“The Organist Entertains” Axed a Year Shy of it’s 50th Anniversary

The Organist Entertains is a weekly BBC Radio 2 radio show which features new and vintage organ recordings as well as exclusive performances and concerts.

Once an hour long programme, its founder Robin Richmond hosted it from 1969 until Nigel Ogden took over in 1980 where he continued to be its driving force for the next thirty-eight years. The show was in a popular slot, until it was cut to thirty minutes and then re-scheduled to its final late-night time of 11:00pm on Tuesday nights. In recent years the show has moved away from the electronic organ scene in favour of theatre, classical and the odd Hammond recording.

Despite a loyal fan base, the writing has been on the wall for a few years and the show will end in May, just a year short of half a century on our airwaves.

Its presenter Nigel Ogden, said in a statement:

“I’d like to thank my ever loyal audience for their support and messages during the 38 years I’ve hosted The Organist Entertains. I’ve loved hearing from them and send them my very best wishes for the future.”

“I’d also like to thank Radio 2 for giving me the opportunity to play the music I love each week, it has been a huge privilege.”

…Ian King

Organ 1st