Lunchtime Recitals

Last updated Tuesday, 18 March, 2025

Christchurch Priory Lunchtime Organ Recital Series

Our popular organ recitals take place on Thursday lunchtimes at 12.30pm.  Each lasts 45 minutes and programmes are carefully balanced to ensure that there is always an approachable mix of music on offer. 

There is no entry charge but contributions to a retiring collection are welcome.

The organ console is moved to the front of the nave to enable the performer to be in view of the audience.

Performers are always of the highest quality – the draw of the organ, and the success of the series itself, ensures there is always a long list of distinguished organists wishing to play.  Our Special Services & Events listing sets out all of the performers and dates for the current series.

Sponsorship Opportunity

By sponsoring an organ recital, you would be supporting one of the biggest recital series in the country and helping us to continue offering opportunities for audiences to experience the power and beauty of the instrument, played by some of the finest organists in the UK and abroad.  More information on the Priory's Nicholson Pipe Organ is available on our website.

Each recital costs approximately £300 to stage.  We must pay competitive professional rates for each performer and cover their accommodation and travel.  There are also performing rights fees and printing costs, as well as the ongoing expenses of tuning and organ maintenance, power, heating, lighting... the list goes on!

We greatly appreciate the support and loyalty our audience continues to show, including contributions to retiring collections.  However, sponsoring an organ recital is something which not only helps us continue to offer these concerts but can create an opportunity to mark an anniversary, remember a loved one, promote a local business etc.

There are three levels of sponsorship options:

Bronze - £100
Silver - £300
Gold - £500 

If you would like further information on the packages which sit behind the sponsorship offer, we would be very happy to share our sponsorship leaflet with you.  Please contact Simon Earl, our Director of Music.

Other Lunchtime Recitals

Between our Organ Recital Series (generally in school holiday periods), we occasionally commission additional Thursday Lunchtime Live! Recitals, which are advertised separately on our Special Services & Events listings.

We are always keen to host high-quality musical events at Christchurch Priory.  If you are interested in delivering a Lunchtime Recital, please read our Concert Information Booklet and contact us with a proposal.