Pulling out all the stops

During his 27-year tenure as cathedral organist at Hereford, he played for the inaugural concert after the organ was reconditioned in 1977.

"Three of the pieces I'm going to play, I played then," he said.

His programme includes Bach's Fantasia and Fugue in G minor, virtuoso works by Wildor and Dupre, and Cocker's Tuba Tune.

The first was played by Dr George Sinclair when the organ was installed in 1892 and Walter Alcock's Introduction and Passacaglia is taken from the programme that Sir Percy Hull arranged when the organ came out in 1933.

"In that respect, it's a historical programme," Dr Massey said.

"It's not specialist, but it is a very good, listenable programme, with plenty of colour.

"By the end of the night, you'll have heard everything the organ can do - I'm pulling out all the stops!

"The aim is to show off the organ in all its glory during the course of a wide programme of music."

Dr Massey, who retired from his post in Hereford in 2001, is enjoying his life in Tewkesbury.

"I don't miss the interminable 24 miles of country lanes getting back after a trip away," he said.

"Though my wife, Ruth, does miss the shops."

He is still in touch with Hereford Cathedral, through his great personal friend and current organist Geraint Bowen and because he and Ruth come back to visit frequently.

He is busy with his role as former president of the Royal College of Organists, which is in the midst of a move from London to Birmingham, and playing at Tewkesbury Abbey and around the country.

There is one element of Saturday's gala concert that will have a new dimension for those sitting in the nave - and for Dr Massey.

For the first time, the audience will be able to watch the performer's hands and feet at the console on a large video screen, installed as part of the restoration.

Unperturbed by this, he said it was an innovation he was familiar with in several recital venues.

"It's a very, very good idea," he said.

"When a violinist or pianist plays, the audience can engage with them.

"But an organist is tucked away quite nicely.

"You can have a cup of coffee if you bring your thermos!

"People are amazed when they realise how complex an instrument it actually is, and anything that makes the organ more accessible is a good idea.

"I only hope they don't wire it for sound, as occasionally the asides are unprintable!"

The Willis organ was dismantled in January 2004 and sent to organ builders Harrison and Harrison in Durham.

It returned two months ahead of schedule in time for Christmas and has settled in nicely.

"As the custodians of one of the finest Father Willis organs in the country, we are delighted that it is now once again in first-class condition for another generation to enjoy," said Geraint Bowen.

"This inaugural promises to be a very special occasion."

Tickets for the concert are available from the cathedral shop and on 01432 271990.

The restoration of the organ, along with the summer series of concerts, has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

In addition to the concert on Saturday evening, Haydn's Nelson Mass will be performed with orchestral accompaniment on Sunday morning at 10.30am.

The series of Tuesday lunchtime concerts begins next week at 1.15pm with assistant organist Peter Dyke.