If you have a passion for organ music then Liverpool Cathedral presents a unique opportunity to fulfil your dream. Our Organ Experience offers a rare chance to learn about and actually play one of the finest organs in the world.
The experience includes:
- A tour of the Cathedral organ, including the pipes and blowing chamber with one of our resident organists,
- A full half hour playing time on the mighty Willis organ
- A souvenir presentation certificate, inscribed and signed
- A signed copy of the booklet ‘The Organs of Liverpool Cathedral’
- A signed DVD of Professor Ian Tracey demonstrating and playing the Cathedral organ.
The cost of this amazing experience is £500
(£300 of which will go towards the organ appeal)
To book this once in a lifetime experience call the Music Department on 0151 708 8471
(Music dept NOT open Wednesdays each week)
Why Patrons of the Organ?
Following the completion of the Cathedral in 1978, The Dean and Chapter were anxious to gather together Patrons who valued the magnificent Willis Organ and would support the various recitals and musical events. The effect of rising costs has been a constant problem to the Cathedral, and in order to sustain the great musical tradition at Liverpool, the Patrons help.
The organ has been in use since the consecration in 1924. Between 1958 and 1960, the organ was completely overhauled and modernised, including a new all-electric action and a new humidifing system. A further major programme of restoration took place during 1977-8. This dealt with widespread deterioration of the mechanism and pipework metal fatigue. Attention was also given to rewiring, using hundreds of miles of special cable, and a new wind system. The cost of this latter restoration was almost £100,000.
You can download the Organ Restoration Appeal leaflet and Gift Aid form from this page - see our 'Related Documents' column.
The organ is now in the very capable hands of David Wells & Co. Liverpool. The organ requires regular attention to keep it in good order and a large instrument such as ours, with nearly 10,000 pipes, needs a further £5000 a year to cover basic maintenance.
The benefits of becoming a Patron
You will reveive a membership card entitling you to free admission at each of the four Bank Holiday Recitals and Anniversary Recital. You will be placed on our mailing list to receive details of musical events. You will be invited to a special request recital and social evening in the summer - given exclusively for Patrons of the Organ.
What is the membership fee?
Membership of the patrons is £25.00 per year.
How do I join?
If you would like to join, please open the membership form from the link to the right of the top of this page, and mail to:
Patrons of the Organ
Liverpool Cathedral
St. James' Mount
Liverpool
L1 7AZ
Thank you!