Town Hall hosts gala concert for organ centenary

Town Hall manager Dorothy Johnstone and Alyson Brailsford emptying an old organ pipe used to collect donations

Rochdale Town Hall will be opening its doors to music enthusiasts for a gala concert to celebrate the centenary and distinguished history of its magnificent pipe organ. 

The organ was built by master organ maker JJ Binns of Leeds and presented to the town on in July 1913, in the presence of King George V and Queen Mary.

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Peter Rush, will open the concert at the world renowned Town Hall and people are being urged to book now for this exciting event.

The Grade One listed Victorian Gothic town hall is renowned globally for its unique architecture and is considered by many as one of the finest buildings of its kind, with enthusiasts travelling from all over the world to marvel at its splendour.

The adjacent landscaped gardens ensure the venue is popular with film makers, concert promoters, and hosts numerous events and weddings throughout the year.

The organ itself has been described by many musicians as one of finest concert organs in the north of England and Herbert Walton, the revered organist at the Glasgow Cathedral in the early 1900s travelled to play at the inaugural concert in front of the monarch and assorted dignitaries.

For this event, BBC Songs of Praise organist Gordon Stewart will be joined by The Rochdale Borough Youth Band, which plays venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall and the Bridgewater Hall to give concert goers a night to remember.

Alyson Brailsford, President of the Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside Organists Association, who perform several organ recitals a year at the Town Hall said: “We are really looking forward to this concert and as always are delighted to have the honour of playing such a fantastic musical instrument.

“We hope for a great turnout to support this event and obviously to enjoy the music. People travel from all over theworld to hear this organ music.”

Tickets will be available from the town hall in advance at the Town Hall reception or on the night and cost just £10. All money raised will go to the restoration of the organ, which aims to raise £100,000 to ensure music lovers will continue to delight in the organ’s sounds for generations to come.

Town Hall manager, Dorothy Johnstone said: “Just like the Town Hall, the organ is a very special part of Rochdale’s heritage and it is essential we preserve it for future generations to enjoy.

“To hear the wonderful music from this superb instrument reverberate around the building is just fantastic and I’d urge everyone to come along and listen for themselves. It will be a very special evening.

People can also make donations to the restoration fund at the Town Hall in a special collection box made from an old organ pipe at reception.