Almost exactly 2 years ago now our team were in Wellington Cathedral to install a 4 manual Regent Classic Organ after the fine pipe organ there had been destroyed some years earlier by an earthquake.
Clearly as this is 12,000 miles from home it is not an organ we can just pop into from time to time to enjoy. And now due to pandemic restrictions, certainly impossible to visit even if we wanted to. So it was a real surprise and pleasure to find out that a recent BBC broadcast evensong came from Wellington.
There is limited time to share with you the BBC link to the broadcast which features music mainly by New Zealand composers and recorded on September 20th 2020.
The broadcast does conclude (54.50) with a very rousing performance of Voluntary: L’Orgue Mystique, No 32 Alleluia No. 4 by Tournemire played by director of music Michael Stewart. I believe it shows off the Regent Classic very well.
Perhaps you would share your thoughts on the instrument with us?
Listen to the Choral Evensong on BBC Radio 3 >>>
Choral Evensong from Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
Introit: Eternal Spirit (Philip Walsh)
Responses: Peter Nardone
Psalm 37 (Webb, Roseingrave)
First Lesson: 1 Chronicles 29 vv.10-19
Office hymn: May the mind of Christ our Saviour (St Leonards)
Canticles: St Paul’s Evening Service (Andrew Baldwin)
Second Lesson: Colossians 3 vv.12-17
Anthem: I will hearken (Philip Walsh)
Hymn: The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended (St Clement)
Voluntary: L’Orgue Mystique, No 32 (Alleluia No. 4) (Tournemire)
Michael Stewart (Organist and Director of Music)
Richard Apperley (Assistant Director of Music)
Merran Cooke (oboe)
Recorded 20 September 2020 by Radio New Zealand. Listen Now >>>
More about the Regent Classic Organ in Wellington Cathedral
- Wellington Cathedral Installation and Specification
- Installing and Voicing the Wellington Organ
- Dr. Joseph Nolan opening organ recital
- Shipping a 750Kg organ to New Zealand
I have had a passion for church organs since the tender age of 12. I own and run Regent Classic Organs with a close attention to the detail that musicians appreciate; and a clear understanding of the benefits of digital technology and keeping to the traditional and emotional elements of organ playing.
