The Organ

There are two pipe organs in the Cathedral. The Grand Organ is the largest organ in the UK (10,268 pipes) and amongst the largest operational organs in the world. The famous Tuba Magna (on 50” pressure) is the loudest organ stop in the world. A Trompette Militaire, situated high on the Corona Gallery was installed in 1997, and the central space division was added in 2007.

The Grand Organ

Henry Willis began the construction of the organ in 1923, and part of the organ was used at the consecration of the Cathedral in the following year. The organ was not completed until 1926.

The organ sits in two cases on opposite sides of the choir. There are eight manual divisions: the Great, Solo, and Bombarde organs occupy the South case; the Swell, Choir and Positif occupy the North case; the Corona organ is installed in a gallery high up under the tower vaulting; and the central organ is situated on the South central gallery. The Pedal organ is distributed between both North and South cases.

There are two five-manual consoles – one up in a gallery under the North choir case and a mobile recital console. The Choir and Positif organs are played from the same keyboard, the Corona organ can be played from either the Choir or Bombarde keyboard, and the central from either the Bombarde or Great.

If you would like to know more about the history and dimensions of the Grand Organ and the Lady Chapel organ at Liverpool Cathedral, read; 'The Organs in Liverpool Cathedral' account compiled by Professor Ian Tracey, Cathedral Organist.

This is available to buy in the Cathedral Shop.

Organ Recitals

Organ recitals are held throughout the year as follows:

Bank Holiday Series 11:15am

Easter Bank Holiday Monday
Spring Bank Holiday Monday (Part of the Liverpool Organ Day)
Whit Bank Holiday Monday
Late Summer Bank Holiday Monday

Anniversary Recital 3:00pm

Commemorating the anniversary of the consecration of the Organ and opening recital. Held on the Saturday nearest to the 18th October each year.

Summer Saturday Series 4:00pm

Saturday afternoons in July and August, for the duration of the Cathedral Choir Summer Vacation.

To view recital programmes, please follow the link above to the right.

Patrons of the Organ

Why Patrons of the Organ?
Following the completion of the Cathedral in 1978, The Dean and Chapter were anxious to gather together Patrons who valued the magnificent Willis Organ and would support the various recitals and musical events. The effect of raising costs has been a constant problem to the Cathedral, and in order to sustain the great musical tradition at Liverpool, the Patrons help.

The organ has been in use since the consecration in 1924. Between 1958 and 1960, the organ was completely overhauled and modernised, including a new all-electric action and a new humidifing system. A further major programme of restoration took place during 1977-8. This dealt with widespread deterioration of the mechanism and pipework metal fatigue. Attention was also given to rewiring, using hundreds of miles of special cable, and a new wind system. The cost of this latter restoration was almost £100,000.

The organ is now in the very capable hands of David Wells & Co. Liverpool. The organ requires regular attention to keep it in good order and a large instrument such as ours, with nearly 10,000 pipes, needs a further £5000 a year to cover basic maintenance.

The benefits of becoming a Patron
You will reveive a membership card entitling you to free admission at each of the four Bank Holiday Recitals and Anniversary Recital. You will be placed on our mailing list to receive details of musical events. You will be invited to a special request recital and social evening in the summer - given exclusively for Patrons of the Organ.

What is the membership fee?
Membership of the patrons is £25.00 per year.

How do I join?
If you would like to join, please open the membership form from the link to the right of the top of this page, and mail to:

Patrons of the Organ
Liverpool cathedral
St. James' Mount
Liverpool
L1 7AZ

Thank you!

Learn to play the organ at Liverpool Cathedral

The Liverpool Diocesan Organ Course
This exciting course is aimed at organists of all ages and ability. Whether you are a complete beginner who wants to learn the basics, or a more accomplished player who wants to extend the skills you already have, this course will have something for you! The 12-week course runs on Monday evenings, and begins after the October half term, breaking for Christmas.

In the first session, you will be placed into a group with players whose ability matches your own. You will also receive a course handbook with various exercises and suggested practice techniques, along with a range of short pieces.

The first half of each session will give you a chance to play the piece/pieces you are working on and receive advice and tips from one of the course tutors. After a tea break, the tutors will take you through a programme of workshops/master-classes designed to give you a grounding in every aspect of playing you might come across, such as registration, hymn accompaniment, last verse harmonisations, playing the voluntary, improvisation, choosing music for worship, working with other personnel within the church family, and dealing with the use of modern liturgical music to give the best standards of worship within the bounds of the church service.

At the end of the course, there is a recital in which each person has the chance to play a piece to the rest of the course participants. This is a very informal affair in which friends/family members/guests are welcome. The recital is followed by a meal in the Cathedral Western Rooms after which certificates will be presented.

For more information and course dates, please contact:
The Music Office,
Liverpool Cathedral,
Liverpool, L1 7AZ
Tel: +44 (0)0151 708 8471
Email: rosemary.barton@liverpoolcathedral.org.uk