What is an ‘Organathon’?
An Organathon simply means an Organ Playing Marathon. This Organathon will last 24 hours.
Organists:
- Andrew Lumsden (Winchester Cathedral)
- Claudia Grinnell (Winchester Cathedral)
- Joshua Stephens (Winchester Cathedral)
- Simon Bell (Tewksbury Abbey)
- David Halls (Salisbury Cathedral)
- Andy Hayman (Winchester)
- Charles Harrison (Chichester Cathedral)
- Richard McVeigh (Beauty in Sound)
- Ben Cunningham (Winchester College)
How can I support?
Attending the event
There’s nothing quite like hearing the organ playing in person, and so, the cathedral will be opening its doors to visitors that would like to show their support to the organists in person, whilst enjoying live music. Please check the opening times on the website before visiting.
For those who live further afield, don’t worry as parts of the event will be live streamed so that you can support virtually.
Donating
You can help raise vital funds for the Organ appeal by making a donation.
There will be donation points inside the cathedral during the Organathon, or if you’re watching virtually you can donate online.
Grand Finale
The ‘grand finale’ of the event will take place at 9:30am on Tuesday 25th October, as the Organists will play the last 30 minutes of their 24 hour feat. You are warmly encouraged to come inside the cathedral at this time to provide support to the Organists as they tackle the final stretch of the Organathon.
To vote for the pieces of music which are played in the Grand Finale, click here.
Sit next to the Cathedral’s Organists and experience the power of the Organ up-close
You are invited to climb the narrow staircase into the organ loft and sit beside the Cathedral’s organists, Claudia Grinnell and Joshua Stephens, for 25 minutes as they perform a piece of music which will show off this magnificent instrument; a piece that you can discuss with them in advance
There are just eight sessions available. These are between 12.00pm – 2.00pm and 8.00pm– 10.00 pm on Monday 24 October.
Each session is limited to two people, participants must be 16 or over.
This special fundraising Organathon experience can be yours for a minimum donation of £250. Your donation will help clean, repair and rebuild this remarkable instrument, which is showing significant signs of fatigue, so that it can continue to be central to worship, recitals and concerts.
If the steep organ staircase is not for you, you can help by paying for a pipe, giving a note for a note or sponsoring a stop. Any donation, large or small, to the Organ Appeal is much appreciated and will help protect the future of this historic instrument.
Contact Sue to book your place for this amazing experience, sue.perrin@winchester-cathedral.org.uk or 01962 857231
The closing date for bookings is Wednesday 19 October.