The release of our new organ specification

We’re delighted that the Cathedral Chapter has approved the specification of our new organ from craftspeople at Nicholson & Co. Ltd of Malvern, who are currently hard at work on this project. Already, over a third of the pipes for the instrument have been prepared. Nicholson & Co. Ltd are arguably the best organ building company in the UK and their recent work can be heard and seen in cathedrals, churches, schools and concert halls across the country and worldwide.

We are excited for this new chapter in the Cathedral’s musical journey and look forward to the grand debut of the new instrument in 2026 at the Three Choirs Festival.

“Cathedral organs through history seem to last about fifty years. The Gloucester organ was last re-built in the early 1970s and was designed according to the ideas of its time. In many ways it was an exciting instrument, but it was built for recitals rather than for accompanying choirs and services.

However, the musical needs of the 2020s are rather different from those of the 1970s; and whilst the renewed instrument will retain some of the ethos of the previous instrument, the emphasis in its design will be on serving the musical needs of those thousands of people who worship in the Cathedral each year, and specifically the accompaniment of services and big public events like the Three Choirs Festival. It will be an instrument for the many, and not just those few who have an interest in organ music.”

Adrian Partington, Director of Music

“Music has long been a central part of Gloucester Cathedral’s mission. Therefore, it is our duty and our privilege to safeguard and protect this tradition for generations to come.

It is wonderful to be working with Nicholson & Co. Ltd, who are undoubtedly one of the most skilled and renowned organ builders in the country. Their plans to refurbish and renew our beloved instrument will ensure it can continue to inspire, educate and captivate congregations and audiences for years to come.

All of us at the Cathedral are thrilled that the hard work has started and look forward to hearing the sound of our refurbished organ’s magnificent pipes fill the building in 2026.”

The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester