Celebrations as Cathedral organ reaches 50!

On February 2 the Cathedral celebrates the 50th birthday of its legendary organ! Join the congregation for birthday cake after the 11.30am Eucharist.

There will also be a short celebratory talk about the organ by Organist Emeritus Dr. John Bertalot at 2pm, followed by a short demonstration of the organ by current Organist John Robinson (both pictured).

John Bertalot will tell the fascinating story of the commissioning of the organ and how ‘it nearly didn’t happen'!

He was responsible for the design of the organ as well as raising the money to build it ... and as Organist Emeritus is still a loyal and active member of the congregation.

Blackburn Cathedral’s organ was built by renowned English Organ Builders Walker and is one of the most iconic ‘modern’ Cathedral organs in the world.

It is famous because of its extraordinary power, and distinctive sound.

You can hear the organ most Wednesdays at 1pm, and this year at that time the Cathedral has a series of special events featuring returning Blackburn Cathedral Organists:

On February 5th James Thomas; 12th David Goodenough; March 4th Richard Tanner; March 18th John Robinson; April 1st Gordon Stewart.

Tom Bell will also perform a celebratory recital on Wednesday February 19th at 1pm.

Please join the Cathedral for this exciting celebration of a Blackburn treasure!

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Sunday, February 2, 11.30am and 2pm

Celebrations as Cathedral organ reaches 50!