Downpatrick organ to sound out once again

Downpatrick organ to sound out once again

14 October 2015

SAINT Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick is hosting a special musical evening this Sunday to mark the completion of restoration work on its historic organ.

The church is presenting an evening with acclaimed choir, Capella Caeciliana, which will be joined by organist Stephen Hamill who will play a number of pieces on the magnificently restored Telford organ.

St Patrick’s Church was built in 1872 and the organ, located on the west gallery at the rear of the church, was installed several years later.

The two manual and pedal organ which features an incredible 756 pipes was a gift to the church from Catherine Darby. It has featured in church services over many years but five years ago it sustained water damage which required a major restoration programme.

The finishing touches have now been put to the programme which was financed by the landfill communities fund administered by the Ulster Wildlife Trust.

Fr John Murray, PP, who has played a key role in organising this Sunday’s musical evening, said the event is an important one in the history of the Downpatrick church which will appeal to people of all faiths and none.

“We are pleased the restoration has now been completed apart from a few tweaks here and there we and are really looking forward to Sunday,” he said. 

“We were able to secure grant aid to assist with the restoration work which was a major undertaking. The organ has been out of commission for so long that it will be tremendous to have it fully operational again.”

Fr Murray described Sunday evening’s event as a “celebration of music” and said it’s one everyone can come along and enjoy.

“The church was built in the early 1870s and this was really a remarkable feat. We believe the organ was installed a few years later. As a result of the 

water damage the organ sustained it has sadly been out of commission and the church has been using a portable electronic organ for the past five years,” he explained.

“It really is a beautiful organ and it will be heard in all its glory this weekend,” he continued. “I have already heard it played by those charged with the restoration and it really is very impressive.”

Fr Murray is also pleased that Capella Caeciliana are headlining this weekend’s concert, alongside the recently restored organ of course.

“Many people will have heard of the The Three Priests who have made a name for themselves in the world of music and they are former members of Capella. The group is a diocesan choir and I am delighted they will be with us in St Patrick’s this weekend.

“They sing what you would describe as ‘churchy’ music and the choir’s director is Donal McCrisken. Stephen Hamill, who is a well known organist in the Belfast area, will be be able to display the full power and versatility of the organ via the pieces he will be playing on Sunday evening.”

Fr Murray described the weekend event as a “musical celebration” and hopes many people from Downpatrick and the surrounding area will make their way to St Patrick’s Church.

He added: “We are very much looking forward to Sunday which I believe is a special day for not just St. Patrick’s, but the local community as well and hope many people will come along. 

Children and anyone under 18 will be admitted free if they are accompanied by an adult.”

Tickets, priced £10, are available from a number of outlets including the St. Patrick’s Parish Office, Downe Travel and Patrician Youth Centre.