Introduction from our Royal Patron
The music in churches and cathedrals is synonymous with organs. It is their unique sound and volume, either on their own or as an accompaniment, which makes them such special musical instruments; so much so that it is impossible to imagine a church service without an organ. As with any musical instrument organs need to be looked after and cared for otherwise they simply start to sound a bit odd, and once every generation they tend to need a rather major overhaul.
After nearly fifty years the time has come to give the splendid organ in Wells Cathedral some major care and attention. This is no simple task given its size, location and complexity; especially if you consider that every one of its 5,000 pipes needs to be removed, cleaned, tuned and replaced. You may think it sounds terrific now, but that’s only because you’ve got used to its idiosyncrasies; believe me, by the time the professionals have finished you will be amazed by the improvement in tone, range and volume.
The organ is only part of the tradition of music in Wells Cathedral, for we must not forget the boys, girls and men of the Cathedral Choirs. Together, they are not just integral to the music-making, but also the very life of the Cathedral and its service to the community. Restoring our grand organ is vital if we are to secure and sustain all of our Cathedral’s superb music-making for future generations.
With this in mind, I sincerely hope that you will seriously consider supporting the Wells Cathedral Grand Organ Appeal. I am confident that, with your help and support, we will be able to fill this wonderful building once again with stunning and beautiful music not only on St Andrew’s Day 2025 when the Cathedral celebrates its 850th anniversary, but also to praise God and to lift our spirits for many more years to come.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, KG GCVO
Patron
A message from the Dean and President of the Friends
Music has been at the heart of the life of Wells Cathedral for over 1100 years. This tradition is central to today’s worship, community events, great civic services and the many concerts performed annually. While our exceptional Cathedral Choir is at the forefront of our musical reputation, the organ is a vital part of our musical and worshipping life here.
The organ not only accompanies the Choir and congregation at our daily services, but it is also a magnificent instrument in its own right. For some time, the Cathedral’s organists have been telling us that the condition of our organ is rapidly declining and needs urgent attention. It is only the deft skills of those playing the instrument which hide many of these faults and flaws from those of us who are listening below.
The time has now come for the Cathedral organ to be refurbished for the next generation, and I ask you for your help in raising the funds to enable this vital work. Please give as generously as you can, and we thank you very warmly for your support.
The Very Revd Toby Wright
About the Appeal
Appeal DonorsA message from the Chairman of The Friends
The Friends of Wells Cathedral have a long and happy relationship with the magnificent Willis/Harrison organ, which sits so proudly at the centre of the Cathedral. During the last major renovation in the 1970s we made a significant contribution to renovation costs, paying for the organ case. But whilst the exterior of the organ still looks magnificent, the hard-working instrument it housed had rapidly deteriorated. So, fifty years on the organ has been removed and your help is needed to raise the full cost of the Organ Project.
We were excited to launch the appeal to raise the £2 million to restore and improve the organ. New ranges of pipes will be added and existing pipes will be given a new lease of life. The results will be the best organ our Cathedral as ever had – fit for the 21st Century – our Grand Organ.
However, inflationary costs and the loss of VAT relief under the Listed Places of Worship Scheme has meant that the total cost of the project has now risen to £3.2 million, of which the Friends are committed to funding over £2.2 million
Works are being undertaken at the organ builder’s (Harrison and Harrison Ltd) works and the organ will be reinstalled in the latter half of 2027. This will be followed by a period when the instrument is allowed to settle and is re-voiced.
During 2026 and 2027 there will be events, fundraisers and many different ways you can support the appeal. Then in 2028 there will be events to celebrate the ‘new organ’.
We thank you for any help you are able to give us.
Arnold Wills
Chairman of The Friends of Wells Cathedral