Those of you familiar with St John’s Smiths Square or steeped in knowledge of the pipe organs of the British Isles will know that SJSS has a very fine Klais pipe organ and so should not be in need of a hire organ.
However, things do not always go to plan and so it was that on Thursday last week we had an SOS call for an instrument needed for a concert on the following Saturday evening. It appears that some vital organ parts sent back to Klais for repair were not going to get back to the UK in time for the pipe organ to be back in tip top condition.
We normally like a few weeks’ notice so staff especially at weekends, can be arranged and given time to fix their schedules but never shy of rising to a challenge I am pleased to report we had a 2 manual instrument in the hall and set up on the Saturday morning.
As you can see the old church sits well above pavement level and there is no other way in save up the steps. Not as heavy as a grand piano but just as awkward the day began with a climb for the delivery team. I understand it was much easier on the way down after the concert later in the evening.
Another success for the organ 999 call out service! If you’d like to find out more about our organ hire service click here.
I have had a passion for church organs since the tender age of 12. I own and run Viscount Organs with a close attention to the detail that musicians appreciate; and a clear understanding of the benefits of digital technology and keeping to the traditional and emotional elements of organ playing.
