hugely successful National Schools Singing Programme (NSSP). Emilie Bels, the cathedral’s newly appointed Schools Singing Lead, will work with Church of England primary schools in York and the wider Diocese to deliver outreach in singing and musicianship.

Commenting on Emilie’s appointment, Lisa Power said: “This new role is at the heart of the Minster’s role as the Mother Church of the Diocese of York. Our mission is to offer schools an outreach programme that will give children foundations in music that will last their lifetime and connect them to the rich traditions of church music.

“Emilie is an experienced classroom teacher with a dynamic approach to music education.  What she will bring to the NSSP and what she can offer with the NSSP curriculum is extremely exciting.”

Schools can get further information by emailing enquiries@yorkminster.org or speak with a member of our Bookings Team 01904 557275. Detailed information about our new learning offer is available here: www.yorkminster.org/visit/schools.

For more information about the National Schools Singing Programme go to www.nssp.org.uk.

Spectacular services, The Nutcracker, Christmas Trees and Jethro Tull: Advent and Christmas at York Minster

Celebrate Advent and Christmas at York Minster with traditional festive services, much-loved seasonal music and concerts, a festival of Christmas trees, a new production of The Nutcracker for families and a concert by Ian Anderson’s legendary Jethro Tull.

The season begins on Advent Sunday (3 December), with the spectacular Advent Procession service. Starting in complete darkness, the cathedral is gradually illuminated by candlelight as the Choir of York Minster moves through the building to readings from the Old Testament, setting the scene for the Christmas story.  Daily worship and Evensong services throughout Advent and Christmas will include prayers, music and readings for the season.

Christmas week worship includes the Crib Service (23 December), Nine Lessons and Carols (23 and 24 December) and Midnight Mass (24 December).  The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, will preside at the Eucharist of Christmas Day at 11am (25 December).

The ever-popular annual Christmas Carol Concerts will take place on 7 and 8 December, with readings by actor David Bradley (Harry Potter, Game of Thrones), and music by the Choir of York Minster and the Yorkshire Volunteer Band.

On Saturday 9 December, York Minster will present a magical new performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Children (and adults alike) will love the narration by local children’s actor Gemma Sharp (Artistic Director of local theatre company Hoglets), and the artistry of Benjamin Morris, York Minster’s Assistant Director of Music, who will bring Tchaikovsky’s music to life on the cathedral’s spectacular Grand Organ.

York Minster will host a unique musical experience on Saturday 18 December, when folk rock legend Ian Anderson presents Christmas with Jethro Tull in the Minster’s stunning Nave. He performs in cathedrals across the country each year, donating the ticket sales to the care and conservation of the cathedral buildings.

From 2 December (until 5 January 2024), York Minster’s Christmas Tree festival returns with 60 trees, individually decorated by local businesses, schools and charities on display in the Chapter House, the Nave and the Lady Chapel.

York Minster’s Advent and Christmas programme is set out below. For booking information visit www.yorkminster.org or call our Bookings Office on 01904 557200.

York Minster’s Advent and Christmas Programme 2023

Evensong – Sunday 26 November, 4pm

Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cantata 140, Sleepers, wake

On the Sunday before Advent, the Choir of York Minster gives its traditional annual Evensong performance of Bach’s popular Cantata 140, ‘Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme’ (Sleepers, wake), with orchestral accompaniment.

York Minster Christmas Tree Festival – Saturday 2 December – Friday 5 January during general admission times

York Minster Christmas Tree Festival returns for the third year with 60 trees on display in the cathedral’s stunning Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel.

Advent Procession – Sunday 3 December, 5.30pm. Free, pre-booked tickets required.

On Advent Sunday, York Minster gradually emerges from darkness into full candlelight in the stunning and atmospheric Advent Procession.  The Choir of York Minster will process through the cathedral to music, readings and prayers.

Christmas Carol Concerts – Thursday 7 and Friday 8 December, 7pm

The Choir of York Minster will perform much-loved Christmas music, with seasonal readings from special guest David Bradley and music by the Yorkshire Volunteer Band.

The Nutcracker at York Minster – Saturday 9 December

First performance 2pm – 3pm

Second performance 7pm – 8pm

A magical new performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker from York Minster for children and adults alike.  Narration by local children’s actor Gemma Sharp (Artistic Director of local theatre company Hoglets), and music by Benjamin Morris, York Minster’s Assistant Director of Music, who will bring Tchaikovsky’s music to life on the cathedral’s spectacular Grand Organ.

Sankta Lucia: Festival of Light – Monday 11 December, 7.30pm

An atmospheric, candlelit procession and carol service based on the traditional Swedish Lucia celebration. The service is run in partnership with the York Anglo-Scandinavian Society.

