PIPE ORGAN

A History Of Community Support

In 1864 New Plymouth’s settler community fundraised £330 to build, ship and install the original organ, parts of which are still used today. Generous people have continued to contribute to the numerous extensions, alterations and refurbishments it has undergone over the years. Taranaki Cathedral’s pipe organ – the largest working one in our province – has a detached console, three keyboards, 8 couplers, 30 pedals, 31 stops, more than 1,700 pipes and is valued at more than $1.4 million.

More Than An Instrument of Worship

Pipe Organs are unmatched in the range and complexity of sounds they can produce. Coupled with their ability to hold a continuous tone, they have a power other instruments can’t replicate.

As well as sacred music, our Pipe Organ is particularly suited to Classical, Romantic and Baroque compositions. We are planning interior modifications to the Cathedral (while structural earthquake strengthening work takes place) to create a more flexible space where people can gather, not only for worship, but for live performances where our Pipe Organ will have a starring role.

For more than 150 years Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary has been filled with music from its Pipe Organ. While the cathedral is closed it’s the perfect time to refurbish this impressive instrument.