Silent film improvisation: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

About

Jonathan Hope improvises a live organ soundtrack to the 1923 silent movie, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This silent classic, starring Lon Chaney as Quasimodo, is the first film adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic novel Notre-Dame de Paris.

Jonathan Hope is widely recognised as one of the most dynamic organists of his generation. He studied in Guildford and at the Royal College of Music in London, where his teachers included Margaret Phillips and Sophie-Véronique Cauchefer-Choplin (improvisation).

Since 2014, he has been Assistant Director of Music at Gloucester Cathedral, where he serves as principal organist, directs the Cathedral Youth Choir, and is Artistic Director of the Saint Cecilia Singers. He is also Festival Organist for the Gloucester Three Choirs Festival.

Previously Organ Scholar at Winchester and Southwark Cathedrals, Jonathan has performed at major national events including the 2012 London Olympics, HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and the funeral of Sir John Tavener.

His solo recital career spans the UK, Europe, USA, and Australia. Known for his improvisations to silent films and orchestral transcriptions, he also regularly collaborates with leading orchestras and choirs. He made his BBC Proms debut in 2023, performing Holst's The Planets with BBCNOW.

Jonathan has released three acclaimed solo recordings, with critics praising his lyrical and virtuosic playing.