MUSIC from coronations across the centuries will rub shoulders with popular classics at the 2023 Salisbury Cathedral Organ Prom.

The event, on Saturday, August 12, is marking this year’s coronaton of King Charles with a programme of notable regal rhythms and more.

Audience members are invited to dress to impress, with promenading positively encouraged and Pimm’s among refreshments on offer.

Music is set to include something for everyone, from Dan Coates’ arrangement of the James Bond Medley, a nod to the Queen’s 007 stunt for the 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony, to Iain Farrington’s jazzy Voices of the World, written for the Coronation of King Charles III.

Those fascinated by the action in the organ loft will get a bench-side view of the organists in performance on the cathedral’s big screen.

John Challenger, assistant director of music, said: “When I was putting together the programme for this year’s prom I chose pieces that would showcase the versatility of our organ, which is an ‘orchestra’ in itself, and encourage an easy listening atmosphere.

“We do lots of concerts that require the audience to stay in their seats and focus. This is a little different; people will know many of these tunes and should feel free to promenade as they did in the pleasure gardens of London in the nineteenth century.”

John Challenger, assistant director of music, at the Salisbury Cathedral organ. Picture: Finnbarr Webster

John Challenger and David Halls, director of music at the cathedral, are sharing the organ duties for the evening.

Other music on the agenda includes Purcell’s Trumpet Tune (played at Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953), Bach’s Air in D, Gustav Holst’s Jupiter and The Planets (played at the Queen’s Coronation Service and at this year’s Coronation).

Also on the menu are Debbie Wiseman’s Elizabeth Remembered (released to mark the Queen’s death and used in the BBC’s coverage of the subsequent events broadcast to celebrate her life), Widor’s Toccata (Symphony V) (played at numerous royal weddings including Princess Margaret’s and Prince William’s wedding) and Simply the best, a tribute to Tina Turner, who died just over two months ago.

Tickets for the event, which sees doors open at 6.15pm for a 7pm start, cost £10 for adults and £5 for under-18s.
Drinks will be on sale at the West End, with a takeaway Organ Prom CD available for purchase from the ticket desk.

Visitors with access requirements should contact the Cathedral Box Office to book, between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. Call 01722 656 555, email boxoffice@salcath.co.uk, or drop-in in person.