I had the good fortune to begin my musical life in an era when external music teachers visited schools to test the musical ability of pupils. I was born in Kingston upon Hull, UK, where the Council, to its credit, ran a strong music service. Whilst I cannot recall the tests employed by the visiting music teacher, I was selected to learn the cello. Lessons were free of charge. Eventually, my cello playing reached a level where I was good enough to play in the City of Hull Youth Orchestra.

Joseph Nolan. Photo © Andrew Mellor

Although I was a reluctant and mediocre cellist, the opportunity of playing in this orchestra meant that some concerts were performed at Hull City Hall. A beautiful, grade 2 listed building in Queen Victoria Square, it is built in the Baroque Revival style. However, it was the enormous organ built by Forster and Andrews that caught my eye and stole my heart.

One particular concert included the Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony and Albinoni’s Adagio. I cannot recall who the featured organist was, but as soon as I heard the organ play, my interest...