The Grand Organ Experience

Have you always dreamed about playing a magnificent cathedral organ ? Would you like to share that amazing moment with your family and friends ?

The Grand Organ Experience offers you – or a loved one – the chance to fulfil this dream and to find out what it’s like to play the splendid Wells Cathedral organ, originally installed by ‘Father’ Henry Willis in 1857.

The experience begins with a glass of sparkling wine for you and up to four guests, along with an introduction to the Cathedral, its musical life and, most importantly, its organ.

Then, while your guests relax in the intimate space of the Cathedral Quire, you will be invited to ascend the narrow staircase into the organ loft. There, under the guidance of one of the Cathedral Organists, you will be treated to a close-up demonstration of the organ, followed by the chance to play it yourself for up to 45 minutes.

You may wish to capture your playing to share with your friends. You will be offered the chance to set up your own video camera or mobile phone (your own tripod or stand required) to record the event for posterity. Your two guests could also record the sound from their seated positions in the Cathedral.

Finally, you will swap places with the Cathedral Organist, who will close the evening with a performance of a piece of organ music that shows off the range and power of the instrument. Sitting right beside them, you will be able to watch a professional at work and hear the organ being played from the best seat in the house.

You will then descend to re-join your friends before departing, with a souvenir certificate signed by the Dean of Wells Cathedral, perhaps taking the opportunity to continue the festivities at one of the city’s many restaurants or pubs.

Price: £500 (of which £430 will form a donation to the Friends of Wells Cathedral Grand Organ Appeal)

To book your slot or to purchase the experience for a friend or loved one, please email us at OrganAppeal@wellsfriends.org or by call the Friends office on 01749 678830 and we will be in touch to arrange all of the details.

Important notes: The Grand Organ Experience lasts 1.5 hours in total and can take place after Evensong (6.15pm) on weekdays during school term time, subject to arrangement with the Director of Music. To participate in this event, you need to be aged 18 or over and be able to climb unassisted the narrow, steep stairs into the organ loft, as there is no alternative access. We recommend this opportunity to musicians with sufficient experience and capability on either the piano or organ to get the very most from the evening. To book your slot or to purchase the experience for a friend or loved one, please email us at OrganAppeal@wellsfriends.org or by call the Friends office on 01749 678830 and we will be in touch to arrange all of the details.