The Chapel Organ Appeal

The magnificent Chapel organ at Christ’s Hospital has been at the heart of school life since 1931, inspiring our voice as a community through rousing Chapel services, concerts and recitals.

After over 90 years’ dedicated service, the splendid organ needs to undergo a complete restoration. We hope that you will join us in supporting the vital project so that the Chapel organ can continue to play its central role for generations of pupils to come.

Upcoming Organ Recital

We are delighted to confirm that former CH Organist and Director of Music, Adrian Bawtree OB has been carefully selected to perform at the upcoming Organ Opening Recital on Saturday 30th September at 4pm. More information to follow.

An introduction from Senior Chaplain, The Reverend Craig Huxley-Jones

“Anyone who knows Christ’s Hospital knows that singing together as a whole School is central to the life of our community. Of course such an activity would not be possible without our splendid pipe organ, which is amongst the largest in the United Kingdom.
It is the only musical instrument which is used by the whole School and it is played daily to accompany hymns and anthems, lessons and practice.
The organ is an integral part of our Chapel. It is the place where we gather to celebrate and build our common life; it is the place where we do our best thinking about the people we wish to become; it is the place where we nurture our spiritual lives, whatever our faith.”

“There’s a special thrill when the CH chapel is packed with the full school community, all singing their lungs out to some grand old hymn, while that almost absurdly massive organ drives the charge…it was last refurbed when I was in the GE, so it’s definitely overdue a major refit!
PS: the 32 foot bottom D pipe makes the Head Teacher’s pew vibrate…very gently”
Charles Hazlewood, OB, Conductor

Click below to find out more about the project and how you can support its transformation.