On Saturday 8 March 2025, at 7pm, Carlisle Cathedral will be welcoming Reductio to the organ loft, for an organ recital with a difference.
Once the preserve of religious music in cathedrals and churches, the organ has a traditional and classical heritage. However, Homerton alumni Reductio – otherwise known as Matt Walters – is keen to bring organ music to a new young audience.
Reductio has been shaking up the world of classical organ music with his classical-dance music re-mixes and has become a bit of Tik-Tok sensation. At this concert, which will be performed on the Cathedral’s Father Willis organ built in the 1850s, his programme will feature songs by ABBA, Coldplay and film score icon Hans Zimmer as well as traditional pieces and some of his original compositions.
Matt learnt to play the organ whilst at Downside Abbey School, where he still plays as his family live locally. He started learning the piano whilst at school, but in Year 9 his music teacher joked that his ability at playing football might mean he would have the necessary co-ordination to be talented at playing the organ, a prediction which turned out to be correct.
Reductio has rapidly emerged as a dynamic presence in the music scene over the past year, amassing over 100,000 followers across various social media platforms. His recent appointment as an ‘Associate Musician’ at Dulwich Prep & Senior highlights his growing influence. In 2024, Reductio embarked on an extensive tour across England, performing at numerous venues and cathedrals, and he’s set to expand his reach internationally in 2025. His live shows promise a captivating blend of classical and contemporary music, featuring works by Bach, Widor, ABBA, and Coldplay, alongside original compositions and spontaneous improvisations inspired by audience input.
Speaking about his forthcoming visit to Carlisle, Matt said “’I am looking forward to performing in the stunning space of Carlisle Cathedral immensely, where I will be demonstrating the vast capability of the pipe organ with my varied programme of classical and contemporary music.”
Tickets for the concert can be purchased here or from the Cathedral Gift Shop, which is open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm.
