York Minster’s commemoration for international Holocaust Memorial Day 2019
Six hundred candles in the shape of the Star of David will be lit at York Minster on Thursday 24 January in memory of more than 6 million Jewish people murdered by the Nazis in the Second World War.
The act of commemoration is part of a week-long programme of events in York to mark international Holocaust Memorial Day, which takes place on the 27 January each year.
The date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp – the largest Nazi death camp – in 1945.
The event at York Minster will begin with a Choral Evensong service at 5.15pm which is attended by representatives from York’s Jewish community and other faith communities.
This will be followed by a procession to the cathedral’s Chapter House for the act of commemoration, which also includes readings, music, poetry, prayers and periods of silence for quiet reflection.
The Revd Canon Dr Christopher Collingwood, Canon Chancellor at York Minster, said: “This commemoration allows people from across York and beyond to come together to remember and reflect on the horrific events of the Holocaust, genocides and persecutions on a worldwide scale.
“Hearing the words of people who experienced this unimaginable cruelty and depravity helps us to honour and pay tribute to their courage and resilience, while encouraging positive actions to create a safer future.”
The international theme for HMD 2019 is ‘Torn from Home’, which encourages people to reflect on how the enforced loss of a safe place to call home is part of the trauma faced by anyone experiencing persecution and genocide.
HMD 2019 will also mark the 25th anniversary of the Genocide in Rwanda, which began in April 1994 and the 40th anniversary of the end of the Genocide in Cambodia, which ended in 1979.
For further details about the York Minster event click here
Tree planted to celebrate 90 years of the Friends of York Minster
A tree planting ceremony in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Friends of York Minster has been held today – Wednesday 12 December. A new cherry tree was planted beside the Queen’s Path at York Minster by Graeme Robertson, the charity’s chairman.
The Friends of York Minster was set up by Lionel George Bridges Justice Ford, Dean of York from 1928 until 1932. Writing in 1928, Dean Ford said that he wanted to form, “a fellowship of Friends, linked one to another by a common enthusiasm for our holy and beautiful house of God’. He added: “….funds are indeed necessary to secure the Minster fabric …. but the existence of a body of Friends, who will care for our beautiful Minster as a sacred inheritance and a national possession, should prove an inestimable benefit to the life of the Minster itself.”
Meg Shorland-Ball, Honorary Secretary of the Friends of York Minster said:
“The Friends continue to uphold Dean Ford’s aims and aspirations. Today we have over 2,000 members who get involved in a busy programme of outings, lectures, social events and holidays. We send out regular newsletters and we produce an Annual report. The organising is done by one part-time member of staff and a team of volunteers who love the building and being involved with like-minded people. The organisation would not run without these dedicated volunteers.”
The charity has funded a wide range of projects at the Minster this year including a grant of £205,000 for the conservation of the Penitencer’s Window – one of three 14th century windows in the Minster’s North Nave aisle. The Friends also directed funds left in a bequest to pay for the installation of special blinds in the Upper Hall of the Old Palace library. The blinds will protect the hundreds of old and fragile books in the library’s collection by cutting out the highly damaging UV rays from sunlight. The Friends have also funded smaller projects including providing underlay for Minster carpets, two lights for outside the South Door and handrails down to the East Crypt.
New Dean of York Announced
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Downing Street has today announced that Her Majesty The Queen has accepted the nomination of The Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, the Suffragan Bishop of Southampton, as the next Dean of York.
The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu said: “I am most grateful to Her Majesty The Queen for her approval of the appointment of The Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost as the new Dean of York. Jonathan brings with him a wealth of experience as a Pastor and Leader in mission – in parish, school, chaplaincy and cathedral. He will lead the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York, in its mission to serve God in worship, witness and service across the Diocese and Province of York. We warmly welcome Bishop Jonathan and his family as they move from the Diocese of Winchester to be with us here in York.”
The Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been invited to take up the role of Dean of York. I look forward to serving the Minster community, the Diocese of York and the Northern Province as together we seek to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to reflect the radiant goodness of Jesus Christ. May I ask for your prayers for me, for Christine and for our family as we move to York.”
The Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, the Dean designate, is at York Minster throughout today to meet with the Chapter, staff, volunteers and visitors. Evening prayer will be said at 5.15pm and will be followed by refreshments. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Right Worshipful Peter Collier QC, Chair of the Nomination Panel for the Dean of York, said: “I am delighted with the appointment of Bishop Jonathan. He is a person whose life is deeply rooted in prayer; he has a passion for mission; and as a bishop he is someone who is recognised as being a focus of unity. This combination of giftings will enable him to build on and consolidate the developments that have taken place recently and under God to lead York Minster into its next phase of ministry.”
Jonathan Frost (aged 54), was consecrated Bishop in the Church of God to serve as the Suffragan Bishop of Southampton and Installed as Canon at Winchester Cathedral in 2010. He has also served as Anglican Chaplain to the University of Surrey, and as Canon Residentiary of Guildford Cathedral. In 2007, he became Co-ordinating Chaplain at the University and was appointed the Bishop of Guildford’s Advisor for Inter-Faith Relations. He is a Benedictine Oblate and follows a Rule of Life.
The installation of the Dean designate will be held on Saturday 2 February 2019 at York Minster.
Read Downing Street’s full statement here
York Minster Cathedral Constables receive commendations for bravery
Commendations for brave conduct will be awarded to two of York Minster’s Cathedral Constables in a special ceremony in the Minster’s 13th century Chapter House on Wednesday 14 November.
The commendations will be presented at the Attestation Ceremony for three new members of the Minster’s Police team. Lewis Appleby, Elizabeth Hill and Verity Winterburn will swear an oath on the 1,000 year old York Gospels before receiving their formal accreditation and certificate. The ceremony will be performed by Duncan Webster OBE JP, Chairman of the North Yorkshire Bench. The Minster’s Cathedral Constables hold the same powers as regular police constables within the Minster’s precinct.
The commendations will be awarded to Cathedral Constable Beverley Martin and Cathedral Constable Adam Rickers by the Cathedral Constables’ Association. They will be presented by Canon Peter Moger, Acting Dean of York.
Beverley Martin was attested as a Cathedral Constable in 2017 having worked as a member of the Minster’s Police team for more than 12 years. Bev was recognised for brave conduct in pursuing, restraining and detaining a male suspect for violent behaviour outside York Minster on 15 June 2018. The suspect had violently assaulted two people – one of them a man in his eighties. Bev gave chase, catching up with the suspect as he confronted a group of people waiting for a taxi. She placed the suspect in handcuffs and despite his verbal abuse and violent struggling, Bev detained him for more than 20 minutes until North Yorkshire Police arrived to take him into custody.
Commenting on the incident and her commendation for brave conduct, Bev said:
“It was a dangerous situation and there was real potential for things to escalate and for more people to be hurt. But in the heat of the moment there is no time to think – the training just takes over and you focus all your efforts on bringing the situation under control and preventing further harm and risk to members of the public.”
Adam Rickers was attested as a Cathedral Constable in 2017, having been a member of the Minster’s Police team for 8 years. On 12 September 2018, he responded to reports of a man on the scaffolding overlooking Dean’s Park. Adam climbed the scaffolding, checking each level until he spotted the male sitting on the edge of the Minster’s roof more than 250 feet above ground. Adam walked 15 metres along the roof edge and then climbed a 10 metre pinnacle to get close enough to start a conversation. He kept the man calm and engaged in conversation for almost 30 minutes until a team from North Yorkshire Police, including a trained negotiator, climbed up to join Adam. After another hour of careful persuasion, the man agreed to come down from the roof. The officers assisted him down the scaffolding and he was immediately taken to hospital for assessment.
Recalling the incident, Adam said:
“Even though we take every precaution to stop people climbing onto the scaffolding, people in crisis are often the most determined in finding a way through and putting themselves in harm’s way. It was a horrible situation, at great height on a dark, windy and wet night. But there was someone in acute distress and it was my duty as a police officer and a responsible person to go to his aid.”
Mark Sutcliffe, Inspector of Cathedral Police at York Minster, commended the courage and selflessness of Constables Martin and Rickers. He said:
“These were challenging and dangerous circumstances requiring sensitivity and tremendous bravery. Both constables put themselves at enormous personal risk to protect the public and preserve life. They are a credit to York Minster and to the wider community.”
