Professor Ian Tracey to Retire as Liverpool Anglican Cathedral Organist

Professor Ian Tracey is stepping down as full-time organist of Liverpool Anglican Cathedral after forty-six years. He will mark the milestone on October 17, with a centenary recital celebrating the instrument’s 100th anniversary, bringing to a close an extraordinary tenure that began when he became Britain’s youngest cathedral organist.

After forty-six years presiding over the world’s largest cathedral organ, Professor Ian Tracey is playing his swan song as Liverpool Anglican Cathedral’s full-time organist later this month.

You can’t go on forever and I’d hate to be a pale imitation of what I once was, Tracey said, reflecting on his four-decade career.

Cathedral Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Grand Organ

The retirement performance on October 17 forms the centerpiece of a month-long celebration honoring the 100th anniversary of the cathedral’s grand instrument. Built in 1926, the majestic pipe organ was celebrated as the world’s largest cathedral organ when constructed. Alongside the landmark concert, the cathedral is hosting an exhibition titled Organ 100, which charts the legacy and history of the instrument as well as its connection to the city and its three past organists.

“We’ve got 222 stops controlling 11,000 pipes, and each one of these stops is a different tonal colour.”

Prof Ian Tracey, Cathedral Organist

A Lifelong Devotion Inspired by Family and Mozart

Tracey’s path to the organ bench began early in life, deeply influenced by his grandfather, who was also an organist. In interviews detailing his musical roots, Tracey recalled that his grandfather was determined he would not become a mediocre pianist, introducing him to the piano before he reached school age.

Visits to his grandfather’s practice sessions on Saturdays sparked an immediate fascination with the sheer scale and sound of the instrument. It was the power that drew me to it in the beginning, Tracey noted, adding a favorite quote from Mozart: It was Mozart that said the organ is the king of instruments.

Ian Tracey Holds Various Honors and Academic Roles

Throughout his career, Tracey’s influence extended far beyond Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. He has served as Liverpool city organist, guest director of music for the BBC’s Daily Service, and professor, fellow, and organist at Liverpool John Moores University. In 2006, The University of Liverpool recognized his contributions by conferring upon him the degree of Doctor of Music.

The Very Reverend Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, expressed sadness over his departure while praising his profound impact. Ian became the youngest cathedral organist in the UK when he was appointed to Liverpool Cathedral in 1980, a role in which he has inspired generations through his musicianship and his profound influence on those who have listened to and worked with him, Jones said.

Although stepping down from his full-time cathedral position, Tracey’s musical journey in the city is far from over. He will continue performing at St. George’s Hall and with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. He also plans to serve as a deputy at the cathedral, ensuring his ongoing connection to what he affectionately calls his old friend.