Belfast Cathedral is fortunate in having an array of fine instruments, the highlight of which being our 1907/1975 4MP Harrison and Harrison pipe organ, one of the largest in Northern Ireland. We also house a chamber organ in the Quire, a 2MP practice organ in the Chapel of Unity, and a 3MP Viscount digital organ in our song-school. Details of our instruments can be found below.
It was originally built in 1907 by the world famous firm of Harrison & Harrison from Durham. During building work in the cathedral between 1968 and 1975, the organ was removed to the Harrison & Harrison factory, where it was renovated and enlarged, before being installed in a new position in the newly built South Transept. Comprising of 64 speaking stops, it is the second-largest instrument of its kind in Northern Ireland.
Harrison and Harrison
1907/1975
In recognition of Mr Ian Barber’s 30 years as Organist of the cathedral, in 2013 a continuo organ, built by the Wells-Kennedy Partnership in 1984, was purchased. Now known as the Barber Organ, this instrument plays an important part in the musical life of the cathedral and is used regularly for services and concerts.
Specification:
Stopped Diapason 8'
Rohr Flute 4'
Fifteenth 2'
Octave 1'
Wells-Kennedy Partnership
1984
Built by Matthew Copley in 1975 for St George's Tufnell Park London, Martin White brought this organ to St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral Armagh in 1995 for use during the cathedral organ's rebuild. It was subsequently moved to SS Peter & Paul's Bessbrook. The Pipe Organ Preservation Co. carried out some upgrades in 2016 when new swell shutters were added, alongside the relocation of the pedal Bourdon pipes, and new stop tabs. Thanks to a generous donation, the organ was moved to our Chapel of Unity in 2024, after a substantial mechanical overhaul, where it is used for smaller services, and an additional practice instrument. The organ is dedicated in memory of George Beatie.
Matthew Copley/Pipe Organ Preservation Company
1975/2016/2024
Thanks to a generous donation my Mr John Barnes, a former Cathedral Chorister, we were able to purchase this Viscount Domus P45 from Belgium. Housed in the song-school, this instrument serves as a vital lifeline for our organists to practice when access to our other instruments is restricted.