A large and highly appreciative audience was treated to a stunning organ concert in the Chapel of Ripley St Thomas School, Lancaster, on the evening of 18th June. The performer was Ian Tracey, Liverpool Cathedral Organist and an international concert organist of high renown.

Professor Tracey entertained with a great variety of music, all played with much virtuosity and musicality. We heard classic FM favourites such as Albinoni's Adagio, Bach's Chaconne, Widor's Toccata and Tchaikovsky's 'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy', together with lesser-known works by Howells (who adjudicated at the Morecambe Music Festival in the 1950s), Belgian Flor Peeters and Antonio Soler from Spain. The performer helped us on our way through his informative and witty introductions to the pieces.

The fine Ripley organ has a wide range of beautiful sounds that were demonstrated superbly in Ian Tracey's use of the instrument. His finger dexterity, which particularly brought alive the Bach Chaconne, was evident visually as well as aurally, as we were able to watch him on a video screen.

Ian Tracey was encouraged, by the enthusiastic applause of the audience, to produce two encores, including an improvised toccata on 'Happy Birthday' for a member of the audience. This produced a rousing finale to an unforgettable evening of music.