IN TUNE: Organist Colin Wood, performing at St Mary’s Church, Barnard Castle, last week
IN TUNE: Organist Colin Wood, performing at St Mary’s Church, Barnard Castle, last week

THIS year’s summer season of organ recitals at Barnard Castle’s parish church began with a performance by Colin Wood, the director of music at St Mary’s Church, Heworth, Gateshead.

It was Mr Wood’s first visit to St Mary’s, Barnard Castle, beginning a series of Wednesday lunchtime recitals at the church throughout July.

Annette Butters, director of music at the parish church, said visitors could look forward to a varied programme during the coming weeks.

“You get a mix, from the traditional, such as Bach, to the contemporary,” she said.

“It is a good range and accessible.”

The recitals take place from 12.30pm to 1.15pm each Wednesday. Admission is free, donations welcome.

Today, (July 17), Andrew Christer, of St John the Evangelist, Darlington, will perform.

Ian Pattinson, organist at Lancaster Priory, will be joined by his mother, soprano Margaret Pattinson, on July 24, and on July 31, Matthew Lazenby, of St Martin’s Church, Leeds, will perform with soprano Martha Hayward.

The recitals will conclude with a special show on Friday, August 2, at 7pm, featuring Edward Taylor, assistant organist at Carlisle Cathedral, and Jordon English, assistant organist at St Giles Cathedral.