FRANCESCA Massey will make history this weekend when she takes her place at the organ for Durham Cathedral services.
The 28-year-old will become the first woman organist in the cathedral’s 1,100 year history.
And her appointment comes just under two years since girl choristers made their debuts at the cathedral.
Francesca, who had been assistant director of music at Peterborough Cathedral, said the admission of girl choristers had an influence on her decision to apply for the Durham position.
“I had not realised I would become the first female organist when I applied after seeing the position advertised in the Church Times,” she said.
“But I was swayed by the fact Durham Cathedral now has girl choristers. It would be nice to inspire one of them to follow in my footsteps.”
Francesca began playing the organ aged 12 at her local parish church in Halesowen, West Midlands, where she grew up.
She said: “I began by learning to play the piano but I was attracted to the organ because it can be an orchestra on its own, it plays so many notes.
“It is quite usual for organists in local churches to be female, but we are only now beginning to establish a foothold inside cathedrals.
