Hull City Hall is delighted to announce the appointment of internationally renowned musician Dr Carol Williams as the new Hull City Hall Organist, ushering in an exciting new chapter for one of the UK’s most celebrated organs. She succeeds John Scott Whiteley and brings to Hull an outstanding career spanning more than three decades, with performances across the globe.
Born into a musical Welsh family, Dr Williams was performing public organ recitals by the age of eight. She went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London, winning every major organ performance prize before continuing her studies at Yale University and the Manhattan School of Music. Her distinguished international career earned her election as an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.
In 2001, she made history when she became the first woman appointed San Diego Civic Organist, a prestigious role she held alongside her position as Artistic Director of the Spreckels International Organ Concert Series, North America’s largest organ concert series. She now holds the title of San Diego Civic Organist Emerita.
Throughout her career, she has performed in more than 18 countries and appeared alongside leading ensembles including the BBC Concert Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony and the Beijing Symphony Orchestra. Her many career highlights include performances for Diana, Princess of Wales, the Virgil Fox Memorial Concert and the tenth anniversary celebration of the Walt Disney Concert Hall Organ.
Now based in East Yorkshire, she continues to have an active international performing schedule across the United States and beyond. In her new role as Hull City Hall Organist, she will collaborate on the development of the much-loved Organ Concert Series, helping to introduce new audiences to the instrument’s remarkable power and versatility.
A prolific recording artist, composer and educator, she has released 23 recordings, published 42 original compositions and appeared in films, documentaries, television productions and international broadcasts. Through her concerts, recordings and digital platforms, she continues to inspire audiences and promote the organ to new generations around the world.
Away from the concert hall, she is a passionate supporter of charitable causes, regularly donating performances to benefit animal rescue organisations, military veterans, first responders and humanitarian charities.
Speaking about her new role, Dr Williams said: “The organ is magnificent and the acoustics sublime! I am delighted to be a part of this great musical heritage, and I look forward to making many significant meaningful memories. To me, this instrument is the Voice of Hull and beyond.”
Claire Elsdon, Theatres and Halls Manager said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Dr Carol Williams, the newly appointed Hull City Hall Organist, who takes over from the recently retired John Scott Whiteley. The City Hall Organ is of huge importance to the city both as a historical asset, and an integral part of the City Hall. It attracts admirers from all over the world and is highly regarded as a world class instrument, capable of great range and versatility.
“Music and live performance of all genres is central to what the City Hall is all about, so we are pleased to be collaborating with Carol on plans to expand and diversify the organ repertoire and to engage with and build new audiences. I would also like to take this opportunity to put on record our thanks to our two Volunteer Organ Curators, Adrian Crawford and Graham Smales who both work tirelessly to keep the organ in good working order and sounding fabulous.”
The Hull City Hall Lunchtime Organ Showcase continues monthly from Wednesday 9th September. Tickets are on sale now. Book at the Hull City Hall Box Office, call 01482 300 306 or visit www.hulltheatres.co.uk.