LIMERICK takes centre-stage for a celebration of organ music this week, heralding a significant milestone for St John’ Cathedral and its 150 year old pipe organ.
The Limerick Pipe Organ Festival, organised by Limerick Diocese as part of the year-long City of Culture programme, kicks off at St John’s this Friday, March 14 at 8pm. The festival takes place throughout the city and county with a programme of 16 events.
One of the key aims is to raise awareness of the rich heritage of pipe organs in Limerick. From mighty Cathedral organs to delightful smaller and more intimate instruments, Limerick churches are amply supplied with organs, some dating back to the nineteenth century.
The inaugural concert promises to be a special one. Taking place at St John’s Cathedral, it celebrates the 150th anniversary of its iconic Hill organ with a recital from internationally acclaimed organist Professor Gerard Gillen.
The performance will include music spanning several centuries in a programme designed to show off the outstanding range of the organ at St John’s. Speaking ahead of the recital, Professor Gillen, described the Hill organ at St John’s as “one of Ireland’s finest”.
“There are magnificent organs throughout the country, pretty much in every large town in Ireland and the St John’s organ is as good example of this as there is. Built 150 years ago and restored a number of times since, it is a quality, craft-built instrument with outstanding workmanship”.
“It has brilliantly stood the test of time and has as much national significance now as it had 150 years ago. The only concession to modern technology is the use of electricity so when people hear the St John’s organ, they hear a wonderful sound straight from the 1800s,” he said.
According to Professor Gillen, one of the key strengths of the St John’s organ is the outstanding acoustics of the Cathedral itself.
“Acoustics are terribly important for any instrument, not least the organ,” he said.
The ecumenical Limerick Pipe Organ Festival runs through to the closing concert in November and details for all the events are available at www.lpof.ie and www.limerickdiocese.org.
