What do St Paul’s Cathedral, the Royal Albert and St George’s Church, Gateshead have in common? They all have Willis organs and people flock to hear them. Recently, more than 100 organists from this country and from as far afield as Australia and Canada, thrilled to the majesty and beauty of the internationally famous “Father” Willis organ in St George’s, Church. The occasion was a recital given by Francesca Massey, sub-organist of Durham Cathedral as part of the Incorporated Association of Organists (IAO) Annual Congress. Built in 1901 by Victorian master organ builder “Father” Henry Willis, the organ was the gift of a single donor, local businessman, Joseph Thompson, Esq., of North Dene and is a testament to the success and proud heritage of the town. This heritage continues today in the civic services which take place regularly at St George’s and in the popular summer organ recital series. Many internationally famous organists have played here and many more are queuing up for the opportunity to do so. In the words of Philip Moore, former Organist and Master of the Music at York Minster “There is something quite exceptional about the Willis in St George’s church and it stands, unchanged by fashion, as a tribute to a great artist”. It is tuned and maintained by the local firm of Harrison & Harrison. See the pictures at: https://plus.google/photos/117456029407587809141/albums/6049003196846681985
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 21:04:37 +0000
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