Worcester Cathedral, one of our pre-eminent ancient Cathedrals, has installed a new Rodgers Trillium organ to use during extensive pipe organ reconstruction work.

It will take between two and three years to rebuild the 1896 Hope-Jones pipe organ, beginning in late 2006. However, the Cathedral chose to purchase the Rodgers T967 this year in order to have it immediately available to supplement the ailing pipe organ.

Until the pipe organ is restored, the Rodgers will serve as the primary ‘Quire’ organ, and will be used regularly for services and concerts, including during the world-renowned ‘Three Choirs Festival’ to be hosted between 6th and 14th August 2005, and again in three years time.

In fact, Worcester is the third of the ‘Three Choirs’ Cathedrals to choose Rodgers, as both Hereford and Gloucester also installed Trillium instruments whilst their own pipe organs were restored within the last few years.

Prior to making a selection, the music staff at Worcester auditioned an organ from another manufacturer as well as listening to the sound of Rodgers on headphones in a showroom environment. The overall authenticity of the pipe organ sound was the determining factor in making their decision.

Worcester Cathedral has been the site of Christian worship since 680AD, although construction of the present building began in 1084. It holds the tomb of King John (who signed the Magna Carta in 1215) and will be forever linked in English minds with Edward Elgar, who lived and composed around Worcester.