Archie Davies Chorale Prelude by Jeanne Demessieux Howden Minster 24th August 2026

Chorale Prelude on Gregorian Chant Themes, Op. 8 Jeanne Demessieux (1921–68) vii. O Filii et filiae (Variations) BIOGRAPHY Archie Davies has just finished as the Sixth Form Organ Scholar at Ripon Cathedral as well as Organ Scholar and Music Scholar at Barnard Castle School. In this next chapter of his life, he is excited to be taking up the position of Organ Scholar at Gloucester Cathedral in September 2026 and is looking forward to accompanying the many cathedral choirs on the brand-new Nicholson and Co organ. Over the last two years, he has also enjoyed accompanying the Barnard Castle Choral Society and Community Choirs. Archie’s ‘musical career’ started at a young age when he became a chorister at Ripon Cathedral, moving on to be a Tenor and then Bass Choral Scholar. It was during this time that he became enthralled by the organ, and in 2021, he started learning to play under the tutelage of Tom Coxhead and Peter Wright. For the past 4 years he has been lucky enough to continue his learning with Tim Harper, Assistant Director of Music at Ripon Cathedral. Alongside singing and accompanying the daily services at the cathedral, Archie has also been fortunate enough to sing with the choir at Westminster Abbey, as well as joining them on a tour of Bavaria, performing concerts in venues such as Waldsassen Basilica and services in Munich and Regensburg Cathedrals. He has sung on BBC 1 for the live broadcast of Eucharist from Ripon Cathedral on Easter Day, as well as singing and accompanying the Cathedral Choir on their latest CD releases. Significant highlights in Archie’s short career to date include participating in a live masterclass with Francesca Massey on the Beauty In Sound YouTube channel, accompanying Barnard Castle Choral Society for their performance of Mozart’s Requiem, as well as Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man (the latter at Ripon Cathedral) and accompanying Barnard Castle School Chapel Choir for Evensongs at York Minster. He has performed several solo recitals including venues such as Pickhill Parish Church, Howden Minster, Leeds Minster and Ripon Cathedral. To donate to Howden Minster to support our music please follow the link below: https://givealittle.co/campaigns/b9bc... The organ of Howden Minster https://www.npor.org.uk/NPORVie