Teens taught to play historic organ after £1m revamp

A concert venue has launched a new scholarship programme offering tuition on "one of the UK's most important concert hall" organs.

The 14-metre (45ft) Britton Organ, built in 1956, has been fully restored to the Bristol Beacon's main hall, ready for Grade II-listed instrument's 70th anniversary.

To celebrate the occasion, the Beacon is offering free organ classes to three young people who will perform a concert on the instrument.

Laurie Stewart, head of creative learning at the Bristol Beacon, said: "We want as many people as possible to appreciate it [the organ] and its complexity."

With more than 5,000 pipes, the organ's restoration began in 2018, when the instrument had to be completely taken apart.

Seven lorries were needed to transport all the parts up to Durham, where it was both originally made and recently restored.

Jenna, 15, is taking part in the class, she said: "It sounds better than I thought, louder.

"My friends are surprised that I play the organ. I'm excited about being able to play the organ in front of an audience."

Chris, another student also aged 15, added: "I've always loved music and seeing live music so being able to go on stage is exciting."

Jed Hughes, an organist, said it was a "surreal experience" to play the organ of "this size".

"It has everything any organist would need. I have to pinch myself," he added.

"Every organ is different and has their own personality - the big difference with this one is the huge variety of sounds it can produce.

"I don't think there's any other experience like this."

The organ's return will be celebrated with a recital by organist Anna Lapwood MBE later.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.