A NEW organist has been appointed at Durham Cathedral.

Jason Lowe, formerly organist at Giggleswick School, near Settle, North Yorkshire, has been appointed an assistant organist at the Cathedral.

He will play for Cathedral services and help choristers rehearse, supporting organist and master of the choristers James Lancelot, sub-organist Francesca Massey and organ scholar Jonathan Allsopp.

The 28-year-old started playing the piano aged 13 and from 2005 studied organ at the Royal Northern College of Music.

He was also previously an organ scholar at Manchester Cathedral.

Mr Lowe plans to give organ lessons in County Durham and continue his solo recital career.

He said: “Durham’s (organ) make such a wide range of interesting sounds and there are multiple ways to make the same sound, so you can really personalise how you play the same piece as someone else and bring your own flair to it.”

Dr Lancelot said: “I am delighted that Jason Lowe has joined the team of organists here at the Cathedral.

“I know he will rapidly become an established member of the music department here.”