Inauguration of the Chapel Organ
22nd Jun 2008
The weekend of 14/15 June was a feast of music, celebrating the opening of the newly restored Chapel Organ with The Rt Rev Bishop Thomas McMahon and Organist Dame Gillian Weir.
On Saturday, 14 June, world famous organist, Dame Gillian Weir, performed to a packed Chapel in the Grand Opening Recital. In addition to the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress, we were delighted to see on this occasion the Brentwood Diocesan Director of Music, Andrew Wright, Assistant Director of Music at Chelmsford Cathedral, Robert Poyser, and other organ specialists, as well as parents, staff, Community, Old Fishes, Governors and friends of the school. The programme included works by Bach, Franck, Parry and Dupré. The concert was followed by a wonderful reception, which Dame Gillian also attended.
On Sunday, 15 June the Rt Rev Thomas McMahon, Bishop of Brentwood, celebrated Mass with the school, Community and parish and formally blessed and dedicated the Chapel organ. This very moving occasion was greatly enhanced by the magnificent music. The procession was greeted with Parry’s I was Glad - a very fitting start to such a joyful occasion. The Choir, conducted by Director of Music, Andrew Fardell, also sang Mozart’s Piccolomini Missa Brevis and the organ was played by Duncan Archard, who has been associated with New Hall for many years. During the blessing of the organ, the choir sang Handel’s Zadok the Priest as Bishop Thomas sprinkled holy water on the new nave and west-end organs. Bishop Thomas called the celebrations “a triumph!”. The restored Chapel organ will play a central part in the school’s services throughout the year and will give students the opportunity to study the organ. New Hall is also currently recruiting for its first ever Organ Scholar.
Thank you so much to all who so generously contributed to the Chapel Organ Appeal. I hope that you will all have the opportunity to hear the newly restored organ in action.
