Thousands discover the organ through Play the Organ Year 2025

A year-long campaign to open up the organ to new audiences reached more than 10,000 people through live events across the UK and beyond, with around 3,500 of those sitting at an organ console and playing the instrument themselves – often for the very first time.

Play the Organ Year 2025, organised by the Royal College of Organists (RCO) in partnership with leading organisations across the UK organ sector, saw 149 events delivered across every region and home nation, as well as a number of overseas events.

From cathedrals and churches to schools, concert halls and community venues, the initiative invited people of all ages to get closer to one of the world’s most remarkable musical instruments.

Central to the campaign was a simple but powerful idea: not just hearing the organ, but playing it.

Sir Andrew Parmley, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Organists, said: “Play the Organ Year has shown just how powerful the simple invitation to ‘come and try’ can be.

“With this simple idea we set out to create at least 2,000 playing opportunities during the year, so naturally we are delighted to have exceeded that by so much. We are enormously grateful to the many organists, venues, volunteers and organisations who made this possible and, of course, to the thousands who came to the events they organised.

“Across the UK and beyond, thousands of people discovered the organ not as something distant or mysterious, but as an instrument they could explore and enjoy for themselves.

“The enthusiasm we have seen – from children, families, music lovers and complete beginners – demonstrates that the organ continues to inspire curiosity and excitement when people are given the opportunity to encounter it up close."

As well as the RCO, the group of organisations behind Play the Organ Year 2025 included the Royal School of Church Music, Incorporated Association of Organists, Society of Women Organists, British Institute of Organ Studies, Institute of British Organ Building, The Organ Club, the Cathedral Organists’ Association and the Assistant Cathedral Organists’ Association. Regional ambassadors and partners also played an important role in encouraging activity and supporting local organisers.

Play the Organ sessions formed the heart of the programme, offering visitors the chance to sit at the console, explore the instrument and make their own music under the guidance of experienced organists and volunteers. Events frequently attracted families, community groups, singers, pianists and complete beginners, creating lively and intergenerational experiences.

Schools and youth-focused events proved particularly successful, with young participants showing great curiosity and enthusiasm when given the opportunity to explore the instrument up close.

The campaign reinforced the value of hands-on musical experiences in encouraging curiosity and confidence, particularly among those encountering the instrument for the first time.

Organisers themselves also reported an overwhelmingly positive experience. Many said they planned to repeat or expand similar events in future, highlighting the enthusiasm generated both among organisers and participants.

By combining a strong national framework with locally organised activity, Play the Organ Year demonstrated how grassroots enthusiasm across the organ community can open the instrument to new audiences.

With thousands of people now having experienced the thrill of playing the organ for the first time, the organisers hope the momentum created by Play the Organ Year will continue to inspire further events, learning opportunities and musical exploration in the years ahead.

Building on the success of the campaign, the RCO has already launched First Stop!, a new online gateway designed to help beginners and curious newcomers explore the organ and take their first steps in learning.

Alongside this, the new beginner tutor Fingers and Feet: A Journey to the Organ Bench, developed with the Diocese of Leeds Keyboard Studies Programme and published by the Royal School of Church Music, provides an accessible starting point for those inspired to begin playing following their first encounter with the instrument.

Visit www.firststoporgan.com for more information, and to begin your journey with ‘The King of Instruments’!