On Saturday, 31 July 2027 at 8:00 PM, the Cathedral of St. Anastasia in Zadar will host an exceptional musical event — a performance by one of today’s most distinguished organists, James Gough. This internationally acclaimed recitalist and Assistant Organist at Southwark Cathedral comes to Zadar as part of the 4th International Organ Festival “Orgulje Sv. Stošije”, where he will present a programme built around masterpieces of the organ repertoire.

James Gough stands out as one of the most sought-after interpreters of his generation. Having completed his organ studies at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London, Gough has received numerous awards and performed at some of Europe’s most important concert venues and cathedrals, including St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Westminster Cathedral, as well as at major international festivals. His recitals are distinguished by outstanding technical command, expressive depth, and a profound understanding of musical form.

The programme in Zadar will feature works ranging from the Baroque to contemporary composers — including monumental organ toccatas, meditative liturgical pieces, and grand preludes and fugues — carefully selected to highlight the full potential of the magnificent organ of the Cathedral of St. Anastasia.

This recital is announced as one of the most significant musical events of the summer of 2027 in Zadar and a unique opportunity for all lovers of organ music to enjoy the artistry of a superb performer. The concert begins at 8:00 PM, and admission is free.

The festival “Orgulje Sv. Stošije” is dedicated to promoting excellence in organ performance and raising awareness of the value of organ music as an important part of Europe’s cultural heritage. Performances by international artists such as James Gough enrich Zadar’s musical life and offer an unforgettable experience for audiences of all generations.

Join us on 31 July at the Cathedral of St. Anastasia — for an evening devoted to the art of the organ.

Concert programme – 31 July 2027 at 8:00 PM:

Louis Vierne (1870-1937)

Toccata and Clair de lune

Ian Venables (*1955) 

Rhapsody In Memoriam Herbert Howells

Frank Bridge (1879-1941)

Adagio in E

Camillo Schumann (1872-1946)

Andante cantabile from Organ Sonata No.6

César Franck (1822-1890)

Prière, Op. 20

Marcel Dupré (1886-1971) 

Prelude and Fugue in B, Op.7 No.1

BIOGRAPHY

James Gough is a highly sought-after recitalist and the Assistant Organist at Southwark Cathedral. He began his organ studies with Huw Tregelles Williams OBE before moving to Bristol where he read Music and continued his organ studies with Dr David Ponsford. In 2009 James completed a Master’s degree in Organ Performance at the Royal Academy of Music, where his principal organ teacher was Nicolas Kynaston. During his time at the Academy James completed the FRCO diploma, as well as the Licentiate diploma of the RAM, and was the recipient of several Academy prizes including the Eric Thiman Organ Prize. In recognition of his achievements he was selected to perform for the visit of Sir Elton John.

As a recitalist, James has played the complete works of J.S. Bach and César Franck, and performed at some of the UK’s most prestigious venues including St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral, The Temple Church and Bath Abbey. Further afield James has given several recitals in France, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark and Sweden, and recent performances have included visits to St Giles Cathedral Edinburgh, Montpellier Cathedral, St Jaan’s s’Hertogenbosch, Rocca Massima Italy, the Lucerne Festival in Switzerland, the Herforder Orgelsommer in Germany and the Dulwich Festival of Music in London. Forthcoming recitals are planned for St Ouen, Rouen, Murr in Germany, Bergen Cathedral Norway, as well as several across the UK including Glasgow Cathedral.

James recorded the Trio Sonatas of J. S. Bach at Clifton Cathedral, which was released on the Naxos label in 2024. This project came about following a collaboration with Dame Gillian Weir in which Dame Gillian gave an extensive analysis of the works whilst James played the sonatas as part of an event for the Clifton International Festival of Music.

He has held positions at St Martin-in-the-Fields, St Bride’s, Fleet Street and St Matthew’s, Westminster, and spent a year covering the Assistant Organist role at Wells Cathedral. Alongside a busy performance career, James teaches the organ at the Royal College of Music Junior Department, Westminster Abbey Choir School, and Westminster School.