‘I'll play until my last days on earth', beloved musician has been at iconic Scots landmark since the moon landing

Scottish Sun

14-05-2025

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AN organist, who has been playing at a famous Scottish landmark since man landed on the moon, has vowed to keep performing until his last days on earth.
Bill Hutcheson gave his first recital at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in October 1969 when he was 21, just three months after Neil Armstong took 'one giant leap for mankind.'
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Bill Hutcheson beside the famous organ.
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The Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren hands Bill a commemorative plate to mark Glasgow's 850th birthday.
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Bill Hutcheson gives a landmark performance to mark Glasgow's 850th birthday.
And at 77 he is still going strong when yesterday (wed) the musician performed on the giant instrument to mark the 850th birthday celebrations of the City of Glasgow.
Bill from Paisley said: 'The organist of York, a Mr Francis Jackson, was 104 when he died and he did his last concert when he was 96.
'So I have that to aim for, but I'm certainly not ready to stop yet.'
Bill started playing piano aged five, before starting lessons at eight years old. Then in his teens, he studied at Glasgow Cathedral.
But his relationship with the Kelvingrove organ goes back even further as he first played on it in 1964 as a schoolboy, thanks to a gallery assistant who arranged for him to try it out.
Fifty years ago, the dad of two performed as part of the celebrations marking Glasgow's 800th anniversary.
Since 2006, there have been over 7,000 daily recitals which are performed at 1pm on the organ that was made and installed for the museum's opening in 1901.
He said: 'It's been a privilege to play this magnificent instrument for over five decades and to be part of Glasgow's 850 celebrations.
'The organ is like an old friend, capable of anything from a whisper to a roar. What makes these recitals so special is the audience.
'They're open to everything, from Bach to swing to the unexpected. In a city renowned for music, it's a pleasure to bring joy to so many people, in one of our finest museums.'
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Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren said: 'Bill's dedication to the world-famous organ recitals in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has enriched our city's cultural heritage and brought joy to countless visitors.
'His performances have become a favourite tradition and for some a happy introduction to the world of organ music, usually more associated with places of worship.
'This milestone is even more momentous as Bill took part in the Glasgow 800 celebrations. Today, fifty years on, we honour his commitment, exceptional service and his place as an integral part of Glasgow's vibrant cultural life."
His landmark recital featured A Glasgow Flourish, arranged by Bill and woven with familiar melodies linked to the city, while his Finale was from Sonata No. 4 by Alexandre Guilmant.
Bill is one of around 25 organists who perform at Kelvingrove, under the musical direction of Dr James Hunter, Director of Music at the museum.
He said: 'The world has changed a lot since the moon landings, but fortunately the organ has remained the same as it was originally built.'