Spectacular opening recital celebrates return of Bristol Cathedral’s grand organ

Bristol Cathedral’s historic organ returned to full voice on Friday 8^th May as an audience of more than 320 people gathered for the Harry Crook Grand Organ Opening Recital – a special evening launching the Cathedral’s 2026 Grand Organ Festival.

The recital marked the culmination of an 18-month restoration carried out by specialist organ builders Harrison & Harrison Ltd, bringing renewed life to one of Bristol’s great musical treasures.

Dating back to 1685, the Cathedral organ has evolved over centuries of craftsmanship and musical development. Thanks to a transformational donation of £1.7 million from the Harry Crook Foundation, alongside a further £500,000 raised by Bristol Cathedral Trust and other generous donors, the instrument has now been restored for future generations.

Named in honour of the late Harry Crook, a Bristol-born entrepreneur, philanthropist and Lord Mayor of Bristol in 1955, the evening also carried a strong sense of family legacy. Nineteen members of the Crook family attended the recital, representing several generations, many of whom share a love of organ music.

The opening recital was given by internationally acclaimed organist David Briggs, whose virtuosic and highly expressive programme demonstrated the full range, versatility and power of the newly restored instrument.

Stephen Parsons MBE DL, Chair of Trustees for Bristol Cathedral Trust, who unveiled a commemorative plaque that will adorn the organ’s casing, described the evening as “phenomenal”.

“The ambience in the Cathedral was joyful, celebratory, warm and welcoming,” he said. “There was a real sense that everyone present knew they were witnessing something very special.”

A particularly memorable feature of the recital was the use of live camera footage projected onto a large screen inside the Cathedral, allowing audiences to watch David Briggs’ hands and feet as he performed.

“It was fascinating to hear and see David’s fingers on the keys and his dancing feet on the pedals,” Stephen said. “It was a genius move by the Cathedral team that gave the audience yet another dimension through which to experience the recital.”

Known internationally for his improvisation and technical brilliance, David Briggs delivered what Stephen described as “a demanding and intriguing musical programme”, fully showcasing both the artistry of the performer and the remarkable capabilities of the organ.

Among the highlights of the evening was David’s improvisation on Greensleeves. “He really showed the organ off to its very best,” Stephen said. “The instrument was played and performed at the highest level.”

Reflecting on the restoration, David Briggs described the project as: “A total triumph. Such poetry and panache in the sound, and the organ finally does what your fingers tell it to!”

Originally built by Renatus Harris in 1685 and later shaped by the Walker organ tradition, the Cathedral organ is particularly renowned for its rich Romantic sound. The restoration sought to preserve that distinctive character while enhancing the instrument’s reliability and technical capability.

“Over centuries the instrument has evolved, and now it has been preserved in an enhanced state for future generations,” Stephen said. “It really is one of the finest cathedral organs in the UK.”

Following the recital, more than 80 guests attended a VIP reception in the Chapter House, where Stephen and his wife Penny met David Briggs. “It was a real privilege to speak with him afterwards,” Stephen said. “His enthusiasm and passion for organ music are inspiring, and he is such an accomplished performer. It really was an unforgettable evening all round.”

Earlier in the day, members of the Crook family attended a tea party at the Marriott Hotel ahead of the recital. Spanning several generations, almost 20 relatives of Harry Crook were present, including great nieces, nephews and cousins – many of whom have longstanding connections with organ music.

Michael Hawkins, Harry Crook’s great nephew, was an organ scholar at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, in the late 1960s and has been playing the organ for more than 60 years. For the past 53 years, he has served as Organist and Choirmaster in Binfield, where he lives with his family. Robert, Harry’s great cousin, is also an accomplished organist.

Another of Harry’s great nephews, John, who recently passed away, was an organ scholar at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, during the mid-1960s.

Following the recital, Stephen introduced Michael to Mark Lee, Organist and Master of the Choristers at Bristol Cathedral, and Michael hopes to return at a later date to play the restored organ himself.

Reflecting on the organ’s restoration, Mark Lee said: “At its core, the function of any church organ is to support the worship in that place. When, in recent decades, our Cathedral organ increasingly struggled to fulfil that function, the Organ Project was launched to rectify that situation. Now we look forward to sharing with as many people as possible the full extent of the instrument’s capabilities.”

The Very Revd Dr Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol, said: “Our magnificent organ has filled the Cathedral with its beautiful sound since 1685. We are truly grateful for the skill of those who, down through the centuries, have played this instrument with sensitivity and understanding, enabling the worship and praise of the whole community. Likewise, we give thanks for the extraordinary craftsmanship of those who built it, cared for it, and have now restored it for generations to come.”

Paul Walton, Assistant Organist, said: “The organ’s singing, musical tones and wide spectrum of colour suit the building perfectly, and its blend is second to none.”

William Forrest, Music Assistant, who helped organise the event after more than a year of planning, reflected on the significance of the evening: “It’s been a privilege to organise such a significant event that will become part of Bristol Cathedral’s history. As one of the Cathedral’s organists, it was incredible to hear David Briggs bring his virtuosity to an instrument I have the pleasure of playing week in, week out.”

The recital marked the opening of Bristol Cathedral’s Grand Organ Festival, a programme of concerts, workshops and events taking place throughout 2026, designed to introduce new audiences to the Cathedral’s extraordinary organ. Find out more about the Grand Organ Festival here.