Press Information

Press Information

PRESS INFORMATION Newsdesk From: To: Elizabeth Ludgate Date: Friday 7th June Tel: 0247 652 1229 Enjoy the astounding range of the powerful organ at Coventry Cathedral A whole series of organ concerts is taking place at the Cathedral every Monday at 1pm in the Stunning Nave of the Cathedral. Playing this upcoming concert will be Tom Winpenny, who will perform pieces by Buxtehude, Mozart, Williamson and Dupre. Tom is Assistant of the Music at St Albans Cathedral. Previously, he was Sub-Organist at St Paul's Cathedral, and during this time he performed with the Cathedral Choir at the American Guild of Organists National Convention, performed in Mahler's Symphony no. 8 with Valery Gergiev and the LSO, and played for many great state occasions. He has also broadcast regularly on BBC Radio and been featured on American Public Media's Pipedreams. Each concert in the series costs the Cathedral at least £500. Admission is free, so the Cathedral relies heavily on gifts from sponsors and supporters. A suggested gift of £3 is requested for each concert attendee and this can be placed in the retiring collection. For more information regarding dates, concert artist and recital details, please visit www.coventrycathedral.org.uk or drop into the Cathedral for a copy of the recital brochure. -Ends- Notes to Editor The Organ When the Cathedral was reduced to ruins in an air raid in November 1940, the fine 'Father' Willis organ of 1886 (identical to that in Truro Cathedral) was totally destroyed. The building of the new Cathedral presented the opportunity for a brand new organ to match it. Messrs Harrison & Harrison were appointed in 1952 and a provisional specification drawn up. The 1950's were a turbulent time for organ building in general. The revolutionary design of the new instrument in the Royal Festival Hall, London, and passion running high between those who favoured the romantic or neo-classical style, meant much argument and controversy before the specification of the organ as it stands – the work of Sidney Campbell in conjunction with Cuthbert Harrison – was agreed in 1959. The organ is therefore something of a compromise, but in a busy cathedral where many demands are placed upon it - recitals, daily services, major events with capacity congregation – it fulfils its role admirably and there are many who hold it in high regard. The organ was overhauled and upgraded to include solid-state technology in 1986/87, and today remains to be cared for and maintained by Harrison and Harrison Ltd. .

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