Long day for ‘Rolls-Royce of organs’

ORGANISTS are preparing for a marathon session of playing on one of Yorkshire’s finest musical instruments.

By The Newsroom

Published 17th Oct 2013, 01:01 BST

The famous Halifax Minster organ is the subject of restoration fund appeal and on Friday organists will begin playing for a full 24-hour ‘Organothon’ which will end at 6pm the following day.

The organ, last rebuilt in 1928-29, has been described as “the Rolls-Royce of organs” by Leeds organist Simon Lindley.

Organisers are requesting sponsorship for those playing or for a fixed sum for the whole project. It will take tens of thousands of pounds to fully restore the organ.

Organists taking part in the 24-hour event include Alan Horsey, Alex Woodrow, David Baker, Philip Tordoff, Jonathan Clegg, Christopher Brown and David Barker.

Rrefreshments will be available throughout the event.

A Minster spokesman said: “We ask that people come along, relax and listen to the music. Proceeds go to the Organ Appeal.”