After about 15 years the organ became increasingly difficult to play as functions that needed restoration began to encroach on functionality. By 2019 it was un usable and work began to restore the organ, in stages as funds were available. In the meantime, the elderly 2-manual Hill organ has continued to support the music.
Next
The new blower was installed in February 2020 before the world went into lock down. The organ was supplied by UK firm, BOB-Stevenson and was specified to take into account the variations caused by particular sub-Saharan conditions such as the Harmattan, a wind that blows south from the Sahara bring a great deal of dust. A huge improvement was noted in supply of wind, overcoming problems the elderly blower, mounted in a cage outside the cathedral, was creating. With the new supply, the action and reservoirs were able to be fully checked, and all found deficient. These are now on the restoration schedule.
Restoration updates
The current organ is now unplayable, and restoration work has begun by Jonathan Lane & Associates Ltd from the UK, with the assistance of two young local musicians. It was built in 1934 for the Shiloh Chapel (Capel Seilo), Aberystwyth by Hill, Norman & Beard. The organ was given to the Cathedral and purchased by the doner in 1993, eventually being installed in 2001 without any restoration or modification.
The organ is a 44 speaking stop three manual with a stop-key console typical of Hill, Norman & Beard during the period.
Welcome to a website about the organ at St George’s Cathedral
Freetown, Sierra Leone
As part of the fundraising campaign to restore and complete the Cathedral organ, this website intends to provide information of the origins and history of the organ, the choirs, and the musicians of the Cathedral.
News