Organ Dedication Service

On Sunday 5 July at 3pm, at a special service of Choral Evensong, the Bishop of Gloucester, The Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, will dedicate our new organ after a £1.6 million restoration of the 17th century case and construction of a brand-new instrument by specialist organ builder Nicholson and Co.

The service will include the tradition of 'the awakening of the organ' which will feature a series of improvisations by our Assistant Director of Music (Organ) Jonathan Hope and an exciting new commission for choir and organ by renowned composer David Bednall. The service will be sung by all of the Cathedral choirs, comprising nearly 100 singers.

The Dean of Gloucester, The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, said: 'We are immensely grateful to everyone who has supported our In Tune campaign and brought this project to fruition. The legacy of this project will be an instrument that will enrich our Christian worship and safeguard our musical mission for generations to come, ensuring that young people and communities across Gloucestershire can continue to experience the joy and inspiration of music at Gloucester Cathedral.'

Canon Precentor, The Reverend Canon Craig Huxley-Jones, said: 'We are thrilled that the new organ has arrived and will be heard in full voice at this dedication service. This new instrument will be central to our daily worship, the accompaniment of our choirs, and our exciting Organ and Singing Academies, which will open up access to our world-class musical tradition to people from all ages and backgrounds.'

The service follows the Cathedral's Organ Festival Weekend in June.