As with many organs, it’s best heard away from the console and when not playing it ! When my little piece was recorded there by Regent, most of the mikes were on the floor of the nave, albeit somewhat elevated. It is, nonetheless, more than good at the console. Marvel at the size of the gallery. You can see from the console photo on NPOR (I can privately send you a better one), there is a sufficiency of aids to registration and coupling, etc. It should be noted, however, that the action is quite old and slightly ‘clattery’. There was a plan to raise, I believe, well over £1,000,000 for a complete refurbishment. Having said all of that, it is a fabulous instrument in the most gorgeous acoustic, which is more than close to St Paul’s. It should prove one of your best organ experiences and I, for one, will be interested to find out your impressions. If you don’t mind a few suggestions, compare the choirs of strings (Choir, Swell, Solo), the reeds (Great, Swell, Solo), the diapasons (Choir, Great, Swell), for example. The alternation of these was employed to great effect in the registration of my piece. Finally, use some minutes to walk on the 'ground floor' and soak in the beauty of what is, in effect, a basilica . . . imagining how poly-choral Gabrieli would sound there.

The next monthly recital at Bedford Park features Richard Brasier. Friday 5th July 12.30pm. Admission free.   Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750) Passacaglia, BWV 582 15’ Louis Vierne (1870 – 1937) 6ème Symphonie, Op. 59 (extract) 9’ Aria  César Franck (1822 – 1890) Pièces pour l’office ordinaire (extract) 6’ Offertoire en la majeur CFF 33 Allegretto non troppo en ré majeur CFF 70 Sortie en ré majeur CFF 94 Éric Lebrun (b. 1967) Meditation on the name of César Franck 5’ Olivier Messiaen (1908 – 1992) La nativité du Seigneur (extract) 9’ Dieu Parmi Nous

I have the opportunity of playing the iconic HN&B in a few weeks' time, but with very limited time, as I am going to be in the area helping a friend professionally and time is very tight as I don't want to inconvenience my friend's plans. (Although she is glad of the opportunity to see the chapel and will be videoing!) Is it an easy organ to handle and get to know?  I want to use the time I have wisely!

As well as John Rutter's deserved knighthood acknowledged in another thread, four other organists have made the honours list: Donald Campbell: Professor, Musical Acoustics, Edinburgh University. For services to the Carlops Church and to the community in Tweeddale and Edinburgh Margaret Donaldson: Organist, Wardie Parish Church, Edinburgh. For services to the community in Edinburgh Edna Edmond: Voluntary Organist. For services to Skene Parish Church, Aberdeenshire Timothy Smith: Director of Music, St Mary's Church, Harrow on the Hill, London Borough of Harrow. For services to Music and to Education   Congratulations to them al.