Celebrity Recitalist: NIGEL OGDEN

In March 1995 Nigel Ogden completed 15 years as the presenter of BBC Radio 2's longest running specialist music programme, "The Organist Entertains", which celebrated its own 25th anniversary the previous year.  Being in such a privileged position means that Nigel is constantly kept up to date with what's happening in the organ world in all its various forms and, as his own tastes in music are so wide-ranging, he is also able to make a significant practical and personal contribution in the form of the many solo concerts he performs each year throughout the British Isles and, in addition to those played on theatre organs and electronic instruments, his all-round  versatility as a concert artist means that he is also frequently in demand to play the great organs of our churches, cathedrals and town halls.

As a composer, Nigel has had several pieces for organ published by the well-known London firm of Stainer & Bell, the most recent being the 1930's style "Art-Deco Three Piece Suite" which is featured on one of four new CD's produced by Nigel during 1994.  Three of them feature the beautiful Wurlitzer In Manchester's Free Trade Hall while the fourth brings back to life the almost-forgotten but still magnificent Cavaille-Coll organ in Manchester Town Hall.  On his most recent CD, "Sentimental Journey", Nigel plays the superb Wurlitzer made famous by the legendary Reginald Dixon in the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool.

Nigel's broadcasting career began in 1971, since when he has appeared on the air almost 1,000 times and, in addition to his radio work, he has provided background music for various TV plays and documentaries.