New Organ
As part of the Manchester Cathedral Development Project, there are plans to house a new organ in the chancel screen, the original site for the instrument since the 15th century.
The current organ, like much of the postwar bomb-damage repairs to the fabric, is essentially of the 1950s, with everything crammed into crude boxes in the choir aisles. It offers inadequate support for large congregations, when the necessary volume can be too loud for those sitting in the Choir, and disappointing for those in the nave.
It has been decided to plan for a new instrument (see concept, right), in a new case, incorporating some of the old organ. The 1940 bombing destroyed the last such instrument and its handsome case, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. Siting the organ in its original position will better serve the choir and congregation.
To progress this complex task, and fulfil the requirements of funding and permissory bodies, we have retained a number of specialists to advise on technical matters. These have produced a photogrammetric survey (which provides detailed drawings of the area around the Chancel arch), a report on the historic woodwork of screen and stalls, a paint analysis and, still ongoing, a structural engineer is working with the Cathedral architect to solve the difficult problem of supporting the weight of a new instrument.
