Andrew Forbes was appointed Director of Music at Glasgow Cathedral aged 21. His playing creates ‘a symbiosis between artist and instrument’ [The Montrealer], and his programmes celebrate well-loved masterpieces whilst exploring imaginative new possibilities—particularly through his collaborations with composers including Roxanna Panufnik and Nico Muhly. He is First Prize winner of the Northern Ireland International Organ Competition, and a finalist at St Albans.
Beyond the console, Andrew is founding Artistic Director of Glasgow Cathedral Festival – ‘genius programming’ [VoxCarnyx] – and, together with Chris Bragg, Matthew Hynes and Steven McIntyre, he runs Sowne of Organe, a volunteer-led initiative that surveys and advocates for Scotland’s historic organs. He chairs the Music Committee of Scotland’s Churches Trust, is a trustee of the Scottish Federation of Organists, teaches at St Andrews Organ Week and works widely as a collaborative pianist and recording producer.
Originally from Perth, Andrew has learned with Dame Gillian Weir, Jan Waterfield, Chris Bragg and Hans Fagius, and is an Associate of the Royal College of Organists. His interests outside music include built heritage, good food and drink, and time with friends—preferably near water or up a hill.