In 1901...
Sir Edward Bairstow, our then Director of Music, oversaw the rebuilding of the organ by Norman and Beard of Norwich. Subsequent re-builds saw most of Bairstow's organ retained and can still be heard Sunday by Sunday, on Feast Days and in recitals.
In 2013...
The PCC received the same conclusion from three independent organ builders that the instrument had come to the end of its useful life and needs rebuilding. Mr David Wood of Huddersfield has ensured that the instrument has limped along for the last few years, undertaking frequent patch-ups to keep the instrument playing for services. The untrained ear can hear the massive air leaks from the instrument despite the ongoing attention of Mr Wood. The leather on the wind chests is falling apart, the condition of the pipework in parts is altering the tone, and cyphers (where notes continue to sound long after the key on the console is released!) are signposts to the creeping deterioration of the instrument.
The PCC have committed to rebuild the organ, with some improvements, to ensure it's use for the next generation.
The sum that needs to be raised is £550 000.
But we believe it to be vital to save an important part of Wigan's history. Wigan is one of only two parish church organs to have rebuilds overseen to Sir Edward's specification. Bairstow's iconic 'Save us O Lord', a staple of cathedral and parish choirs across the world, was written for the instrument.
The video below demonstrates why the instrument is worth rebuilding - realised through Norman Cocker's wonder 'Tuba Tune', recorded in 2013. The problems described above can clearly be heard.
In 2013...
The PCC received the same conclusion from three independent organ builders that the instrument had come to the end of its useful life and needs rebuilding. Mr David Wood of Huddersfield has ensured that the instrument has limped along for the last few years, undertaking frequent patch-ups to keep the instrument playing for services. The untrained ear can hear the massive air leaks from the instrument despite the ongoing attention of Mr Wood. The leather on the wind chests is falling apart, the condition of the pipework in parts is altering the tone, and cyphers (where notes continue to sound long after the key on the console is released!) are signposts to the creeping deterioration of the instrument.
The PCC have committed to rebuild the organ, with some improvements, to ensure it's use for the next generation.
The sum that needs to be raised is £550 000.
But we believe it to be vital to save an important part of Wigan's history. Wigan is one of only two parish church organs to have rebuilds overseen to Sir Edward's specification. Bairstow's iconic 'Save us O Lord', a staple of cathedral and parish choirs across the world, was written for the instrument.
The video below demonstrates why the instrument is worth rebuilding - realised through Norman Cocker's wonder 'Tuba Tune', recorded in 2013. The problems described above can clearly be heard.
Copyright WPC 2013