Sometimes, an inquiry for a new instrument can take several years from first contact to installation, and this was indeed the case at St. Michael’s Church in Farnsfield, where the first conversation began back in February 2019.
Why replace the Binns?
The church’s small 13-stop Binns organ, situated in the northeast transept had become increasingly unreliable and was no longer fit for purpose. Not only was refurbishment prohibitively expensive, but the organ’s sound was also too limited, speaking mainly into the choir, with sound struggling to get to the farthest reaches of the wide nave.
Choosing a digital future
The church decided to explore the merits and costs of replacing the Binns with a digital instrument. By investigating both options, they could make an informed decision on costs, whilst also assessing what they needed from the organ in the future.
Following visits to our Bicester showroom and churches where other Viscount instruments had already been successfully installed, the church committee decided that a digital instrument would be the best option, as the Binns organ was just too limited for future needs, and a rebuild with any additions would be too costly.
After some deliberation, an order was placed for an Envoy 33 DFD, in a custom-built cabinet manufactured by Renatus in North Devon
Designing the right solution
With guidance Diocesan Organ Advisor Paul Hale we finalised the stop specification of the organ and placement of external audio.
The church has a long-standing choral tradition with choir, and so the instrument has been configured with Swell and Great divisions projecting through 6 speakers in the nave to support the congregation, and a separate 5 stop ‘Apse’ division projecting through 4 speakers in the apse to support the choir.
A single powered bass speaker supports the pedal division for both nave and apse. With this audio configuration both congregation and choir are catered for, and the space is evenly filled by the organ to support even the largest congregation.
Due to the height required for speaker placement, a scissor lift was used during installation, an impressive logistical feat that helped ensure the best possible audio coverage throughout the space.
Final installation and voicing
After six years of careful planning and collaboration, it’s wonderful to see the new Viscount instrument installed and voice at the end of April, 2025. And supporting both the vibrant choral tradition and the wider congregation of St. Michael’s.
It’s a testament to what can be achieved with patience, vision, and teamwork. We’re proud to have played a part in the next chapter of music at this church.
I have played the church organ since the age of 11. I am organist at my local catholic church as well as accompanist for a small choral group and keyboard player in a function band. I am committed to ensuring Viscount customers get industry leading service and advice, resulting in the very best organ to suit their needs, be it church, school, home or concert hall.
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