On Sunday 12 May, the eve of the 57th anniversary of the consecration of Metropolitan Cathedral, the Cathedral Dean, Provost Anthony O’Brien, blessed and rededicated the Cathedral’s Grand Organ during a service of Choral Evening Prayer.

The Grand Organ was installed in 1967 in time for the opening of the cathedral in that year. Along with being one of the UK’s most important examples of mid-20th century English organ building, the organ plays an integral role in Cathedral life and worship.

It was built by the English organ builders J W Walker & Sons Ltd and its distinctive façade was designed by the Cathedral architect Sir Frederick Gibberd.

After more than 50 years in daily use, a major refurbishment was vital and planning for this began in 2015,with work carried out by Harrisons & Harrison Ltd, organ builders based in Durham, beginning in 2021.

The project involved the removal, cleaning, and restoring of each of its 4565 pipes, as well as modifying the location of parts of the organ. The failing winding system was replaced with traditional reservoirs and new digital electronic technology installed in the place of its ageing electro-pneumatics. 

Following the rededication, the opening recital was played by international artist Martin Baker which included items played at the opening of the organ in 1967.  A congregation of over 400 people, which included a number of former musicians from the Metropolitan Cathedral, enjoyed refreshments at the post-recital reception in the Lutyens crypt.

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