Liverpool’s historic Willis Organ at St George’s Hall will soon receive a much-needed refurbishment, following a vital funding boost.
An appeal to repair the organ has received a £20,000 funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, via the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
This means repair work can take place on the ‘Tuba Mirabilis’ – often described as the ‘voice of the organ.’
Its Tuba Mirabilis pipes are to be repaired by specialist local technicians David Wells Organ Builders Ltd, who are based in Kirkdale, meaning the Tuba Mirabilis stop sound from the magnificent instrument will be returned to its former, crisp glory.
The ‘stop chest,’ which produces the sound, will also be restored, with the replacement of the internal leatherwork and magnets.
The work is expected to take around eight weeks and will involve the removal of delicate pipework, so it can be transported to the Kirkdale workshop for restoration.
Following completion of the work, the Tuba Mirabilis stop will be thoroughly regulated and the whole organ tuned, in readiness for the next organ recital on Tuesday 24 September, led by organist Professor Ian Tracey.
Emlyn Wright, Trustee of St George’s Hall’s Charitable Trust, said:
“Generous funding like this enables us to fulfil our mission of protecting, preserving, and enhancing St George’s Hall for future generations.
“This restoration not only revives a vital piece of our past but also ensures that it continues to inspire the community, encourage a love of music for the city’s children and enchant audiences with both classical and contemporary music for years to come.”
The work coincides with the ‘SGH170’ programme of events, which celebrates the Grade I listed building’s 170th anniversary with an array of music, comedy, and performance events.
For further information or to make a donation, please visit the Hall’s official website.
Photo Credit - Dave Wood Photography
