About the Event

We are delighted to welcome Abhay Prabhakar, organist at Our Lady & St James’ Roman Catholic Church, for a lunchtime organ recital at St Giles’ Church on Saturday 13 June 2026.

Featuring a diverse programme of music spanning from Johann Sebastian Bach to Olivier Messiaen, the recital will showcase the rich colours and power of the church’s historic 1894 Forster & Andrews organ.

Doors open at 12:30pm, with the recital beginning at 1:00pm. Admission is free with no booking required, although donations in support of the church are warmly appreciated.

St Giles’ church sits on a site that has seen continuous Christian worship for at least 800 years. The main body of the church as it stands now was built towards the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries. It is widely thought to be among the greatest of the medieval buildings still standing in North Wales. Organ music has long formed an important part of the church’s worship, culture, and musical heritage, with the instrument supporting congregational worship and services, and serving as a powerful concert instrument in its own right. Today, the 3-manual organ continues to play a central role in the musical life of St Giles’, bringing to life a rich repertoire of sacred and concert music within the church’s remarkable acoustic.

Abhay Prabhakar is a 17-year-old organist, pianist, violist, and singer and has been the organist at Our Lady & St James’ Roman Catholic Church in Bangor for more than 2 years. He has won various awards for his playing, including the Sir Walford Davies Trophy at the Oswestry Music Festival. Abhay’s playing has taken him across the country, most recently to Bath Abbey, where he gave a recital and was the organ scholar on the RSCM’s flagship choral course. Closer to home, Abhay frequently accompanies local choirs in concerts, evensongs, and services and has played for events at Bangor University, including with the symphony orchestra and chorus. He is also a member of the renowned RSCM Youth Choir and is a keen advocate for young people taking up the organ. Abhay is currently working towards his ARCO diploma and hopes to take up an organ scholarship at university after finishing school.

Why Come?

• Hear exceptional live music.

• An opportunity to support the fundraising for our mission and ministry.

A Unique Setting

There is something special about attending events at St Giles’ Church. With its rich history and striking architecture, the space offers an atmosphere that enhances both the intimacy and the impact of any live event.

Join Us

We warmly invite you to join us for this special experience. Whether you come on your own, with friends, with family, or as part of a wider group, you will be assured of a warm welcome and an unforgettable evening.

Programme:

BWV 545, Prelude and Fugue in C Major – J.S Bach (7:00)

Psalm Prelude, Set 1, Number 1 – Herbert Howells (8:00)

BuxWV 160, Chaconne in E minor – Dietrich Buxtehude (5:00)

Rêverie – Louis Vierne (4:00)

Fugue on “Tallis’ Canon” – Elizabeth Stirling (5:00)

BWV 727, Herzlich tut mich verlangen – J.S Bach (3:00)Toccata from Dieu Parmi Nous (Movement IX from La Nativité du Seigneur) – Olivier

Messiaen (5:00)