Chapter House Choir ‘Carols by Candlelight’ – Saturday 16 December, 7.30pm

The choir continues to build on its reputation as one of the North of England’s finest chamber choirs, under the leadership of Musical Director Benjamin Morris. The Chapter House Choir will be joined by the Chapter House Youth Choir.

Ian Anderson presents ‘Christmas with Jethro Tull’ – Monday 18 December, 7.30pm.

Experience folk-rock legend Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull in the awe-inspiring setting of York Minster this Christmas. Hear some of the best-known repertoire of Jethro Tull alongside traditional seasonal church and classical music for a moment of pre-Christmas madness, goodness and togetherness.

Crib Service – Saturday 23 December, 11.30am. Free, pre-booked tickets required.

The Christmas story in a fun and accessible service for families with carols and musical accompaniment. Children are encouraged to dress up as characters from the Nativity and there will be a chance to see the crib.

Nine Lessons and Carols

Saturday 23 December and Sunday 24 December, 4pm. Free, pre-booked tickets required.   

Two services consisting of nine special readings, carols sung by the Choir of York Minster and hymns for everyone to join in. A traditional Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Midnight Mass – Sunday 24 December, 11.30pm

Experience the First Eucharist of Christmas with Communion, Blessing of the Crib and choral music sung by the St William’s Singers.

Christmas Day services – Monday 25 December

York Minster celebrates the arrival of Jesus Christ, light of the world.

8am: Holy Communion from the Book of Common Prayer

10am: Choral Matins sung by the Choir of York Minster

11am: Sung Eucharist sung by the Choir of York Minster, with sermon by the Archbishop of York.

4pm: Choral Evensong sung by the Choir of York Minster.

New Year’s Eve bells – Sunday 31 December

York Minster’s Bellringers will ring in the new year as the clock strikes midnight.

The Eucharist for the Feast of the Epiphany – Saturday 6 January 2024, 5.30pm

A special service to mark the Feast of the Epiphany with music by St Peter’s Cathedral Choir, Adelaide, Australia.

York Minster will be open for sightseeing throughout November and December but may need to close from time to time for services and events – please check the website for opening times and to book admission tickets.

The Minster Shops inside the cathedral and at 9 Minster Gates will also be open daily from 9.30am – 5pm offering a range of bespoke gifts inspired by the cathedral alongside seasonal items including nativity sets and advent calendars and candles.

York Minster opens new ‘Minster Gardens’ ahead of bank holiday weekend

‘Minster Gardens’ has been opened to the public by the Dean of York for the city and visitors to enjoy following the completion of works. The new gardens feature a spectacular view of the cathedral and include extensive lawns, wildflower planting and new benches set in landscaped borders. The gardens will also include a drinking fountain for members of the public to refill their water bottles and is adjacent to extensive cycle parking and the new cycle maintenance point. The planting has been selected especially to attract bees and increase biodiversity within the Precinct. The gardens were designed by Re-Form Landscape Architects as part of the wider development of the York Minster Refectory which opened in April.

His Majesty King Charles III unveiled an official ledger stone to mark the creation of the new gardens following the Royal Maundy at York Minster on 6 April 2023 and this has been set into the main entrance. The ledger stone was carved by Richard Bossons, the Minster stonemason who designed and created the statue of the late Queen which now stands on the West Front of the Minster. Minster Gardens will be open daily from 07:30 to 17:30.  All are welcome to enjoy this new greenspace.

York Minster to host special performances of Peter and the Wolf to introduce children to classical music

Join brave young Peter as he overcomes his fear of a big bad wolf in Sergei Prokofiev’s classic Peter and the Wolf played on York Minster’s newly-refurbished Grand Organ.

Hear captivating instrumental characterisations of Peter’s animal friends as a live feed of the cathedral’s marvellous organ played by Ben Morris, Assistant Director of Music at York Minster, is shown on screens to the audience. Using special stops on the organ, Ben will guide young listeners through the sounds of this magnificent instrument. The performance will be narrated by Stuart Perry, the Silly History Boys’ silliest boy.

Prokofiev’s familiar and accessible composition is the perfect introduction to classical music. During the performance, children are encouraged to sit on cushions and rugs at the front of the Nave to get the best possible view of the organ. The performance will last 30 minutes and is suitable for those aged 5 to 95.

Ben Morris, Assistant Director of Music at York Minster, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming people of all ages into the cathedral to experience the magnificent sound of our Grand Organ. Peter and the Wolf uses vivid musical motifs to introduce children to classical music in a fun and accessible way.”

The performances will take place on Wednesday 31 May and Thursday 1 June at 7.30pm and will last approximately 30 minutes.

Tickets are now available via York Minster’s website and cost £8 for an adult and £6 for a child. A family ticket of £22 for two adults and two children is also available.

Tickets can also be booked by contacting the York Minster Box Office on 01904 557200.