Biography
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- Fast establishing a reputation as one of the most exciting organists of his generation – with impeccable articulation, technically excellent playing and also a humanity that imparts life and warmth – Peter Holder was appointed Sub-Organist of Westminster Abbey in October 2017. He is the principal organist for the Abbey’s daily services and at state occasions, and accompanies the Abbey Choir in its concerts, recordings and broadcasts. He is the principal deputy conductor of the choir and supports Organist and Master of the Choristers James O’Donnell in training the Abbey choristers.
Having served for two years as Organ Scholar of Westminster Abbey, Peter was Sub-Organist of St Paul’s Cathedral between 2014 and 2017. He regularly accompanied choral services and played a significant role in developing the portfolio of organ events at the Cathedral, including staging two Grand Organ Galas in which he appeared as soloist in concerti by Handel and Poulenc.
As a recitalist, Peter performs in cathedrals and concert halls across the world. He made his BBC Proms solo debut at the 2019 First Night of the Proms performing Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass. Ivan Hewett, writing for The Daily Telegraph, commented that “…it was Peter Holder’s wild organ solo which stole the show”, whilst BBC Music Reporter Mark Savage wrote that “…Holder deservedly received an ovation after untangling the labyrinthine solo”.
Peter’s solo recording "Bach ist der Vater, wir sind die Buben", produced at Neresheim Abbey (Germany) on the 1797 Johann Nepomuk Holzhay organ, featuring works by Bach family, Ernst, Rinck and Mozart has garnered much praise: "Peter Holder is a true musician who never loses the thread of the musical argument. … Fantastic music, organ and acoustic; and a superlative organist." Peter regularly features on BBC Radio and Television broadcasts.
Peter has previously held posts at St Albans Cathedral, Southwell Minster and The Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Peter is an organ tutor at the Royal Academy of Music, where he undertook his undergraduate and postgraduate studies and won numerous major prizes and awards. He has given masterclasses across Europe and the USA, and in 2016 was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.
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- | www.peterholdermusic.co.uk |
