Musical joy as Saint-Saëns’ masterpiece resounds at Peterborough Cathedral  

Peterborough Cathedral’s organ provided the emotional and roof-raising finale to the City of Peterborough Symphony Orchestra’s (CPSO) summer concert this weekend (Saturday 6 June 2026).

Acclaimed organ soloist David Humphreys joined conductor Björn Bantock and over 60 local musicians to perform Saint-Saëns famous Organ Symphony, composed in 1885. It was the first time the organ has been accompanied by a full orchestra since it was re-tuned to modern concert pitch more than a decade ago.

David said: “I’ve had the pleasure of playing the organ in Peterborough Cathedral many times over the years, but this was the first time with a full orchestra.

“Given the previous organ pitch, I suspect Saturday was the first ever performance of the Saint-Saëns with the Peterborough cathedral organ so it was an incredibly special moment. The re-pitching project gave us all the chance to perform an amazing work in surroundings to match.”

The evening also included performances of Beethoven's Overture for Goethe's play Egmont, depicting the struggle and victory against Spanish repression in the Eighty Years War. While violin soloist Michal Cwizewicz delivered a peaceful yet intensely romantic performance of Max Bruch's timeless first violin concerto.

Deirdre Culloty, Chair of CPSO, said: “What a memorable evening for all who joined us. Developing this concert to incorporate the organ has been two years in the making so it was a very uplifting evening.

“We are so grateful to our conductor Björn Bantock, David Humphreys on the organ and our violin soloist Michal Cwizewicz for joining our orchestra for the evening to bring such a beautiful programme to Peterborough.”

For more information and details of future concerts visit the orchestra’s website: www.cpso.org.uk