David Briggs: The Phantom of the Opera Live Improvisation Concert

His electrifying improvisation will transform the silent classic into a powerful, one-night-only experience, where music and film merge in breathtaking harmony within the Cathedral’s awe-inspiring setting.

Briggs showcases his extraordinary talent on the renowned Walker organ, creating a thrilling live soundtrack to the haunting silent film. This performance will be totally unique, blending masterful musicianship with cinematic drama for an unforgettable evening.

David Briggs stands among the most distinguished British organists of our time, celebrated worldwide for his extraordinary command of improvisation. His ability to shape music in the moment has not only captivated audiences across the globe but has also inspired a new generation of organists to embrace the art of improvisation.

Sustaining an improvised musical narrative for the full length of a feature film is a rare and demanding skill. While live accompaniment was once a standard part of early cinema, few musicians today practise it at this level. David Briggs is exceptional in the scale, ambition and consistency of his work in this field, helping to revive and popularise an art form that speaks far beyond traditional organ audiences.

Alongside his film performances, Briggs remains a leading recitalist and a highly prolific composer. His film repertoire is extensive and ever expanding, with past accompaniments including Metropolis, The Lodger, and classic shorts by Chaplin and Keaton. Each performance is shaped anew, making every concert a distinctive and unrepeatable experience.

The Phantom of the Opera (1925)

Rupert Julian’s 1925 silent film The Phantom of the Opera remains one of the most enduring and atmospheric adaptations of Gaston Leroux’s novel. At its heart is Lon Chaney’s legendary portrayal of the Phantom, whose haunting presence within the Paris Opera House has secured the film’s place in cinema history.

Chaney’s performance is inseparable from his startling, self-created make-up, revealed to audiences only at the film’s premiere and still capable of shocking a century later. His Phantom is both terrifying and tragic, driving the story of obsession, ambition and doomed love that unfolds amid the shadows of the opera house.

The film features a strong supporting cast including Mary Philbin, Norman Kerry and Arthur Edmund Carewe, and stands as a landmark of silent cinema. Seen today, accompanied live by improvised organ music, it regains much of the immediacy and power that early audiences would have experienced, drawing viewers fully into its dark and mesmerising world.

Our iconic Walker organ is famous across the world for its remarkable sound, innovative design and unique appearance. We need to raise £250,000 to restore the organ to peak performance and by purchasing a ticket and attending this concert, you are helping to ensure this significant musical treasure continues to inspire generations of organists and composers.
You can learn more and show your support at organappeal.com

Enjoy a delicious fish and chips supper with tea or coffee before the concert for just £12.50pp.

Served in Checks & Greys, available from 5pm-6.15pm.

To pre-book, please email [email protected] with the number in your party.

Blackburn Cathedral is two minutes from the bus interchange and railway station. Please note that there is no onsite parking however there are a number of public car parks close by.

Although there are some old, uneven surfaces and care should be taken, the Cathedral is fully accessible and wheelchair friendly. There is level access into and around the building.

Call: 01254 277430

Email: [email protected]

Blackburn Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Blackburn, BB1 5AA

Ticket Refund Policy

To ensure a smooth experience, please review our straightforward refund policy:

Refund Eligibility:

• Refunds will only be issued in the event of cancellation by the event promoter.

Cancellation by Promoter:

• In the unlikely circumstance that this event is cancelled by the promoter, full refunds will be automatically processed for all ticket holders.

Non-Refundable Tickets:

• All tickets are non-refundable unless the event is canceled by the promoter.

Transfer of Tickets:

• Tickets are transferable, allowing you to pass on them on to friends or family if you find yourself unable to attend.

Contact Information:

• For any enquiries or concerns regarding tickets, please contact our customer support at [email protected]

Info: Enjoy a delicious fish and chips supper with tea or coffee before the concert for just £12.50pp.
Served in Checks & Greys, available from 5pm-6.15pm. To pre-book, please email [email protected] with the number in your party.

Info: Ahead of the concert, world-renowned organist David Briggs will discuss his approach to improvisation. Taking place in the South Transept, seating is unreserved and is subject to availability and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Info: David Briggs will showcase his extraordinary talent on our iconic organ, as he improvises a live accompaniment to the 1925 silent film The Phantom of the Opera.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Blackburn Cathedral