Historic Portsmouth Victorian organ to play for final time before its restoration

For the first time since lockdown, The Organ Project at St Mary's Church in Fratton Road is hosting an organ recital performed by Adrian Bawtree to help raise awareness and funds for the historic instrument's restoration.

The recital will take place on Thursday from 7.30pm to 8.30pm and will be one of the last chances to hear this Victorian organ before it is taken away for a full restoration, beginning in early October.

Canon Bob White, vicar at St Mary’s Church and chairman of The Organ Project, said: ‘I am delighted that we are able to host an organ recital. It is great that one of our last recitals will be given by Adrian Bawtree, whose family have had a long association with the parish and our musical life.

‘I hope that those who attend might be inspired to support our appeal so that we will be able to continue making a joyful noise with this wonderful instrument.’

Adrian Bawtree was director of music at St Mary's Church in the early 1990s and is currently an organist at Canterbury Cathedral. He will perform music by Elgar, Bach, Howells and Rawsthorne.

His final piece, by Vierne, depicts the Westminster Chimes - recognised locally as the Pompey Chimes. The concert experience will be enhanced by a large screen and console cameras that allow the audience to watch the organist perform close-up.

SEE ALSO: 17 retro photos from St Mary's Church over the years

Several changes have had to be made because of the Covid-19 lockdown. Capacity has been reduced to 48 people, with face masks and hand sanitisation required upon entrance to the church, however, organisers said they are sure that none of this will impact the delight of the evening.

The Organ Project was established to restore and save the 130-year-old organ, with supporters able to sponsor one or more of the organ’s 2,622 pipes for as little as £2.

To book tickets for the event on Thursday, visit theorganproject.org/organ-recital-2020-adrian-bawtree

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