‘Together, we can ensure that the sound of music continues to resound and echo through this Cathedral for generations to come.’
The Venerable Michael Everitt, Interim Dean of Carlisle
Heavenly Voices: Mighty Sound – Carlisle Cathedral launches organ restoration project
Carlisle Cathedral has launched an historic £2.4m project to restore and repair Carlisle Cathedral’s Father Willis organ.
For 170 years Carlisle Cathedral’s organ has evolved and adapted to meet changing musical fashions and liturgical needs. With almost 4,000 pipes, 72 stops, intricate mechanical and pneumatic systems and bespoke components, it cannot simply be replaced off the shelf.
And, while it has been carefully maintained, it has not undergone a full overhaul for nearly 30 years, and specialists are clear that it is now approaching a point of serious risk.
At a special service, the cathedral launched its organ restoration project: Heavenly voices: Mighty Sound and are asking for funds for essential repair and renewal to futureproof the organ for the next generations.
The project requires £2.4 million in total funding. The cathedral has already secured £1.6 million thanks to an exceptionally generous grant from the Benny Walker Charitable Trust and significant support from the Friends of Carlisle Cathedral
The remaining £600,000 now needs to be raised from donations, gifts, pledges and grants.
The Venerable Michael Everitt, Interim Dean of Carlisle, said “Music is integral to our past, present, and future.
This can range from the beautiful simplicity of a young voice singing a solo, such as the first verse of “Once in Royal David’s City” at Christmas, through to a great organ voluntary at the end of a service.
‘For 170 years our current organ has been at the heart of all of this and has inspired generations of people from Carlisle, Cumbria and beyond.
‘Through daily use, it has become clear that extensive work is now needed to ensure the organ can continue to serve our worship, music and community life with vibrancy and reliability.
‘Following careful consultation and independent advice, we are now seeking to raise funds to carry out essential repair and renewal, securing the future of this remarkable instrument.
‘I warmly invite you to consider being part of this work. Every gift will help sustain the musical life that lies at the heart of our worship, our outreach and our welcome.
‘Together, we can ensure that the sound of music continues to resound and echo through this Cathedral for generations to come.”