A new hymn for Armistice 100 – First public performance at York Minster and St Paul’s Cathedral
An award-winning new hymn specially written for Armistice will be performed for the first time at both York Minster and St Paul’s Cathedral’s services commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War on Sunday 11 November.
The hymn, ‘Hope for the World’s Despair’, by Ally Barrett and set to the tune ‘Love Unknown’ by John Ireland, won first prize in the Hymns of Peace competition run by Jubilate Hymns – a foundation that promotes music for worship.
Ally’s hymn was chosen from 147 entries from across the UK. Eight entries made it onto the shortlist that went before the Jubilate judging panel on 20 June.
Ally had not originally intended to enter the competition as she was acutely aware of the complexity of composing for an occasion that is so deeply felt. She said:
“I then realised that I wanted to try to find some words that could be sung by a really broad spectrum of people, and yet express something fresh and perhaps a bit challenging. I wanted to recognise those whose battle scars are invisible, but life changing, and who may find Remembrance particularly difficult. We’ve come a long way since 1918 in our understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder. For the hymn as a whole I started from the brokenness of the world, and our response to this, both in prayer and in action.”
For Canon Peter Moger, Acting Dean of York and a member of the Hymns of Peace judging panel, Ally’s hymn stood out from an outstanding field of entries. He said:
“Ally’s hymn was chosen for the skilful simplicity of the lyrics while addressing some major topics, married with the carefully applied resonances of sacrifice in the chosen tune. We were impressed by the range of themes covered, from issues of contemporary conflict, political power, remembrance and personal responsibility. In particular, the fourth verse about post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans impressed the panel as filling a vital gap in our Remembrance repertoire.”
Sunday 11 November will mark the first public performances of the hymn by the choirs and congregations at York Minster and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Ally’s hymn has also been recorded and released as a single, produced by Mark Edwards and performed by Jonathan Veira and the All Souls Orchestra, with an accompanying reflective video drawing out the themes of the lyrics.
Biographical details – Ally Barrett
Ally Barrett is an Anglican priest and Director of Pastoral Studies at Westcott House Anglican Theological College, Cambridge. She was in parish ministry for 11 years, and also spent a year as a children’s minister. In addition to writing hymns, she writes about vocation, all age worship and preaching, and the relationship between mission and worship. In her spare time she paints, and enjoys experimental vegan cooking.
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York Minster service marks the Armistice centenary Sunday 11 November 2018
York Minster will mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War with a service of thanksgiving and commemoration on Sunday 11 November at 9.30am.
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, will preach at the service, which precedes the annual parade through York for the Service of Remembrance in the City Memorial Gardens at 11am.
The two services mark the culmination of a six week period of reflection and commemoration in York for those who served during the conflict. The service will be attended by members of the City of York Civic Party, the British Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.
Hope for the world’s despair, a hymn by Cambridge writer Ally Barrett will be sung for the first time on 11 November at both York Minster’s and St Paul’s Cathedral’s services. The hymn won the Hymns of Peace competition organised to mark the Armistice centenary by Jubilate, an organisation providing hymns and liturgical resources for churches across the world.
Following the service, the Archbishop of York, the Acting Dean of York, The Revd Canon Peter Moger, members of the Civic Party and representatives from the military and police will process to the City Memorial Gardens to join the Royal British Legion for the annual Service of Remembrance.
The two minutes silence will be observed before the final names are read from the King’s Book of York Heroes by The Lord Mayor of York, Keith Orrell. More than 1,470 names included in the book, which is the city’s memorial to the York men and women who died in service during the conflict, have been read out at locations across the city between 3 October and 11 November as part of the city’s commemorations – York Remembers: Lifting the Shadow of the First World War.
At the Minster, in addition to the 9.30am service, the Sung Eucharist at 10.55am will include the traditional two minutes’ silence at 11am, and at 4pm, movements from Faure’s Requiem will be interspersed with First World War poetry and Biblical readings.
The cathedral’s bells will also ring out during the day as part of two national tributes. At 12.30pm they will be rung half muffled as part of an initiative by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to give thanks and replicate the national outpouring of relief that took place at the end of the war as news of the Armistice filtered through and bells which had long been silent rang out. The timing of the ringing coincides with ‘A Nation’s Thank You – The People’s Procession’, where 10,000 members of the public will march past the Cenotaph in London to mark the centenary.
