Ripon Cathedral Organ Appeal

RIPON CATHEDRAL ORGAN APPEAL

The organ of Ripon Cathedral was built in 1878 by the celebrated Victorian organ builder, T C Lewis and placed on the pulpitum in a new case designed by Gilbert Scott. Over the next hundred years it was rebuilt and enlarged on a number of occasions, most notably by the firm of Harrison & Harrison of Durham. The instrument today has 4 manuals, 59 speaking stops and some 3,400 pipes. In 2000 a new mobile console was provided by a generous benefactor, allowing the organist much closer contact with choir and congregation at services held in the nave.

The instrument’s commanding voice is able to lead the singing of a congregation of a thousand worshippers at major services in the nave, whilst its quieter sounds accompany daily Evensong and other services held in the more intimate setting of the choir. Its full majesty and range of tonal colours are enjoyed by audiences at regular recitals and concerts.

After many years of constant use the inner mechanisms of the instrument are showing signs of wear and tear. The delicate leather components of the key action have started to deteriorate and the pipework, too, is suffering from the accumulation of dust and grit.

The time has come for a thorough overhaul of the instrument. The work will require complete dismantling and removal to Harrison & Harrison’s works for the refurbishment of worn parts as well as the careful cleaning of over 3,000 individual pipes. No major tonal additions or alterations are planned, but the opportunity will be taken to make certain changes to give the player more effective control of the instrument. These include:

Enclosing the Choir Organ on the north side of the chancel in a swell-box to increase its flexibility in accompanying the choral repertoire;
Updating the screen console, providing the same complement of playing accessories as the nave console.

The total cost of this work will be £350,000. Once complete, this magnificent instrument - sometimes described as the epitome of the English Cathedral Organ - will be returned to pristine condition.

Please help us to complete the refurbishment of the organ by making a donation. You can make a secure online donation to the project by clicking the button on the left.

You may prefer to consider sponsoring a pipe.

The organ contains over 3,000 pipes ranging in length from 6 inches to a massive 32 feet. Large or small, each plays an equal part in combining to produce the glorious mixture of sounds the organ offers.

Pipe sponsorship works in the same way, with individual donations combining to cover the cost of cleaning and restoration.

Single pipe sponsorship ranges from £25 for a small pipe to £300 for the largest. It is also possible (subject to availability) to sponsor a whole stop or ‘rank’ of pipes at £5,000.

If you wish, you can sponsor a specific pipe – anything from a delicate Piccolo to a mighty Bombardon – by using the form provided in our appeal brochure.

Click here to view/download a copy of the Organ Appeal brochure