Rush Hour Recitals

Celebrating the 1902 Willis Organ

For 120 years the Cathedral’s mighty Willis organ has filled this ancient house of prayer with glorious sound. Come and hear it for yourself this Heritage Week in a series of free recitals given by current and former organists of the Cathedral.

Monday 15 – Thursday 17 August
DAVID LEIGH
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Friday 19 August
DAVID ADAMS
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5.30-6.10pm · Admission Free

Admission is free, but pre-booking your seats is strongly advised!
CLICK HERE TO BOOK SEATS

For those unable to join us in person, you can enjoy the recitals via our livestream page
CLICK HERE TO VIEW

The Wondrous Machine…..

The current instrument was built in 1902 incorporating some of the existing pipework, by Henry Willis and Sons, in a specially constructed chamber in the triforium above the north choir aisle. This was a major undertaking; flying buttresses similar to those on the south side of the choir were partly removed and the chamber was built on to the north side in keeping with the original architecture. Access was provided by a spiral staircase of marble, designed by Sir Thomas Drew. ‘Father’ Willis planned the new organ in consultation with Sir George Martin, organist of Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London, where there is an earlier ‘Father’ Willis instrument. We are privileged to have one of the finest late romantic Cathedral organs in the world, and are grateful to the Dean and Chapter for their ongoing commitment to keep the organ at the peak of health.