Pipe Up, an organ preservation society, recently revealed up to 10 organs in the UK are being lost every week to landfills, which we know you’ll agree is a travesty for such a special instrument with a rich history.
We are therefore delighted to be able to rescue and revitalise a Norman, Hill & Beard instrument from the 1970s, to the scales and voicing of eminent organ consultant, John Norman.
Chetham’s organ student, Eleanor, said,
“At the moment, lessons are given on a small chamber organ which has limited dynamic capability, and is only suitable for note-learning. To be able to practise and have lessons on a bigger instrument is more reflective of performance in the real world, and will mean that important and specific skills such as swell box control and registration changes can be explored. It is very important that young organists are given the support and opportunities that they need to allow them to progress further and be able to enter the industry.
“It can be difficult to begin to study the organ due to a lack of access to an instrument or simply because they do not realise it is a thing that they are capable of. Historically, being an organist was seen as something only a man could do, and it’s only in the last couple of decades that women have been taking more leading roles in the industry. Today, women still make up only 10% of organist positions in UK cathedrals.
“Every young person with musical interest should feel able to explore this significant part of our musical heritage. The new organ at Chetham’s would encourage more students to take up the organ and ensure that the opportunities are there for the next generation of organists.”
