Christine Jose Rigby

Concerning the Parr Hall Cavaille-Coll Great Organ:- Gilbert Kennedy wrote an article 'A Queen in Distress' for The Organists' Review in October, 1971. In it, he said 'All that is needed to get the best out of her is an understading of the French console, a little love and a little patience. Playing this organ is a great experience'. After he had played the Parr Hall Great Organ for the first time in 1970 (still with the old and worn Barker levers) he said 'her voice was wonderful and it was love at first sound'. He decided there and then that he would do his utmost to save her and a demonstration recital was planned for 16th October, 1970. He played (with no ciphers or mis-haps) to a large enthusiasic audience, and gave a second recital the following January. The Warrington Corporation of 1968/9 had decided that it would not be worthwhile to spend £9,000 required to restore the Parr Hall organ and they were considering selling the organ for scrap for £105. This decision produced such an outcry among organists in the North West, that the Cavaille-Coll Organ Retention Committe was set up in Warrington to discuss ways and means of saving the organ, and an appeal was launched to raise money for the restoration. The Warrington Corporation gave an undertaking that if the £9,000 could be found, they would retain the organ in the Parr Hall.

Thanks very much, the Gods are smiling on us today!

Many thanks for that. I have tried the OR Archives without success. I also contacted Gilbert Kennedy's widow some months ago but she said she has moved house a few times and wasn't sure if she would be able to find Gilbert's article.

I have asked the Parr Hall Management to consider promoting a Recital to mark the Bi-Centenery of the Birth of Aristide Cavaille-Coll. Roger Fisher, Ian Tracey and Didier Matry, Organiste Titulaire of Saint Augustine, Paris, have said they are willing to play. While the Great Organ is still in Warrington, it is an opportunity not to be missed. It is too early to say whether or not the Hall Management are willing, but I sincerely hope that they will be.

Does anyone have access to a copy of Organists Review October 1971? I am particularly interested in the article 'A Queen in Distress' by Gilbert Kennedy which was written at the time of the Renovation of the Cavaille-Coll Great Organ in the Parr Hall.

I have tried, without success, to obtain a copy of the article 'A Queen in Distress' by Gilbert Kennedy. The Archive of Organist's Review were unable to find a copy and Gilbert Kennedy's widow thought that her copy had been mislaid when moving house. Can anyone please help me to obtain a copy of this article?