‘Pop Goes the Organ’: Viral Organist Reductio Brings Chart-Topping Hits to Newcastle Cathedral this Bank Holiday
This August Bank Holiday, Newcastle Cathedral invites visitors to experience a free lunchtime concert like no other.
On Monday 25 August at 1:05pm, viral TikTok sensation Matt Walters — known professionally as Reductio — will take to the Church of England cathedral’s historic pipe organ with an electrifying programme of pop anthems, reimagined for one of the grandest instruments in the North of England.
Pop Music on the Organ will feature fresh and uplifting arrangements of songs by ABBA, Coldplay, Lady Gaga, Kate Bush and more. At just 25, Reductio is part of a new generation redefining what organ music can be. His mashups and classical-dance remixes have earned him over 1.2 million likes on TikTok, introducing the ‘King of Instruments’ to younger and more diverse audiences.
“The organ has incredible power and emotion,” says Reductio. “Taking the music people know and love and transforming it through such a historic instrument helps bridge the gap between the old and the new.”
Matt’s musical journey began at school, initially on the piano. In Year 9, a teacher jokingly suggested that his football skills meant he might have the coordination for organ playing – a prediction that turned out to be correct.
Originally from Somerset, Matt moved into electronic music production and DJing while living in Cambridge. In 2021, he turned to TikTok to experiment with blending genres, a move that quickly gained him an international following. This success led to performances in churches and cathedrals across the country, and his unique fusion of pop and organ music has since been featured on BBC Radio 2.
“Playing more modern tracks like film music or dance music in a classical manner is something which can open people’s eyes to the capabilities of classical instruments,” he says.
In a celebration of music spanning six decades, Reductio’s Newcastle programme ranges from Elvis Presley’s timeless ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ to a bold mashup of Gigi D’Agostino’s ‘L’amour Toujours’ and Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’ — the latter enjoying a cultural revival thanks to Netflix’s Stranger Things series.
The concert will also support the Cathedral’s ‘Not Just a Pipe Dream’ fundraising appeal, raising funds for its music programme and the long-term care of its remarkable organ. This much-loved instrument can be heard in free weekly recitals every Monday at 1:05pm.
“The organ is at the heart of our worship and music,” says Ian Roberts, Director of Music at Newcastle Cathedral. “It accompanies daily services, recitals and major celebrations. Hundreds of children take part in our Schools Singing Programme and choirs. This campaign will help us inspire the next generation through music.”
With 5,600 pipes and 94 speaking stops, the Cathedral organ is among the largest in Northern England. But with the last major overhaul more than 40 years ago – and some components untouched for 70 years – it is now showing its age.
Supporters can sponsor a pipe from just £30 and receive a personalised adoption certificate.
Admission to Reductio’s recital is free of charge, with donations encouraged on a ‘Give as You Feel’ basis (suggested £7 per person). All proceeds will support the Cathedral’s music programme and donations can be Gift Aided, increasing their value by 25% at no additional cost to the ticketholder. Pre-booking via TicketSource is recommended, though walk-ins are always welcome.
Café 16, run by Northumberland charity The Oswin Project, will be open in the Cathedral refectory before and after the recital for drinks, snacks and lunches. Following the performance, Matt will be available to sign copies of his albums Pop Music on the Organ and Film Music on the Organ.
For tickets and information, visit www.newcastlecathedral.org.uk/whats-on. Tickets can also be booked by phone via TicketSource on 0333 6663 366.
