St John’s College to install historic ‘Father’ Willis organ in chapel
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
A historic organ built by renowned Victorian organ maker ‘Father’ Henry Willis is set to be installed at St John’s College, Cambridge, as part of a major renovation project
St John’s College has announced a significant new organ project that will see the installation of a historic ‘Father’ Willis instrument in its Chapel by May 2026. The organ, originally built in 1889 and previously housed at St Peter’s Church, Brighton, will be restored and relocated by Harrison & Harrison Ltd. The project, the largest of its kind at the Chapel in a generation, will involve the careful removal of the existing Mander organ, which has served the College since 1994, and its transfer to St John the Divine in Kennington, London.
Director of Music at John’s Christopher Gray, highlighted the instrument’s importance: ‘The Willis organ has an authentic voice for English repertoire and is the perfect instrument for accompanying the Choir, with a vast palette of colours that will delicately shimmer in quiet passages and powerfully underpin the most thrilling climaxes.’
During the transition period, a custom-built Viscount Regent Classic digital organ will be used for services. The new instrument’s inauguration is planned for May 2026.
For more information, visit www.sjcchoir.co.uk