At 7.05pm a quarter peal will be rung on open bells as part of ‘Ringing Out for Peace’, a campaign organised by the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers and the Battle’s Over initiative. Church and cathedral bells across the country will ring out in tribute to the 1,400 bellringers who lost their lives during the war.
Work starts to refurbish York Minster’s Grand Organ for the first time in 100 years
A major, once-a-century project to refurbish York Minster’s Grand Organ has started at the cathedral this week.
Throughout October, organ specialists Harrison and Harrison will remove the instrument – including almost all its 5,403 pipes – and take it to their workshop in Durham for repair and rebuilding.
The refurbishment work is the first on this scale since 1903. It will cost £2m and take around two years to complete, with the restored instrument due to be ready for use in autumn 2020.
Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster, said: “Organ music has been at the heart of worship at York Minster for nearly 1,000 years and we hope this project will allow us to continue that tradition throughout the 21st century and beyond.”
The current instrument dates from the early 1830s and is one of the largest cathedral organs in the country, weighing approximately 20,000kg. Its 5,403 pipes range in length from the size of a pencil to 10m long.
Due to their regular use and environment, cathedral organs ideally need small-scale cleaning and adjustment every 15 to 20 years, with more extensive repairs carried out every 30 to 35 years and a major refurbishment every 100 years.
The project involves replacing the organ’s mechanism, extensive work to dismantle, clean and overhaul the instrument and minor changes to the organ case to both improve how it looks and the sound it allows out. This includes returning to use the majority of the 100 decorative case pipes, which have been silent since the last major project in 1903.
The plans also include creating a new music library underneath the organ, inside the screen which separates the Quire from the Nave, subject to the relevant permissions being obtained.
This project aims to ensure the unique sound of the Minster’s organ is preserved, while restoring the grander, imposing qualities of the instrument which were altered during work in the 1960s.
During the two years of refurbishment work, the Minster’s full music programme will continue. A grand piano will be used alongside an existing chamber organ in the Quire and a digital organ will serve both the Nave and Quire.
The £2m project is being funded by donations and funding from the Chapter of York’s reserves, but public donations would also be welcomed.
If you would like to support the project, visit www.yorkminster.org, or contact the York Minster Fund by emailing ymf@yorkminster.org or calling 01904 557245.
York Minster welcomes Sir William Worsley as a new member of the cathedral’s Chapter and College of Canons
Sir William Worsley will be Admitted and Installed as a Lay Canon of York Minster and a member of the Chapter of York on Saturday 15 September. The Admission will take place in a private ceremony in the Chapter House and will be followed by Sir William’s Installation during Choral Evensong in the Quire at 5.15pm, which everyone is welcome to attend.
The College of Canons consists of clergy and lay people drawn from across the Diocese of York. Its principal function is to be ‘the voice of the Diocese’ in the Corporate Body’s policy discussions, and to assist Chapter in developing closer ties between the Minster and the parishes of the Diocese, especially through Chapter’s programme of outreach and engagement work.
Biography – Sir William Worsley
Sir William Worsley is Chairman of the Forestry Commission and of Hovingham Estate. He was the Government’s National Tree Champion from 2018-2020 and was Chairman of the National Forest Company 2016-2020. He is also Chairman of the Howardian Hills AONB Joint Advisory Committee. He is President (elect) of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and of the Royal Agricultural Societies.
He Is a former President of the CLA, the Country Land and Business Association, the representative organisation of the rural economy, a former Chairman of the Scarborough Building Society and a former director of the Skipton Building Society, The Brunner Investment Trust plc and the Private Banking Board of Merchant Bank Guinness Mahon.
New Assisting Organist appointed at York Minster
Christopher Strange has been appointed to the role of Assisting Organist at York Minster. He succeeds Jeremy Lloyd who is taking up the post of Assistant Director of Music at Rochester Cathedral.
Born and raised in Cheshire, Christopher has just completed two years as the Graham Rogers organ scholar at Chelmsford Cathedral. In July he graduated from the Royal College of Music with a first class honours degree under the tutelage of Margaret Phillips and Sophie-Véronique Cauchefer-Choplin.
In January 2018, he obtained the Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists winning all the available prizes. A student of Chetham’s School of Music, Christopher has also held positions at Manchester Cathedral and Grosvenor Chapel, London.
