Cavaillé-Coll Organ

Warrington Male Voice Choir And The Cavaillé-Coll Organ.

These pages have recorded the performances of the Warrington Male Voice Choir in various events and concerts over time, especially the seasonal concerts held in Warrington's Parr Hall. It is probably true to say that we have never mentioned the input of the remarkable instrument that occupies pride of place on the concert platform, namely, the Cavaillé-Coll Organ, and yet it (the console) appears in the header photograph of every page of this website.

Over the years, the Cavaillé-Coll has supported choir performances magnificently on occasions too numerous to mention. Choristers and audiences have greatly appreciated the unique value of this instrument. This should not be dismissed as mere sentiment on the part of concertgoers and choristers, but a recognition of the very special place that an instrument of this quality holds in the cultural life of Warrington.

Warrington Male Voice Choir on stage at the Parr Hall with the Warrington Boys' Choir, and the Cavaillé-Coll organ. This photograph was taken in 1992.

The Cavaillé-Coll is now under threat of removal from the Parr Hall, and, indeed, from the town of Warrington. Many people feel that this is ill advised, and would be a great loss if it were to happen. Anthony Whittaker, the choir's accompanist has played the Cavaillé-Coll regularly at choir concerts, and is so concerned about the prospect of losing the organ, that he has applied for permission to set up an e-petition to the Prime Minister. His request has been granted.

Have a look at the petition at http://petitions.number10.gov. uk/Cavaillecoll/

If you agree with what the petition seeks to do, then please sign it, and help to preserve something of Warrington's cultural heritage.

Anthony Whittaker has also opened a Facebook group as a forum for support and discussion on the preservation of the organ. Have a look at

http://www.facebook.com/group. php?gid=29953468459&ref=mf

You may also wish to read Anthony's comments at http://parrhallcavaillecollorgan.moonfruit.com
(Added 10th January 2009).