Re-opening of the Flentrop organ & concert

The recently refurbished Chapel pipe organ will be re-dedicated during an opening concert on Saturday 17 April – 2.30pm.

Program will include works by Bach, Erbach, Handel, Peeters, Karg-Elert and Moreau. Organ – David Drury; Trumpet – John Foster; Soprano – Elise Morton.

In 1972 when the organ was installed it was described as one of the finest organs in Australia, its mechanical action “is beautifully engineered” and “the sound of the organ fulfils exactly our expectations”. After 47 years of service to the College and the music community of Sydney the organ was taken apart, all 880 pipes cleaned, all worn parts replaced, the keyboards rebuilt, and the Kromhoorn 8′ stop replaced with new pipework from Germany. The installation of a traditional Klokster has added a vibrant new sound to the instrument very much in-keeping with its classical Dutch organ principles.

The organ was built in 1971 by the Dutch firm of Flentrop and made possible by the generosity of the late Sir Alexis Albert CMG and his family. Sir Alexis was in College (1926-28), as were his three sons: Robert 1953-56, Ted 1956–58 and Tony 1958-62.

The refurbishment project has been undertaken by the Sydney organ building firm of Peter D G Jewkes Pty Ltd. Despite the difficulties of 2020 factory closures and freight disruptions it was still somewhat an international project involving the organ works of Aug Laukhuff in Weikersheim and Killinger Killinger Pfeifen in Freiberg.

The organ is sparkling once again and sounding brilliant. It is now possible to play a range of musical styles which enrich the musical and devotional life of the College.

ALL ARE WELCOME on Saturday 17 April. A donation for the Chapel Music Fund on exiting the Chapel would be appreciated. Refreshments are being provided after the concert. Seating in the chapel will be guided by the COVID rules of the day.