Christopher begins his new role at the Minster in September, working closely with Robert Sharpe, Director of Music and with Ben Morris, Assistant Director of Music at the Minster. Christopher will take a full part in the Minster’s music programme, playing the organ and assisting with the training of the choristers.
York Minster welcomes John Hattam as a new member of the cathedral’s Chapter and College of Canons
Mr John Hattam will be Admitted and Installed as a Lay Canon of York Minster and a member of the Chapter of York on Thursday 6 September. The Admission will take place in a private ceremony in the Chapter House and will be followed by John’s Installation during Choral Evensong in the Quire at 5.15pm, which everyone is welcome to attend.
The College of Canons consists of clergy and lay people drawn from across the Diocese of York. Its principal function is to be ‘the voice of the Diocese’ in the Corporate Body’s policy discussions, and to assist Chapter in developing closer ties between the Minster and the parishes of the Diocese, especially through Chapter’s programme of outreach and engagement work.
Biography – John Hattam
John is an experienced commercial professional with extensive senior sales and marketing experience in both blue chip multinationals and smaller companies.
Since 2007 he has run his own training business and delivered training on negotiation, leadership and many other subjects to more than a dozen blue chip companies in the UK, Europe, the United States, and the Far East as well as building a successful consulting business with private sector clients in areas including sales training and coaching; new business, product, and customer development; and business turnaround.
He has also worked in the public and third sectors delivering behaviour change programmes for a range of clients including local authorities and health commissioners.
From 2008 to 2014 he was a non-executive director on a local NHS Trust, where he chaired the Performance & Finance Committee and was the senior independent director.
John chairs the Governing Body of Archbishop Holgate’s School, an outstanding school in York. He is also Chair of the Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust Board. Pathfinder is a highly successful trust that is committed to improving outcomes for the nearly 4,000 young people who attend its nine schools.
John has been involved in school governance for over fifteen years and regularly works for local authorities on a commissioned basis to improve governance and outcomes in schools across Yorkshire. He also delivers training courses, licensed by the National College, for current and aspiring governing body Chairs on behalf of the National Governance Association.
More recently he has become fascinated by the potential of simple businesses to alleviate poverty in the developing world and has spent some pro bono time in Rwanda, Uganda and Nigeria exploring this.
He also owns and runs H C Wines, a wine importing and retailing business. In his spare time he enjoys reading, wine, long distance walking, playing the piano and backgammon.
He has three grown up children and is a communicant member of Heworth Christ Church where he and his wife have worshipped since 1989.
BBC journalist Huw Edwards to host special event: ‘An Audience with The Sentamus’ during York Minster Mission Weekend
Huw Edwards, BBC journalist and presenter of the BBC Ten O’Clock News, will host a special public event with The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu and his wife, Margaret at York Minster this month as part of a busy Mission Weekend at the cathedral.
In An Audience with The Sentamus, which will take place on Saturday 29 September, John and Margaret will talk to Huw about their lives and careers, how they came to discover God’s love and how the Christian faith continues to shape every aspect of their lives.
The conversation will be interspersed with the couple’s favourite music, poetry and readings and will include opportunities for the audience to put questions to John and Margaret.
The event is part of a Mission weekend at York Minster which runs from Friday 28 September until Sunday 30 September. During the last 17 months the Archbishop has toured all 21 deaneries across the Diocese of York joining Christian communities to share and celebrate the good news of God’s love with their friends and family.
The Mission weekend concludes the marathon tour and encourages people to come and learn more about the Christian faith. Events include:
Friday 28 September
Q&A with Dunnington Primary School
52 year six students from Dunnington Primary School will hold their own Q&A with the Archbishop as part of their school visit to the Minster. The students will be given a guided tour of the Minster and will attend a short act of worship – ‘Crypt and Candles’ – before joining the Archbishop in the Learning Centre.
Prayers for the Mission Weekend
The 12.30 service of Holy Communion will include prayers to mark the start of the Mission weekend. The Archbishop will then join York residents, workers on lunch break, visitors, staff and volunteers for a soup lunch.
Harvest Festival at the Minster School
The Archbishop will attend and preach at the Minster School’s Harvest service. There will be an opportunity for pupils, parents and staff to meet the Archbishop over refreshments after the service.
