32' stop for West Organ

A massive 32' organ stop is to be installed shortly, enhancing the sound of the Cathedral's West Organ. It will be dedicated to 12 former Cathedral Choristers killed in action during the First World War.

A memorial plaque to the 12 West Australian soldiers, dedicated on Anzac Day 1931, currently resides in the South Transept of the Cathedral. The new 32' contra bombarde stop will honour these 12 each time its roar is heard.

The tremendous size of the pipe creates a particular frequency described by Joseph Nolan, the Cathedral's Organist and Master of the Choristers, as "a deep rumbling sound: you will feel it coming through the floor as much as you will hear it.

"This particular reed is much needed, and indeed the vast majority of Cathedral organs have one," added Joseph.

"The dry acoustic of St George's demands extra depth and a more fundamental tone to compensate. This stop will give the organ the necessary rumble and grandeur that big occasions and large organ works deserve."

The stop has been funded by generous private donations and support from Hawaiian property group, and will be dedicated at the 5.00pm Choral Evensong on 5 September 2010.

The Cathedral's next major organ recital will be given by Colin Walsh, Organist Laureate at Lincoln Cathedral, UK, on Monday 20 September, and Joseph Nolan will perform works by JS Bach at Perth's first BACH-FEST on Wednesday lunchtimes in October.