Liverpool Cathedral Organ October marks centenary of installation
Liverpool Cathedral is marking the centenary of the dedication of its mighty Willis Organ with a month of special events and activities.
Organ October will feature recitals, talks and demonstrations, an exhibition, themed family craft sessions and the publication of a new book about the instrument by ex-chorister Peter Lynan.
The month opens with Organ 100, a free exhibition in the War Memorial Chapel celebrating a century of the Grand Organ and exploring the rich history, craftsmanship and musical legacy of the instrument. The exhibition runs from October 5-31 although from October 20 a reduced display will be relocated to the choir aisles.
Special talks and demonstrations will be given on October 8 and 15, led by Ian Wells, Deputy Organist at Liverpool Cathedral, and Geoff Williams, former organ scholar and current Director of Music at St Anne’s Stanley.
Interactive music-themed craft sessions for young people and their families take place during October half term.
Meanwhile Peter Lynan’s newly published detailed history of the Cathedral’s Grand Organ features colour and historic greyscale images and is available in paperback, alongside a limited number of signed hardback editions.
And the celebrations will reach a climax with the 100th anniversary Organ Recital which will take place on Saturday, October 17 and will be given by retiring cathedral organist Professor Ian Tracey. It will follow Choral Evensong.
The Grand Organ is the largest in the UK with 11,000 pipes and was constructed by the famous Henry Willis & Sons, with Henry Willis III overseeing its installation in the cathedral which was still being built in the 1920s – and which itself would not be finally consecrated until 1978 when the organ had already marked its half-century.
The organ cost £35,000 (the equivalent of £2.78 million today). The complex installation process started in September 1923 but was delayed for three months in 1925 due to a wages dispute between the Federation of Master Organ Builders and National Union of Musical Instrument Makers.
Above: The Grand Organ in Liverpool Cathedral took three years to install. Top: The Willis organ is the largest in the UK. Photos courtesy of Liverpool Cathedral.
Although it was formally dedicated on Monday October 18, 1926, kickstarting a week of celebrations involving leading British organists, sections of the organ were able to be played and enjoyed months ahead of that. Harry Goss-Custard served as the cathedral organist from 1917 to 1955.
Meanwhile its centenary celebrations will involve Professor Ian Tracey who retires in October after 46 years in the post – one of only four principal organists since 1910 when the Lady Chapel became the first completed and dedicated part of the building. The others are Frederick Hampton Burstall (1910-17), Goss-Custard and Noel Rawsthorne (1955-80).
Appointed in 1980 as Britain’s youngest cathedral organist, Tracey has enjoyed an illustrious career establishing himself as one of the UK’s most respected musicians.
Alongside his role at Liverpool Cathedral, he has served as Liverpool City Organist, Chorus Master of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, guest director of music for the BBC’s Daily Service and Professor, Fellow and Organist at Liverpool John Moores University. In 2006, the University of Liverpool conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Music.
The Very Rev Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, says: “For 100 years, the Grand Organ has been at the heart of worship, music and life at Liverpool Cathedral. Its sound has marked moments of joy, reflection and remembrance for countless people, becoming an enduring part of both our cathedral and the city.
“This October gives us an opportunity to celebrate not only this landmark instrument, but also the people whose passion has ensured its music continues to inspire generations.”
For more details on Organ October events visit the cathedral website HERE