The Lord Mayor of London has commissioned a new organ to be installed in Westminster Abbey to mark the Queen's diamond jubilee.
The instrument will be installed in Henry VII's Lady Chapel in the Abbey in 2013 and is to be built by Mander Organs, based in East London.
Roger Gifford, Lord Mayor of the City of London, and the City of London Corporation, have commissioned the organ as a gift to Her Majesty.
'I am delighted that the City of London Corporation is presenting this gift of an organ,' said the Lord Mayor. 'Having strongly supported the Jubilee celebrations this year, it is especially fitting that the City Corporation should also mark the Coronation with a tangible gift. I am particularly pleased at the choice of a pipe organ, because I am passionate about music and its value in enhancing people’s lives.'
The organ will be a two-manual pedal organ with case-work designed along the lines of 18th-century chamber organs. The East London firm hopes to have completed its construction by Christmas.
Before being installed in Westminster Abbey, the organ will be housed in the Lord Mayor’s official residence at Mansion House, where there will be a number of organ recitals held in aid of The Lord Mayor’s Appeal.
The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, the Dean of Westminster, said: 'This organ in the Lady Chapel will make a wonderful contribution to the musical life of the Abbey, and a fitting celebration of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. The Dean and Chapter are immensely grateful to the Lord Mayor and to the City of London Corporation for their generosity.'
Rachel Coombes