A large and enthusiastic audience of music lovers assembled in St Bartholomew's Church on Saturday, 10th March, for the inaugural recital on the new pipe organ.
In the first in a year long series of recitals the audience was treated to a comprehensive display of the organ's varied tonal pallet and its power by distinguished organist Roger Fisher who was organist of Chester Cathedral for nearly 30 years.
At the end of the recital, Roger was presented with a copy of "Oscar's Organ Book" which contains the three prize-winning entries from the Organ Composition Contest held last year to celebrate the new organ.
The organ's console can be moved around the church to give greater flexibility of use. On this occasion it was placed in the centre so everyone had a clear view of the performer.
The completion of the organ also marks the conclusion of the re-ordering of St Bartholomew's which is now a versatile space for drama, visual arts, dance and music.
Organist Philip Underwood said "We hope very much that the community of Wilmslow will make full use of this exciting venue which is there for the benefit of all in accordance with the intentions of its 15th century builders."
Photo: Roger Fisher (centre) flanked by organ builders Robin Dixon (left) and Geoffrey Coffin (right). On the far left is Peter Johnson who initiated the organ project and on the far right is the current organist Philip Underwood.
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