Pipe organ revamp to 'enrich cathedral services'

Improvements to a cathedral's pipe organ with "significantly enrich the quality" of services, concerts and community events at the venue, its musical director has said.

A £5,000 Manx Lottery Trust grant has been awarded to Cathedral Isle of Man for works to increase the organ's capacity to project sound further.

The works would see new pipes added to a section of the instrument to increase its volume, which would ensure sound reaches all parts of the cathedral, particularly during larger services.

Director of Music Peter Litman said the improvements would help to support singing from the congregation, enhancing the overall sound.

The recent renovation of the building, also known as St German's Cathedral, included the installation of flat floors.

Dr Litman said that had already significantly enhanced the building's aesthetic and acoustic qualities.

However, as worship and participation was moving to focus more on the western side of the cathedral, which was where the congregation were seated, further improvements to the organ were "necessary", he added.

The work is set to be carried out by Isle of Man organ builder Peter Jones using matching pipework from a similar instrument formerly based at St George's Church in Douglas.

Manx Lottery Trust chairman Stephen Turner said the project "not only enhances the musical heritage of the Cathedral but also strengthens its role as a vital centre for community gatherings".

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.