Online Recital: Thomas Hawkes – organ

The Programme

Thomas Hawkes – organ

Trio Sonata No 1 in Eb Major, BWV 525
i. Allegro moderato
ii. Adagio
iii. Allegro

Meine Seele erhebt den Herren, BWV 648

Organ Sonata No 1 in F Minor, Op 65
I. Allegro moderato e serioso
II. Adagio
III. Andante recitativo
IV. Allegro assai vivace

The Artist

Thomas Hawkes was born in Paderborn, Germany, where he had his first organ lessons with Ulrich Schneider and Andreas Konrad as well as his first organist role at St Christopher’s Garrison Church. He then spent two years learning the organ with Jonathan Lilley at Ely Cathedral before going to the University of York where he completed his Music BA and Postgraduate Diploma in 2017.

Following this, Thomas held posts at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, King Edward’s School, Witley, and St David’s Cathedral (where he was the acting Assistant Director of Music). He subsequently spent a year studying Church Music at the Hochschule für Musik in Freiburg im Breisgau, where he studied organ with Matthias Maierhofer and David Franke, as well as choral conducting with Frank Markowitsch.

Since September 2023, he has held the position of Chapel Organist at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire. Thomas has performed on television and radio for BBC Wales and is featured on the St David’s Cathedral choir 2022 Christmas CD. Thomas frequently works as a choral conductor and accompanist, and has worked with ensembles including Leeds Festival Chorus, Stowmarket Chorale and the University of York Choir. Thomas is also a regular accompanist for the Freiburger Münster choirs.

Outside of music, he enjoys reading about history and watching Doctor Who.