Not Just a Pipe Dream – Cathedral Organ Appeal
The Cathedral Organ plays a fundamental role in the daily rhythm of this sacred space. We need your support to secure its future.
Find out moreApril & May 2025 – Before planning your visit, please see our ‘Visitor Notices’ page for any temporary changes to opening hours and accessibility updates. Click here to visit.
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NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
A BEACON OF LIGHT
Our organ
The Cathedral organ accompanies daily choral services and large-scale special services. It takes centre stage in our weekly Monday lunchtime Organ Recital Series – one of the country’s few examples of a series that continues throughout the entire year.
Every Monday at 1:05pm, the Cathedral hosts organ recitals that are open to all. No pre-booking is required; simply find a seat in the Nave and enjoy. While attendance is free, we encourage those who attend to consider contributing in-person or online to our retiring collection.
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Organ recitals
April 2025
| Monday 7 April, 1:05pm | David Hamilton, Strathclyde University |
| Monday 14 April, 1:05pm | Anthony Gray, St Wilfrid’s, Harrogate |
| Monday 21 April, 1:05pm | Timothy Hone, St George’s, Cullercoats |
| Monday 28 April 1:05pm | Michael Haynes, Hexham Abbey |
May 2025
| Monday 5 May, 1:05pm | Willow Northeald, Northumberland |
| Monday 12 May, 1:05pm | Ian Roberts, Newcastle Cathedral |
| Monday 19 May, 1:05pm | Kris Thomsett, Newcastle Cathedral |
| Monday 26 May, 1:05pm | James Watson, Newcastle Cathedral |
This page is updated by the first recital of the month; please check back soon for May’s music programme and June’s guest organists.
The History of the Organ
The organ at Newcastle Cathedral is exciting and colourful. Its magnificent case in the North Transept catches the eye of all who visit and serves as a striking reminder of how essential music is to the daily rhythm of this sacred space.
Today, the instrument essentially comprises two distinct entities: the Main Organ (Great, Swell, Chaire, Bombarde, and Pedal) in the North Transept and the Quire Organ (Great, Swell, and Pedal). The primary console is located in the north Quire arcade.
The central case of the organ dates back to the Renatus Harris organ of 1676, played by renowned composer Charles Avison during his 34 years as Newcastle’s organist. The attainment of cathedral status in 1882 was celebrated by the installation of what was an effectively new organ, completed by Lewis & Co in 1891. Major renovation projects in 1911 (Harrison & Harrison), 1954 (Harrison & Harrison), and 1981 (Nicholson & Co) represent the changing tastes and practical needs of choirs and congregations, as well as the level of work needed to maintain such an instrument.
Today’s organ has over 5,600 pipes and 94 speaking stops, making it one of the largest in the North of England.
Above: The Choir Organ and a painting of Charles Avison, renowned composer and Cathedral organist.