Organist and conductor Indra Hughes returns to his home town of Blackburn after 10 years in New Zealand for a special concert at Blackburn Cathedral on January 21 where he will be introducing and performing JS Bach's monumental work The Art Of Fugue.

Indra is the organist and director of music at New Zealand's new Auckland Cathedral and works as a freelance organist and conductor with a reputation as one of the most distinguished musicians in the country. He told ANN CHADWICK about his journey across the world.

Who or what inspired you to become a musician?

Undoubtedly the incredible sound of Blackburn Cathedral organ. I heard it for the first time when I was 11 and it blew me away.

Explain to those who don't know Bach or aren't fans of classical music, why they should come and listen?

Because this is probably the greatest work by the greatest composer; because they will possibly never ever again get the chance to hear it performed live again in their lives (because it is so rarely performed); and because I have a pre-concert talk that explains it all and makes it a lot less daunting. Especially the very end, where the music breaks off suddenly because Bach died without finishing it -- very dramatic and moving.

You live in New Zealand but grew up in Blackburn. Is there anything you miss about Blackburn?

Steak puddings; the incredible organ and acoustics in the cathedral; my friends; the Ribble Valley.

And what's the best thing about living in New Zealand?

The climate and the quality of life overall: going to the beach on Christmas Day!

Which is best, Blackburn or New Zealand?

A diplomat would say "pass". Each has its good and bad points, like anywhere.

It sounds rather glamorous the travelling you do. Is it a romantic lifestyle being a musician?

Not at all. It is hard work and not easy to be paid properly for the work that you do. It's not all tailcoats and applause and bouquets of flowers -- that is just 0.1 per cent of what musicians have to do. Especially for organists, who have to practice for years, long into the night in cold churches. It can be a very lonely profession if you are not careful. We do it because we are passionate about the music.

What did you discover about Bach in his manuscripts in Berlin?

I haven't been there yet. I go to Berlin in early January but I am hoping to have a close look at some of Bach's handwriting and markings that I hope will prove one of my theories (for my doctoral thesis) about why the end of The Art of Fugue is unfinished.

What do you think music teaches us about life? What has it taught you?

Great music, especially Bach, helps us to remember that there is more to life than the stresses and strains of daily living, and it helps us keep our eyes on that which is beautiful and uplifting. It's impossible to imagine life without music . . . or without Bach. He is the greatest.

Bach's The Art of Fugue is on Saturday 21 January at 6pm at Blackburn Cathedral. Free, with a collection. For further details contact the cathedral office on 01254 503090.