Save Welburn Organ
Latest News
We will update this page over the course of the organ renovation appeal, letting you know all about the events we've organised so far, what's coming up, and how much progress we're making towards our £130,000 target.
Evensong with the Clerkes of All Saints
On Sunday 29th September, our congregation had the very great pleasure of hearing Evensong beautifully sung by one of the country’s leading liturgical choirs, Clerkes of All Saints.
The masterly organ playing of Phillip Sangwine, organist at St. Mary’s Priory, Old Malton, accompanied their singing beautifully and reminded us all how fortunate we are that such accomplished organists play our Father Willis organ.
Organ recital by Philip Moore
On Friday September 20th, an audience gathered in Welburn church in anticipation of hearing sublime playing on a sublime instrument - the Father Willis organ - and was not disappointed.
Philip Moore, celebrated composer and Organist Emeritus of York Minster, chose some joyous pieces by Bach, Brahms, Howells, Couperin and Stanford.
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Father Willis visited France in 1848 and was influenced by Aristide Cavaille-Coll, the most famous organ builder of the time. The Couperin piece makes full use of the Cornopean and the Clarionet reeds, the ‘bright, characterful’ flutes and diapasons and, rare on an organ of this size, a Mixture stop.
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Philip observes in his programme notes that ‘the organ in Welburn is one of the finest of his - Father Willis - small organs that I have encountered’ and that ‘it is of particular personal pleasure that the Welburn organ is to be restored.’
There is little doubt that, after hearing Philip play with such obvious pleasure, members of the audience share the same conviction and indeed their generous donations to the organ fund is confirmation enough. The organ fundraising team is very grateful for such generosity.
The O’Ehley family concert
Saturday 3rd August was an evening of sheer wonder, enjoyed by packed-out pews inside St. John's church.
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The amazingly talented Ryan, Jayne, Richard and Robyn treated us to an uplifting and varied programme of music ranging from Bizet and Chopin to Sinatra and Mancini, while the incredibly generous audience expressed their enjoyment of the music and support for the organ renovation appeal by donating.
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We heard the most beautiful singing - sometimes solo, sometimes duet - as well as playing, from saxophone to oboe to flute, almost always accompanied by the keyboard. There really was something for everyone!
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All rounded off by delicious drinks and nibbles, and a chance to chat before heading home.
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Donations came to £807 which, with Giftaid, will approach £1,000 – a truly fantastic result. The fund is now looking much healthier, so a huge thank you to the O'Ehley family and to everyone who joined us on the night.
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Our next concert will be given by Philip Moore, renowned organist and composer, at 7.30 pm on Friday 20th September.
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Please visit the events section for more details.
