York Minster’s Grand Organ returns following a major, £2m refurbishment, the first on this scale since 1903.

The instrument, which dates back to the early 1830s, was removed in October 2018 – including nearly all of its 5,000+ pipes – and taken to Durham for repair and refurbishment by organ specialists Harrison and Harrison.

The organ was returned to the cathedral last year with work carried out to rebuild the instrument before a substantial period of voicing began in November 2020. The restored organ returned to use as part of worship on Sunday 7 March 2021.

The organ plays a key part in the cathedral’s services, providing the heartbeat at the centre of daily worship within the church, and this once-in-a-century refurbishment will ensure it continues to allow world-class music to be performed at the cathedral for the next 100 years.

Hear the Grand Organ here.