Choirs and Organ
The earliest recorded organ at Winchester Cathedral was in the 10th century; it had 400 pipes and could be heard throughout the city.
The current organ, the work of master organ maker Henry Willis, was first displayed in the Great Exhibition of 1851, where it was the largest pipe organ. Winchester Cathedral organist Samuel Sebastian Wesley recommended its purchase to the Dean and Chapter; it was reduced in size and installed in 1854. It was modified in 1897 and 1905, and completely rebuilt by Harrison & Harrison in 1937 and again in 1986-88.
There are twenty-two Boy Choristers, all boarders at the local Pilgrims' School, from which most of them gain musical scholarships to Winchester College. There are also 20 girl Choristers, who all attend local schools. The sing with the boy Choristers for major concerts and services, as well as at Easter and Christmas.
- Notable organists
- 1849-65: Samuel Sebastian Wesley
Read more about this topic: Winchester Cathedral
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—Willa Cather (1873–1947)