Minster Community Harvest Service, Ceilidh and Supper
Each member of the Minster’s worship community has been tasked to bring someone new to this annual, invitation-only event. The Archbishop will hold a special Q&A session during the evening.
Saturday 29 September
Discovering God’s Love with The Archbishop of York
The Archbishop will act as the Minster’s Duty Chaplain for the day. He will spend the first part of the day greeting staff and volunteers as they arrive for their shift in the cathedral. As Duty Chaplain, Dr Sentamu will tour the cathedral throughout the day, making himself available to pilgrims, visitors and worshippers for prayer, discussion and questions about faith and offering pastoral care to those in need.
An Audience with The Sentamus
In a special public event, hosted by Huw Edwards, The Archbishop and his wife, Margaret, will talk about their lives, how they came to discover God’s love and how they continue to live their faith. The couple will also reveal their favourite pieces of music and readings and will take part in a question and answer session. Tickets are available in advance online here or on the door on the night subject to availability.
Sunday 30 September
Sunday Eucharist with Celebration of Baptism
The final day of the Mission weekend will be an opportunity for anyone who has been baptised to come to our regular 10am service to renew their Christian commitment. The preacher at the service will be Margaret Sentamu. All are welcome and we would particularly like to encourage families who have had children baptised in the Minster in recent years to come along and join the celebrations. Coffee and cake will be served afterwards.
A specially invited group of young people (aged 16 – 30) and recently confirmed into the Church, will be invited to join the Archbishop for lunch at a local café. Dr Sentamu will speak and there will be an opportunity for the young people to have informal conversations with him.
Choral Evensong
The Mission weekend will close with a service of Choral Evensong at 4.00pm at which we will celebrate and pray for York Minster’s three charities: York Neighbours, national charity Home Start and international charity Embrace the Middle East.
Follow up
In the weeks following the Mission, York Minster will run a series of evening meetings for all who have been touched and inspired by the event to explore the Christian faith in a little more depth.
An Audience with The Sentamus, hosted by Huw Edwards will take place on Saturday 29 September in the Nave of York Minster starting at 7.30pm. The event is free of charge but tickets are required for entry. Tickets are available in advance online here or on the door on the night subject to availability.
Final concert for York Minster’s Grand Organ before once-a-century refurbishment
The final gala concert featuring York Minster’s Grand Organ will take place this Saturday (25 August) before the instrument undergoes a major, £2m refurbishment for the first time in 100 years.
The event will include contributions from York Minster’s current and former organists and provides the finale to a series of concerts and recitals which have run throughout 2018 to celebrate the famous instrument.
In October, work will begin on a two year refurbishment project, which includes removing the instrument – including almost all of its 5,403 pipes – for repair/rebuilding in Durham by organ specialists Harrison and Harrison.
Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster, said: “The summer recitals are always special as they provide a unique opportunity to hear the organ played to its full potential in atmospheric surroundings. Saturday’s concert will be particularly so, as the last opportunity to hear this magnificent instrument in a concert until it is reinstated in autumn 2020.”
The programme includes performances by Robert Sharpe, Ben Morris, Assistant Director of Music at York Minster and John Scott Whiteley, Organ Emeritus of York Minster.
Due to their regular use and environment, cathedral organs ideally require small-scale cleaning and adjustment every 15 to 20 years, with more extensive repairs carried out every 30 to 35 years and a major refurbishment every 100 years. The last major refurbishment of the Minster’s organ was carried out in 1903.
The project will include replacing the organ’s mechanism, extensive work to dismantle, clean and overhaul the instrument and minor changes to the organ case to both improve how it looks and the sound it allows out. The plans also include creating a new music library underneath the organ, inside the screen which separates the Quire from the Nave, subject to the relevant permissions being obtained.
The aim is to ensure the unique sound of the Minster’s organ is preserved, while restoring the grander, imposing qualities which were altered during work in the 1960s.
During the two years of refurbishment work, the Minster’s full music programme will continue. A grand piano will be used alongside an existing chamber organ in the Quire and a digital organ will serve both the Nave and Quire.
The summer gala concert will take place on Saturday 25 August at 7pm, with doors opening at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £8 and can be purchase online here on the door or by calling 01904 557200.