St Margaret’s Church, Ilkley, is proud to announce a landmark occasion in its musical calendar: on Friday 7 November at 12.30 pm, Christopher Rathbone, Director of Music, will perform his 150th organ recital as part of the Ilkley Arts Festival. This extraordinary achievement marks Christopher’s dedication, artistry, and service to the musical life of the church and wider community.
The celebratory programme will feature works by Kenneth Leighton, Johann Sebastian Bach, and two of Christopher’s own compositions: a Passacaglia and Fugue from 2017 and his much-loved Fantasia on ‘Dancing Queen’ (with apologies to ABBA). Bach is represented by his glorious Prelude and Fugue in E flat, featuring the famous St Anne fugue, and the Leighton Paean completes the programme. The recital promises to be both reflective and exuberant, and the occasion is above all a tribute to Christopher’s significant contribution to the spiritual and musical life at St Margaret’s.
Looking ahead, the next recital on Friday 13 December, also at St Margaret’s, will feature a masterpiece by Olivier Messiaen, La Nativité du Seigneur, including the famous Toccata ‘Dieu parmi nous’—stunning music from 1935 inspired by the Christmas story.
Reflecting on the milestone, Christopher Rathbone said: “It’s been a joy and a privilege to share music with all those who attend our monthly organ recitals. The organ is a magnificent instrument, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to enjoy its vast repertoire and welcome audiences into this beautiful church.”
Fr Alex Crawford, Vicar of St Margaret’s, added:
Christopher has been a dedicated servant of the music and liturgy here at St Margaret’s over the years and we have been greatly blessed by his ministry.
This is a tremendous milestone, and I hope many will want to come and join us as we celebrate.
All are warmly invited to attend this special lunchtime recital and join in celebrating a remarkable musical milestone. Admission is free with a retiring collection for St Margaret’s Organ Restoration Fund, and seating is unreserved.
For more information about Christopher’s organ recitals and services at St Margaret’s, visit stmargaretsilkley.org
- Christopher Rathbone has been organist and Director of Music at St Margaret’s since 2009 having previously held appointments as Assistant Organist at Carlisle Cathedral and organist of Marlborough College in Wiltshire. He directs St Margaret’s choir of around 20 who sing services every Sunday at 10.45 am (High Mass) and 6.30 pm (Choral Evensong). Christopher lives in Draughton with his wife, Rev Isobel, who assists at churches in Draughton and Skipton as well as at St Margaret’s.
- St Margaret’s, Queen’s Road, Ilkley LS29 9QL
