Musical maestro is set to retire

Dr Simon Lindley, who has been the Master of Music at Leeds Minster since 1975, will retire next year.

Dr Lindley is both organist and director of the Minster’s world-renowned choir.

He is also music director of St Peter’s Singers, one of England’s leading Chamber Choirs, and organist at Leeds Town Hall.

Rector-Designate of Leeds Minster, the Rev Canon Sam Corley said: “For more than 40 years, Dr Lindley has poured his many talents and considerable energy into the life of the Minster and into the musical life of this fabulous city.

“We have much to thank Simon for and we shall of course be celebrating his many achievements in due course.”

Simon’s last service as Master of Music will be the service to mark the 175th anniversary of the dedication of the present church, to be held at 3pm on Saturday, September 3 2016.

Simon added: “I have enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy for some months yet, my work at the Minster immensely.

“It is challenging and sometimes exciting but never dull.

“The privilege of working with splendid musicians and clergy has been the backbone of a long period of service and the appreciation from Leeds folk continues to be greatly valued by us all here.”