Cathedral gets £1m donation for organ restoration

The organ was constructed by Thomas Harris in 1666 and remains the only complete 17th Century cathedral organ case in the country

Gloucester Cathedral has received a £1m donation to fund the refurbishment of its historic organ.

The grant was made by The Julia Rausing Trust and will contribute towards the organ's restoration - further inspiring a new generation of musicians.

Works on the 17th Century Cathedral organ began in February this year.

The trust was launched today in memory of the late philanthropist Julia Rausing.

The organ has been associated with many musicians over the centuries, including Sir Herbert Brewer, John Stafford Smith and Ivor Novello

The restored organ will play a key role in its new musical outreach programme where children in Gloucestershire will be able to access workshops and performances in the Cathedral.

The donation will also help to fund an organ scholarship which will teach an emerging organist to "learn from the best".

The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation in memory of Julia Rausing, whose legacy will echo through the magnificent sound of the new Cathedral organ."

He added: "Music has long been a central part of Gloucester Cathedral’s mission and the restored organ will bring joy to our communities as we expand our musical outreach."

'A fitting legacy'

The grant comes after The Julia and Hans Rausing Trust provided support for the conservation of Gloucester Cathedral’s famous Cloister in 2022.

Hans Rausing said: “The Julia Rausing Trust is a fitting legacy to Julia’s philanthropic vision and has been established to support causes that were close to her heart."