A concert to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the organ of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, will be held on Sunday 12 November 2023, at 3pm.
The concert will feature internationally renowned organ soloist David Drury, who will perform the magnificent ‘Organ Concerto’, by Francis Poulenc. The concerto will be accompanied by string players and timpani from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
The Cathedral organists and choir will also perform works during the 90-minute performance.
Members of the St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir during Solemn Vespers at the Diocesan Awards Ceremony at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
The organ was built in 1898 by firm Norman & Beard of Norwich in the United Kingdom. It started life in St Saviour’s Church, Walton Place, in London, until it became redundant in 1996 when the church was closed down.
Following the fire that destroyed St Patrick’s Cathedral in the same year, the organ was identified as an instrument that would serve well in the rebuilt Cathedral.
A close up view of some of the 96 memory channels that enable the organist to “pre-set” different combinations of sounds for the St Patrick’s Cathedral organ. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
It was bought and placed in storage until 1997, when Sydney organ builder Peter Jewkes Pty Ltd began the task of restoring the organ and rebuilding the case to suit the new cathedral interior.
“We are truly blessed that such a distinguished instrument was found and installed in the Cathedral to support and add to the beauty of our liturgical worship,” the Cathedral’s Music Director Bernard Kirkpatrick said.
“It’s always a delight to play this organ, and we are blessed to have a superb acoustical space in the Cathedral that adds to the blending of a fine sound.”
A view of the case-pipes of the St Patrick’s Cathedral organ. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Profits from the gala concert will go to support the charitable work of The House of Welcome.
Book your tickets online here.
Please join us for this special event and help us celebrate 125 years of music and history at St. Patrick’s Cathedral!
