This weekend Professor Ian Tracey, one of the United Kingdom’s most distinguished cathedral organists, announced his retirement from Liverpool Cathedral after an extraordinary and influential career. Renowned for his exceptional musicianship, technical brilliance, and deep understanding of organ repertoire, Ian has inspired audiences and fellow musicians for decades. As the long-serving organist at Liverpool Cathedral, he transformed the cathedral’s musical profile, presenting countless recitals, recordings, and special performances that showcased the full grandeur and versatility of the organ.
Beyond performance, Ian has been widely respected as an educator, mentor, and ambassador for organ music. Through masterclasses, workshops, and international tours, he has encouraged new generations of organists while promoting the instrument to wider audiences. His recordings and broadcasts have preserved significant works and demonstrated his distinctive interpretative style, combining precision with expressive musicality.
Ian’s dedication extended beyond the organ loft. He played a vital role in developing and maintaining world-class cathedral organs, ensuring they remained both historically respected and musically relevant. His contributions to church music and the concert world have left a lasting legacy that will continue to influence organ performance for years to come.
Although his retirement marks the end of an era, Ian Tracey’s impact on organ music, education, and cultural life remains profound and enduring, celebrated by colleagues, students, and audiences worldwide.
At the 10:30 Eucharist at the Cathedral on Sunday 8th February, Dean Sue Jones announced:-
“I am sad to say that our much-loved Organist, Professor Ian Tracey, is retiring, bringing to a close an extraordinary career spanning more than four decades.
Ian will play his last service on Saturday 17th October, before concluding his tenure by playing the Centenary Organ Recital that same afternoon.
Ian became the youngest cathedral organist in the UK when he was appointed to Liverpool Cathedral in 1980, a role in which he has inspired generations through his musicianship and his profound influence on those who have listened to and worked with him.
Ian’s dedication, talent and generosity as a musician and mentor have left a lasting legacy – he is as much an institution at the Cathedral as the organ over which he has presided for the past 46 years. That said, he has generously agreed to be on the organist deputies list.
While Ian’s retirement is a moment of real sadness, it is also an opportunity to thank him and wish him every happiness in the next chapter of his life. No longer sat at the organ, Ian can now sit among the congregation and enjoy the music others have been privileged to enjoy for so many years.
May God bless Ian in his retirement, and grant him peace and fulfilment in what lies ahead.”
Dr Keith Harrington, MD of ChurchOrganWorld commented:
“I am delighted to confirm that Ian will continue in his other roles as our Tonal Director, Organist to the Philharmonic Society, John Moores University and the City of Liverpool and with his freelance work.” He added “Ian will be sorely missed in his post at the cathedral. However, many will be reassured that he will continue to play for services as and when he is needed”. After some thought Keith commented “Replacing Ian in whatever way the Dean and Chapter choose will be a very challenging task for them. Forty-six years of experience as organist, plus his time as Assistant Organist and Organ Scholar is simply remarkable.”
