St John’s has the extraordinary opportunity to obtain a Willis organ, renowned for its warmth, character and beauty of tone. The present Mander organ in Chapel is becoming unreliable, and there is a mismatch between the reputation of the College Choirs and the potential of the College organ. With support from Johnians, the College plans to change organs in 2024–5.
Henry Willis (1821–1901), commonly known as ‘Father’ Willis, was the greatest British organ builder of the late nineteenth century, the same period in which the College Chapel was built. A Willis organ would therefore achieve a synergy between the Choirs, the organ and the Chapel architecture.
If you enjoy the emotional power of music and would like to hear the Willis organ played in Chapel, please emails us: development@joh.cam.ac.uk
