Diocesan News10 Nov 10

St Fin Barre's Cathedral Launches Organ Fundraising Appeal

The Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the Rt Revd Paul Colton, formally launched the appeal for the €1.2 million organ fund yesterday at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. Led by the Director of Music, Malcolm Wisener, the Choirs performed a selection of pieces, demonstrating the unique sound of children’s and adults’ voices singing some of the Cathedral’s wide ranging choral repertoire and accompanied by a wide diversity of sounds produced by the pit organ.

Speaking at the launch, the Dean of Cork, the Very Revd Nigel Dunne urged Corkonians to help save the organ, calling it the ‘heartbeat’ of Cork’s Cathedral Choral tradition.  He said that it was most unfortunate that the instrument could not hold out for another few years, not least in the light of the current economic situation, but was sure the people of Cork would do what they could to rally around the project.  A major breakdown of the organ which almost resulted in a fire last year, prompted the Cathedral authorities to take action.

In formally launching the appeal, the Bishop said “The organ is one of the largest and most historic instruments in the country. It is central to the tradition of worship and music which has been synonymous with St Fin Barre’s for so many generations. Indeed there has been a choir at Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral since the medieval period, having first been mentioned in a manuscript of 1328. The rich tapestry of history that makes up St Fin Barre’s, is a part of every true Corkonian’s soul, so I am appealing to you to rise up in support of this cause.”

At the heart of the 700 year old Choral tradition at St Fin Barre's, the organ is the lifeblood of the Choral Foundation through which children, teenagers, third level students and adults all receive a special (and free) musical education, unique to Cork, due to the rare sound of its majestic organ, and all taught by professional musicians. It performs year round, at all the Cathedral liturgies and for high profile events such as the Christmas Carol services, concerts, recitals and civic occasions, and travels within Ireland and abroad each year.

Bishop Colton added: “Despite faithful maintenance of the Cathedral Organ over the years since its last rebuild in the 1960s, it has come to a point where its future reliability is uncertain. This has led to the present re-build, which is costing €1.2 million, and we cannot do it without Cork’s support” .

Those who want to get involved can sponsor a pipe of the new organ at any price level, ranging from €20 to €500. Sponsor forms will be available from The Cathedral Office. All pipe sponsors will have their names printed in a  special donors book, to be kept near the organ, as well as a commemorative certificate.

It is vital that the organ at St Fin Barre’s be restored. It will mean the continuation of an historic choral heritage of at least 700 years and will mark the restoration of one of the most unique and historic organs in the country, providing a centre of excellence for choral training, musical performance and especially a place of worship for the people of Cork. People of all ages, backgrounds and traditions in Cork will continue to receive a unique musical education, furthering the outreach to the people of the city.