New Assistant Master of Music announced

We are delighted to announce that Graham Thorpe will be joining the Norwich Cathedral team as the new Assistant Master of Music and Sub-Organist.

Graham is currently Organist and Director of Music at Bradford Cathedral and he will be starting his new role at Norwich Cathedral in September 2025.

He said: “I am so excited to be joining the fantastic music department at Norwich Cathedral. I am looking forward to working with the choirs, getting to know my new colleagues, and particularly, refocusing on my organ playing on the superb, newly-restored instrument at the cathedral. I can’t wait for September!”

Graham will be joining the Norwich team as the Cathedral enters a new chapter in its musical life, with Organist David Dunnett retiring in summer 2025 after an incredible 29 years at the Cathedral.

Master of Music Ashley Grote said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be welcoming Graham Thorpe to join us at Norwich Cathedral as our new Assistant Master of Music and Sub-Organist.

“Graham is not only an exceptional organist but also brings with him a wealth of experience from his work as Director of Music at Bradford Cathedral. He will play a key role in developing the Cathedral’s musical life in the coming years, as we embark on a new chapter.”

Graham has been Organist and Director of Music at Bradford Cathedral since 2023, where he has had oversight of all musical activity, trained and directed the choirs for services, tours, recordings and concerts, and been responsible for the strategic planning of the music department.

He has seen the introduction of professional Lay Clerks to support the choir, founded the Cathedral's new Youth Choir, and directed the choir's recent CD with the Black Dyke Band as well as their annual joint Christmas concert.

He is also the Musical Director for Morley Music Society and Voices of Craven, and has a varied freelance career as a recitalist, accompanist, choral director and teacher.

Graham undertook undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy and Royal College of Music respectively, while holding various organist posts in London churches.

He joined Bradford Cathedral as Assistant Director of Music in 2019 before taking up his current post.

When not in work, Graham can be found walking the hills, pulling his house apart (and putting it back together), or sampling fine food and ale.