As one enters the St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta, worshippers and visitors are often surprised by the many unique facets which feature within the modern architectural style of our ecclesiastical edifice. Its design, including the large crucifix at the western end, the Oriel above the altar, the antiphonal “collegial” arrangement of the pews, or the unusual pictural style of the stations of the cross, appeals to some and is confronting to others. However, one significant feature of the cathedral which impresses even the most critical observers, is without doubt, the magnificent pipe-organ which sits in the northeastern corner, with its polished metal pipes towering high above all who enter.
There are three things which often surprise the onlooker when they see this majestic instrument.
Firstly, many people unfamiliar with a pipe organ look at the case-pipes and are unaware that behind the row of 50 or so speaking pipes there are several chambers containing over 2100 more pipes hidden from view! A total of 2212 pipes! Secondly, some folks stare into the organ wondering where the organist is playing, and are then surprised to learn that the organ keyboards (console) are in fact on the opposite side of the cathedral in the southeast corner of the choir platform! However, thirdly, what often comes as a greater surprise is that, whilst the organ looks so “new”, it was actually built in 1898 by the firm Norman & Beard, and only the case-work was built in the early part of the year 2000 to house the organ, as the original organ sat in a transept chamber of its original home at St Saviour’s Church, Knightsbridge in England. And so it is, this year, our mighty cathedral organ celebrates its 125th anniversary of construction.
A view of the case-pipes of the St Patrick’s Cathedral organ. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
As pipe-organs go, ours is a fairly modest instrument compared to some large instruments such as the organ in the Sydney Opera House or Sydney Town Hall (both with approximately 10,000 pipes!) It has three keyboards (manuals) and pedal board and 39 stops (the different sounds, such as “diapasons”, flutes, horns/trumpets/clarinet (called “reeds”)). Each of the pipes sits on several “wind-chests” providing the air needed for them to speak. The mechanism of the organ which activates the pipes was originally electro-pneumatic (a complicated and old form of technology relying on wind tubes to activate valves under each pipe to allow the air into them). However, this mechanism was replaced by a completely new electrical system when the organ was restored by Peter D. Jewkes in 2005 and re-situated. This new system works by sending an electrical signal, when the organist plays a note, to the valve under each pipe to open and allow the pipe to speak. As a result of this modern form of technology, it meant that the original keyboards, which were originally placed within the organ, could now be placed in a position more distant from the pipe-work.
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
The organ has some other interesting features such as a computerised system with 96 memory channels that enable the organist to “pre-set” different combinations of sounds, soft and loud, to enable rapid changes of sound combinations whilst playing.
Speaking as an organist, our instrument plays like a charm…. even though sometimes it has the occasional conniption when the odd note sticks (invariably occurring inconveniently during a Mass!)
It’s always a delight to play our cathedral organ, and we are blessed to have a superb acoustical space in the cathedral that adds to the blending of a fine sound. As such, it’s also a magnet for young organists who get a thrill when playing such an exhilarating-sounding instrument. Its versatility is a great bonus for accompanying the choir, cantors and congregation as well. We are truly blessed that such a distinguished instrument was found and installed in the cathedral to add to the beauty of our liturgical worship.
Bernard Kirkpatrick KSS, the Director of Music at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, amongst the pipes of the Cathedral organ. Image: Supplied
To commemorate the 125th anniversary of the organ, a celebratory organ concert will be scheduled later in the year. Keep an eye in the St Patrick’s Cathedral parish bulletin and websites for further details when they are announced.
A full history and technical specifications can be found at https://www.ohta.org.au/confs/Sydney/STPATRICKSCath.html. More information can be found on the Cathedral website https://stpatscathedral.com.au/. Follow the St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir on Facebook here.
Bernard Kirkpatrick KSS is the Director of Music at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta.
This article was originally published in the February 2023 edition of the St Pats Matters newsletter.
