The CostSeveral reputable organ builders and advisers were commissioned to examine the organ and independently report on its condition. They have identified the extent of cleaning and renovation required, which in money terms, amounts to £390,000
The WorkThe work, which is a formidable task, is to be carried out by Harrison & Harrison of Durham.This firm was established in 1861 and enjoys an international reputation for excellence in building organs for cathedrals, churches and concert halls and for high-profile restorations of historic instruments such as the Paisley Abby Organ. Recent work in Scotland by the company includes the restoration of the organs in Edinburgh's Usher Hall and Glasgow Cathedral. The organ's splendid musical integrity will be respected. Harrison & Harrison worked with Ralph Downes on several major projects - notably at the Royal Festival Hall and St. Albans Cathedral - and are well placed to ensure that its unique musical character is preserved. Some Individual Appeals
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I
heartily support the Restoration Appeal for the organ of Paisley Abbey,
central to Paisley buts serving also as a cultural and community hub for a
wide area of Renfrewshire and beyond. The Abbey has a rich musical heritage
and the importance of the organ is undoubtedly significant in many and
varied ways, ranging from national and international concerts to local
school and youth celebrations. The organ is used educationally in events
ranging from 'taster days' for school children to lessons/exams for students
at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama itself. It features, of
course, in important and frequent broadcast recitals and recordings by
national and international performers. I speak for so very many people in
Paisley and beyond in urging the fullest support for the Abbey Organ
Restoration.
The
Abbey is a popular concert venue for choirs from all over the world, many of
which are attracted by the widespread fame which the Abbey organ enjoys. The
instrument has been heard by millions of people through radio broadcasts and
recordings and has been praised by countless players of distinction. The
project will ensure that the instrument will continue to give valuable
service in the 21st century.
I would place the Abbey organ amongst
the few rebuilt organs of great national importance and would welcome its
completion with the 32 ft. reed which Downes visualised in 1968. The
reconstruction of its wind supply is crucial to its success as a musical
instrument, and my sentiments would be in favour of making it steady, which
was another of Downes' ideals not quite realised at the time. The careful
cleaning and overhauling now required after half a century of use and
replacement of breaking parts with new ones of similar design can only be
seen as good housekeeping required by all ageing instruments. 
TheAbbey organ is
well known in Scotland and much further afield, not least because it
contains a considerable amount of pipe work by the renowned French
organ-builder, Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. As a liturgical instrument it is
colourful and effective and as a concert instrument, it is exciting and
versatile. I recall a concerto recording I made with the BBC Scottish
Symphony Orchestra where the organ was more than equal to the challenge. It
contributes greatly to the musical life of the community, and the proposed
work will ensure that it will continue to do so for generations to come.
