The 2025/2026 organ recital series will continue in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh, when David McGuckin gives the fourth recital in the series
on Sunday 22 March 2026 at 4.15pm.
David and his family have had long links with the Cathedral. David’s father was a Diocesan Reader there while both David and his brother were active members of the Cathedral Choir. Aged fourteen, David began organ lessons with the Cathedral Organist, Martin White. By the time he was sixteen, David had played Wanamaker’s organ in Philadelphia, the largest organ in the world, and at eighteen, had won a place at The Royal Northern College of Music. After graduation, David toured professionally for several decades, giving recitals in Switzerland, France, Canada, America and elsewhere. David played for orchestras, astronomers, scientists, astronauts, senators and a series of prime ministers. He also created the Altnagelvin Hospital Choir, the first NHS choir in Northern Ireland.
David continues to give international recitals.
David’s recital programme will include Guilmant’s ‘Grand Choeur’, Bach’s A Minor BWV 543, the Duruflé Fugue from ‘Prelude et Fugue sur le nom d’Alain’ and Widor’s Symphony No 6 - Finale.
Speaking ahead of his organ recital, David said, “Every organist fondly remembers the instrument they first learned on. When the instrument in question is the finest in the country, it’s a double pleasure to return to Armagh and to play the Cathedral organ. My love of playing the organ comes from exploring all the colours that blossom under my fingers. The organ at Armagh Cathedral is an exceptionally colourful organ and I’m very much looking forward to the fulsome sounds and colours this recital will create.”
The Director of Music, Dr Stephen Timpany, added, “David is a very accomplished and stylish player who has an intimate knowledge of the Cathedral organ and its acoustic. David’s musical journey is inextricably linked with the Cathedral and an excellent afternoon’s organ playing is assured.”
The recital will last forty minutes. All are welcome to attend. Admission is free, with any donations to the Choir Fund greatly appreciated. The next recital will take the form of an extended Choral Evensong on Sunday 26 April 2026 and will feature the organ and choral music of Charles Wood. Wood was born on the Hill of Armagh in 1866 and sang in the Cathedral Choir, so in this the centenary year of his death, it is a fine tribute to Charles Wood and his strong connections with Armagh.
For further information, please contact: St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral: Tel. 028 37523142