AN organist who studied for his doctorate at Durham University is returning to the city to give a recital in memory of his supervisor Professor John Moles.

Professor Moles was an active and much-loved member of the congregation at St Margaret’s Church, Crossgate, where the recital will take place at 5.30pm on Saturday, May 6.

At the time of his sudden death in 2015 he was Professor of Latin at Newcastle University, but before that had held a personal Chair in the Department of Classics at Durham.

The recital by his former student, Dr Christopher Joyce, will include works by two of Prof Moles’ favourite composers, Bach and Mendelsohn.

After completing his PhD in classics, Dr Joyce moved south. He now teaches the subject at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School, in Hertfordshire, but enjoys playing the organ in his spare time.

He said he wanted to give the recital as a tribute to Prof Moles’ support and friendship.

“John was much admired in the academic community and beyond for his scholarship, wit and intellectual insight. I will never forget his kindness and compassion,” he said.

The recital will also include works by Sweelinck and the Toccata in G by Dubois. There will be a retiring collection for the British Heart Foundation.