The Assistant Organist of Carlisle Cathedral is preparing for his latest recital next week.

Performing on Tuesday August 2, Edward Taylor or Ed will play a variety of French music on the cathedral’s historic ‘Father Willis’ organ.

While Ed’s principal role at the cathedral is accompanying the choir during services, he also directs the Cathedral Consort, youth choir, and Cantate, children’s choir.

In addition to cathedral duties he is in demand as a recitalist and has performed at Westminster Abbey, Bridlington Priory and many other cathedrals around the UK.

Also active in the community as a choral conductor, in which capacity he directs Dumfries Choral Society and the Penrith Singers; more recently he has taken over as director of the Solway Singers.

In the performance besides playing pieces by composers such as Louis Vierne and Jehan Alain, the programme will feature Choral No. 3 in A minor by Cesar Franck (1822-1890).

Said to have been written on the composer’s deathbed, this famous piece is acknowledged as one of the greatest of French organ works.

Its performance next week will mark the 200th anniversary of Franck’s birth.

This is the first of a series of free Tuesday lunchtime concerts, which return to the cathedral this summer as part of its 900th anniversary celebrations.

Other performers during August will include baritone James Gaughan and percussionist Steven Moore.

Ed’s organ recital takes place in Carlisle Cathedral at 2pm on Tuesday August 2.

Entry is free, but there will be a retiring collection to support both the artist and the cathedral.